Specifications

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Universal Hardware Platform
The 5420 Series as a universal hardware platform comes
with a dual-persona capability allowing user choice of the
switch operating system (OS). Either the ExtremeXOS® or
VSP Operating System (VOSS) persona can be enabled
on 5420 hardware models. The desired persona can be
selected at start-up or changed at a later stage. Once
selected, the 5420 assumes the features/capabilities of the
selected OS.
5420 persona activation can be done manually at boot-
up, including via the system CLI. Or, it can be automated
by pre-provisioning the 5420 persona in ExtremeCloud
IQ. When first booted, the 5420 automatically connects to
ExtremeCloud IQ to find its persona. The pre-provisioned
OS persona is then remotely enabled on the 5420 system –
eliminating the need for manual selection.
Ethernet Fabric Services
The 5420 supports a variety of Ethernet Fabric services,
including Extreme’s Fabric Connect when running VOSS
and Extreme’s IP Fabric when running ExtremeXOS. It
also supports Fabric Attach for automated connection to
either Layer 2 or Layer 3 fabric services. Extreme’s Fabric
Connect and IP Fabric on the 5420 enable the creation of
virtualized networks that automate network operations,
simplify network provisioning and enhance security, all
while reducing the strain on network and IT personnel.
Audio Video Bridging
The 5420 series supports IEEE 802.1 Audio Video Bridging
when running ExtremeXOS for reliable, real-time audio/
video transmission over Ethernet. AVB technology delivers
the quality of service required for today’s high-definition
and time-sensitive multimedia streams.
MACsec Link Encryption
IEEE 802.1AE MACsec* is supported on the 5420 access
ports, as well as on its built-in uplink ports. MACsec is a
hop-by-hop security capability which encrypts/decrypts
packets between connected switches or devices. As a link-
only encryption, the switches can still apply services to the
packet, such as policy or QoS, without compromising the
security of packets across the link. With 128-bit and 256-bit
Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) support, the 5420
provides the most secure link encryption.
* Supported on specific hardware revisions; please refer to the
ExtremeSwitching 5420 Hardware Installation Guide for details.
High-Performance Stacking
The 5420 series also supports high-speed stacking when
running ExtremeXOS via its two built-in SFP-DD stacking
ports. Up to eight systems can be stacked using qualified
SFP+/SFP-DD direct attach cables and optical transceivers.
Power over Ethernet (PoE)
The 5420 Series includes Power over Ethernet models
supporting standards-based IEEE 802.3bt (30/60/90W)
PoE capabilities. This enables the 5420 to address the
needs of powered edge devices, while eliminating the need
for additional electrical cabling and circuits. In addition, 5420
PoE models also support perpetual and fast PoE for even
more ecient and reliable powered edge device operation.