Extreme Networks SLX 9240 Ethernet Switch

Extreme Networks SLX 9240 Ethernet Switch
ExtremeSwitching™ SLX 9240

Programmable, Flexible, High-Density Switch

As data centers and cloud service providers embrace new high- performance servers and distributed applications, they increasingly need dense 100/40 GbE switches for leaf and spine configurations. Traditionally, infrastructure has been slow to evolve, and it can be a barrier to innovation. With flexibility at all layers of the data center stack, IT teams can drive agility. The ExtremeSwitching SLX 9240 Switch is designed to help organizations stay ahead of this application- and data-driven network transformation without compromising performance.

Programmable Switching Platform

The SLX 9240 delivers the high-density 100 GbE connectivity required by high-end enterprise and cloud data centers. The underlying hardware is programmable, enabling a faster transition to emerging protocols and new technologies. Workload visibility combined with end-to-end network visibility helps infrastructure teams continue to improve SLAs as they increase network virtualization. In addition, the SLX 9240, coupled with Extreme Workflow Composer™ and Extreme Workflow Composer Automation Suites, simplifies end-to-end network management, including turnkey provisioning, validation, and troubleshooting of workflows. And with Extreme Management Center (XMC), users gain centralized management, automation, analytics, visibility and control from the wireless edge to the datacenter.

SLX 9240 Overview

The SLX 9240 is a fixed 100/40 GbE leaf and spine switch in a 1U form factor that supports 24 MB of dynamically shared packet buffer and an overall throughput of 3.2 Tbps/1.3 Bpps. It can be configured as a leaf switch or connect to 40 or 100 GbE uplinks from leaf switches, such as the ExtremeSwitching SLX 9140.

By leveraging this high-density switch, data center networks can dramatically improve power, space, and cooling efficiencies, even at scale. A programmable ASIC enables the adoption of new protocols and technologies through an OS, rather than a forklift upgrade. Payload timestamping improves the accuracy of performance SLA setting and measurement.

Modular, Virtualized Operating System

The SLX 9240 runs Extreme SLX-OS, a fully virtualized Linux-based operating system that delivers process level resiliency and fault isolation. The SLX-OS supports advanced switching features and is highly programmable with support for REST API with the YANG data model, Python, and NETCONF-enabling full lifecycle automation with Workflow Composer. It is based on Ubuntu Linux, which offers all the advantages of open source and access to commonly used Linux tools.

SLX-OS runs in a virtualized environment over a KVM hypervisor, with the operating system compartmentalized and abstracted from the underlying hardware. The core operating system functions for the SLX 9240 are hosted in the system VM.

This approach provides clean failure domain isolation for the switch operating system while leveraging the x86 ecosystem-thereby removing single-vendor lock-in for system tools development and delivery. In addition, it supports a guest VM, which is an open KVM environment for running third-party and customized monitoring, troubleshooting, and analytics applications.

• Effectively reduces downtime with improved network performance


• Cascade to other network devices through the uplink port to expand your local area network


• Built-in power supply to ensure all components are being supplied with accurate voltage


• Supports layer 3 switching for enhanced performance and usability


• Rack-mountable form factor for added reliability and dependability


• Management capability provides control over setup and configuration of your network


• 100 Gigabit Ethernet provides high bandwidth performance, ease of use and reliability for your network backbone


• Optical Fiber media support for efficient and reliable connectivity