Extreme Networks 8820-40C Ethernet Switch — High-Performance 100G Core Switch

Discover the power and reliability of the Extreme Networks 8820-40C Ethernet Switch, a purpose-built 100 Gigabit Ethernet core device designed to elevate data-center and campus networks. This modular, rack-mountable switch delivers ultra-fast 100GBase-X connectivity, robust Layer 2 switching, and optical fiber support to meet the most demanding workloads with low latency and high efficiency. Built with a built-in power supply, the 8820-40C ensures stable voltage across all components, reducing complexity in power provisioning and enabling smoother operation in dense environments. Whether you’re expanding a data center spine, backboning a campus network, or enabling next-generation cloud services, this switch provides the bandwidth, reliability, and manageability required for modern network architectures.

• High-speed 100G connectivity: The Extreme Networks 8820-40C is engineered for 100 Gigabit Ethernet throughput, leveraging 100GBase-X interfaces to push massive data flows with minimal latency. This enables faster backups, real-time analytics, high-performance virtualization, and improved application response times across large-scale deployments. By consolidating high-capacity links onto a single switch, you reduce bottlenecks between aggregation layers and create a more scalable network fabric.
• Layer 2 switching with robust performance: Primed for efficient traffic management at the data-link layer, the 8820-40C supports comprehensive Layer 2 features that optimize intra-data-center and intra-building communication. Expect VLAN isolation, rapid MAC learning, robust forwarding, and precise traffic steering to improve security, efficiency, and performance for East-West traffic-heavy environments. Its design emphasizes predictable, low-latency switching essential for latency-sensitive applications and service chaining.
• Modular design for future-proofing: The modular architecture of the 8820-40C enables scalable growth as network demands evolve. With modular line cards and hot-swappable components, you can add capacity or upgrade capabilities without replacing the entire chassis. This flexibility is ideal for data centers facing changing workloads, evolving security requirements, and the need to accommodate new interface types or higher densities over time.
• Optical fiber support: Optical fiber connectivity provides long-reach, high-bandwidth interconnects with low signal loss. The 8820-40C is designed to work with fiber transceivers suitable for 100GBASE-X deployments, enabling fast, reliable links between data-center cores, distribution switches, and aggregation layers. Fiber support also helps minimize electromagnetic interference and supports future-proof cabling strategies in campus and data-center environments.
• Rack-mountable with built-in power: The switch ships in a rack-friendly form factor and includes a built-in power supply to streamline deployment and reduce the number of external components required. This setup simplifies cable management, improves energy efficiency, and provides a stable power baseline for consistent performance across all modules. The result is a cleaner, more reliable infrastructure that’s easier to maintain and scale.

Technical Details of Extreme Networks 8820-40C Ethernet Switch

• 100 Gigabit Ethernet support via 100GBase-X interfaces for ultra-high bandwidth
• Layer 2 switching capabilities designed to optimize East-West traffic with low latency
• Modular architecture that supports scalable expansion and future upgrades
• Optical fiber connectivity to enable long-distance, high-speed links
• Rack-mountable chassis with an integrated power supply for reliable operation

How to install Extreme Networks 8820-40C Ethernet Switch

Installing the Extreme Networks 8820-40C is a straightforward process when planned around your data-center or campus rack layout. Follow these best-practice steps to ensure a smooth deployment, optimal cooling, and reliable operation from day one.

• Plan and verify compatibility: Before installation, confirm that your rack space, power delivery, cooling capacity, and cabling plan align with the 8820-40C. Check that you have the correct fiber transceivers and cables for 100GBase-X connectivity, and ensure that your management network can reach the switch for initial configuration and ongoing monitoring.
• Prepare the rack and chassis: Ensure the rack is level, with adequate clearance for airflow and cable management. Remove any packaging, inspect connectors, and verify that the rack rails are compatible with the chassis width. Confirm that PDU or power sources meet the switch’s power requirements and are properly wired to provide clean power and surge protection.
• Mount the switch: Install the 8820-40C into the rack using the manufacturer’s rails, securing the chassis firmly to prevent vibration and movement. Allow space for front-to-back airflow; avoid obstructing the air intakes or exhausts to maintain cooling efficiency during peak loads.
• Connect power and cabling: Connect the built-in power supply to a stable power source. Route fiber cables and other network connections with attention to labeling and organization to facilitate future maintenance. Use appropriate fiber types (OM3/OM4 or single-mode, depending on your deployment) and ensure connectors are properly seated with correct polarity to avoid signal loss.
• Initial configuration and management access: Connect to the switch via console, management port, or a trusted management network. Load the initial configuration, enable Layer 2 features, set VLANs, assign ports to the proper trunks, and configure power and cooling alerts. Confirm that the management interface is reachable and that the switch is presenting the expected interfaces and port status.
• Security, monitoring, and policy setup: Implement access controls, enable SNMP or other monitoring protocols, and configure syslog destinations. Establish port security, QoS policies, and VLAN definitions that align with your security and performance requirements. Configure link aggregation groups (LAGs) if needed for bandwidth aggregation and redundancy.
• Validation and testing: Perform connectivity tests across uplinks and access ports, measure throughput to verify 100G performance, and check for latency, jitter, or packet loss. Validate failover behavior of any redundant links or routing policies if applicable, and verify that monitoring dashboards show expected data for health and utilization.

Frequently asked questions

• What environments is the Extreme Networks 8820-40C best suited for? It’s designed for data centers and large enterprise networks needing high-density 100G connectivity, scalable modular design, and robust Layer 2 switching capabilities to manage high-traffic workloads efficiently.
• Does the 8820-40C support Layer 3 features? The product description emphasizes Layer 2 switching. For Layer 3 routing capabilities, review official specifications or product documentation to determine exact features and feature sets available on this model or through software licenses.
• Is the built-in power supply redundant? The description confirms a built-in power supply for stable voltage. Redundant power options may depend on chassis configurations and available options; consult the vendor’s spec sheet for redundancy configurations and options suitable for your deployment.
• What kind of fiber cabling is required? The switch supports 100GBase-X connectivity, which generally uses high-speed optical transceivers and fiber cabling. Depending on topology, you may use multi-mode (OM3/OM4) or single-mode fiber with the appropriate transceivers to achieve the desired reach and performance.
• Can this switch be mounted in a standard 19-inch rack? Yes. The 8820-40C is designed for rack mounting in standard 19-inch racks, with a form factor suitable for data-center and enterprise installations and integrated cabling management options to keep airflow optimized.
• What management options are available? The switch supports a management interface for configuration, monitoring, and policy enforcement. You can typically manage it through a dedicated console, web interface, or integrated network management systems depending on the software and licenses installed.