Open Networks Approach
Unlike self-centered networking products where security resources are proprietary and closed, Extreme Networks uses an open network approach. This allows customers to use products from different vendors, thus leveraging their installed base and benefiting from best-of-breed products. Extreme Networks open network approach integrates both third-party systems and Extreme Networks solutions into a cohesive system. This provides insight and control that leverages the strengths of all products, and avoids the pitfalls of being locked into a single vendor or in-line solution.
Virtualized Security Resources (VSRs)
Past generation security products utilized an inline appliance or blade that performed all security functions. However this approach creates performance bottlenecks, potential single points of failure if compromised, and locks customers into a single vendor.
The next generation security products from Extreme Networks allow them to receive threat information from the network and act as VSRs available across the whole network. ExtremeXOS® and the CLEAR-Flow Security Rules Engine work in conjunction with Extreme Networks Sentriant® family of security products to safeguard the network. New devices connecting to the network are checked by Sentriant AG to verify whether they are free from contamination and conform to corporate security policies and suspicious packets can be routed to a Sentriant NG300 where they are further scrutinized and if necessary, quarantined.
The ability to use security appliances as VSRs significantly extend the reach of security services because the network is available everywhere, whereas in-line security appliances are not. Since VSRs are never inline with traffic, they do not impact network availability.