Metro Ethernet transport switch earns best new product nomination

SANTA CLARA, Calif.; October 8, 2008 – Extreme Networks, Inc. (Nasdaq: EXTR) today announced that its newest product, the BlackDiamond® 20808 metro Ethernet transport switch, has been selected as a finalist in Light Reading’s esteemed Leading Lights competition. Light Reading defines a product in the Best New Product category as “a market-leading product that, through engineering and technical excellence, enables the deployment of profitable next-generation telecommunications services.” Awards will be announced at a special gala dinner on Monday, October 20, 2008, following the first day of Light Reading's Ethernet Expo in New York City.

Light Reading recently reported, “The BlackDiamond 20808 is capable of supporting 120 Gbit/s of traffic on each card slot, compared with 40 Gbit/s for its competitors.” (Sept. 22, 2008, http://www.lightreading.com/document.asp?doc_id=164209). “They're leapfrogging other vendors in a really big way. It's impressive,” said Infonetics Research Inc. analyst Michael Howard.

Extreme Networks® will be showcasing the BlackDiamond 20808 at Ethernet Expo Monday, Oct. 20th through Wednesday, Oct. 22nd at the Hilton, New York City, in Booth no. 228. Mark Showalter, director of service provider marketing will also be participating in a panel discussion on Tuesday, October 21st entitled, “Defining Next-Generation Carrier Ethernet.” This session, moderated by Stan Hubbard, senior analyst for Heavy Reading, will bring together leading experts on carrier Ethernet technology to share their opinions on the most important capabilities that operators are looking for in next-generation carrier Ethernet platforms.

About the BlackDiamond 20808 Metro Ethernet Transport Switch

The BlackDiamond 20808 switch is purpose-built for metro Ethernet transport networks, the culmination of over 10 years of Ethernet system design experience forged into Extreme Networks’ fifth generation solution. The BlackDiamond 20808 architecture is optimized for metro Ethernet transport with support for a broad range of industry standard and emerging protocols.

The BlackDiamond 20808 switch enables low total cost of ownership for metro Ethernet transport by slashing capital expenditures while minimizing operational expenditures. With a capacity of up to 64 line rate 10GE ports in a single system and a list price of under $5,800 per 10 GE port, the BlackDiamond 20808 switch provides a dramatic reduction in provider capital expenditures. With a scalable metro Ethernet transport network capable of carrying more services at a lower cost, the BlackDiamond 20808 switch enables increased carrier profitability.

About Extreme Networks

Extreme Networks, Inc. provides converged Ethernet networks that support data, voice and video for enterprises and service providers. The company’s network solutions feature high performance and high availability switching that deliver insight and control enabling customers to solve their real-world business communications challenges. Operating in more than 50 countries, Extreme Networks provides wired and wireless secure LANs, data center infrastructure and Service Provider Ethernet transport solutions that are complemented by global, 24x7 service and support. For more information, visit: www.extremenetworks.com.

Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters set forth in this press release, including without limitation the performance, functionality and scalability of the BlackDiamond 20808 are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date. Because such statements deal with future events, they are subject to risks and uncertainties, including network design, actual product performance, and use of the products in different environments and configurations. We undertake no obligation to update the forward-looking information in this release. Other important factors which could cause actual results to differ materially are contained in the Company's 10-Qs and 10-Ks which are on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (http://www.sec.gov).

Extreme Networks and BlackDiamond are registered trademarks of Extreme Networks, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries.