ExtremeSwitching™ 5520-48SE Universal 48-Port SFP Switch

The ExtremeSwitching 5520-48SE is a high-performance, universal hardware switch designed for enterprise edge and aggregation deployments. It features 48 x 100M/1Gb SFP ports, MACsec encryption, and flexible uplink options via a VIM slot. Supporting dual-persona OS operation (ExtremeXOS or VOSS), this switch offers advanced Layer 2/Layer 3 fabric services, high availability with redundant power and cooling, and is managed seamlessly via ExtremeCloud IQ. Ideal for secure, scalable network segmentation.

Key Features

• 48 x 100M/1Gb SFP ports with MACsec support
• Dual-persona OS: ExtremeXOS or VOSS
• High-speed stacking up to 8 units (160Gbps with EXOS)
• Modular uplink options with 10Gb/25Gb VIMs
• Redundant, hot-swappable power and fan modules
• ExtremeCloud IQ management with 1-year Pilot subscription
• Fabric Connect and Fabric Attach support

Technology

The 5520-48SE leverages advanced switching technologies including IEEE 802.3 standards for Ethernet, IEEE 802.3az for Energy Efficient Ethernet, and IEEE 802.1AE for MACsec encryption. It supports Fabric Connect (VOSS) and IP Fabric (ExtremeXOS) for automated, secure network segmentation and virtualization.

Working Principle

The switch operates as a non-blocking, wire-speed device, processing frames at up to 517.8 Mpps. It uses hardware-based forwarding engines and QoS policies to ensure low latency and high throughput. The dual-personality OS allows the switch to boot into either ExtremeXOS or VOSS, enabling feature sets tailored to fabric or traditional IP networking.

Applications

Ideal for enterprise campus networks, data center aggregation, and secure wiring closets. Commonly used in:

• High-density access layer switching
• Network segmentation and micro-segmentation
• Unified wired/wireless backend infrastructure
• IoT and smart building deployments

Specifications

Advantages

• Universal hardware supports both EXOS and VOSS for deployment flexibility
• High port density with MACsec encryption on all access ports
• Non-blocking architecture ensures wire-speed performance
• Cloud-native management with ExtremeCloud IQ reduces operational overhead
• Extended Edge Switching support simplifies large-scale access deployments

Service & Support

All Extreme 5520 Series switches come with a limited lifetime warranty. We offer 24/7 technical support, advanced replacement, and onsite services. Zero-touch provisioning and centralized management via ExtremeCloud IQ are included.

FAQ

Q: Can the 5520-48SE support PoE?
A: No, the 5520-48SE is an SFP-only model and does not support Power over Ethernet.

Q: What is the difference between ExtremeXOS and VOSS?
A: ExtremeXOS is ideal for traditional IP networks, while VOSS is optimized for fabric-based architectures and automation.

Q: Is MACsec included by default?
A: MACsec requires a separate license (5000-MACSEC-LIC-P) for full functionality.

Q: What type of transceivers are supported?
A: The switch supports a wide range of SFP, SFP+, and SFP28 optics. Refer to the Extreme Optics Compatibility Tool for details.

Precautions

• Use only certified Extreme power supplies and fans for optimal performance and safety.
• Ensure adequate ventilation and operating temperature (0°C to 50°C).
• For stacking, use qualified QSFP+ cables or optical transceivers.
• Comply with local EMC and safety regulations during installation.

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