5720-24MW Extreme Networks 24 Ports QSFP28 Managed Rack Mountable 5Gigabit Ethernet Switch

Extreme Networks 24 Ports Switch

The Extreme Networks 5720-24MW is a high-performance managed Ethernet switch designed for enterprise-grade networking. With advanced stacking capabilities, robust bandwidth, and Power over Ethernet (PoE++) support, this device ensures seamless connectivity and scalability.

General Information

• Manufacturer: Extreme Networks
• Model Number: 5720-24MW
• Device Type: Managed Switch – 24 Ports – Stackable

Technical Specifications

Enclosure & Subtype

• Form Factor: Rack-mountable
• Subtype: 5 Gigabit Ethernet

Port Configuration

• 24 x 1/2.5/5GBASE-T (PoE++)
• 2 x 100 Gigabit QSFP28 (stacking)

Power Over Ethernet (PoE)

• PoE++ support for high-power devices
• Maximum output: 90W per port

Performance Metrics

• Stacking Bandwidth: 400 Gbps
• Switching Bandwidth: 1040 Gbps
• Forwarding Rate: 774 Mpps
• Maximum Units in Stack: 8

Compliance Standards

• IEEE 802.3ab
• IEEE 802.3ae
• IEEE 802.3az
• IEEE 802.3ba
• IEEE 802.3bm
• IEEE 802.3by
• IEEE 802.3bz
• IEEE 802.3bt

Interfaces

Ethernet & Stacking

• 24 x 1/2.5/5GBASE-T RJ-45 PoE++
• 2 x 100GBASE-X QSFP28 (stacking)

Management & Console

• 1 x Gigabit LAN RJ-45 (Management)
• 1 x Serial RJ-45 (Console)
• 2 x USB Type-A (Management)
• 1 x Micro-USB Type-B (Console)

5720-24MW 24Ports 5Gigabit PoE Managed Switch Overview

The category of high-capacity managed Ethernet switches represented by the Extreme Networks 5720-24MW 24 Ports QSFP28 Managed Rack Mountable 5Gigabit Ethernet Switch is designed to meet the increasing demands of modern enterprise networks, service provider infrastructures, and high-density data center environments. This class of switching solutions addresses the need for scalable bandwidth, low-latency forwarding, advanced traffic management, and resilient architecture capable of supporting next-generation applications such as cloud computing, virtualization, big data analytics, and AI-driven workloads.

As network traffic continues to grow exponentially, organizations require switching platforms that not only deliver raw throughput but also provide intelligent control, automation capabilities, and deep visibility into network behavior. The Extreme Networks 5720-24MW series fits squarely within this advanced switching category, combining high-speed QSFP28 interfaces with robust software-defined networking features and enterprise-grade reliability. This category is characterized by its ability to aggregate multiple high-speed connections, simplify network architecture, and reduce operational complexity while maintaining exceptional performance.

Managed Ethernet Switching for High-Speed Aggregation

Managed Ethernet switches in this category emphasize comprehensive configuration, monitoring, and control capabilities that go far beyond basic unmanaged switching. The Extreme Networks 5720-24MW exemplifies this by offering extensive management features that allow network administrators to fine-tune performance, enforce policies, and adapt quickly to changing business requirements. These switches support centralized management frameworks, enabling consistent configuration across large deployments and reducing the likelihood of misconfiguration.

The aggregation role of this category is particularly important in enterprise campus networks and data centers, where multiple access switches, servers, and storage systems converge. With high-density QSFP28 ports, this class of switch provides the necessary uplink capacity to consolidate traffic from numerous endpoints without creating bottlenecks. The managed nature of the switch ensures that traffic prioritization, quality of service, and security policies are enforced uniformly across the network fabric.

Advanced Traffic Control and Policy Enforcement

Within this category, traffic control mechanisms play a crucial role in maintaining predictable network performance. The Extreme Networks 5720-24MW supports sophisticated quality of service frameworks that classify, queue, and schedule traffic based on application requirements. This capability is essential for environments where latency-sensitive applications such as voice, video, and real-time analytics coexist with bandwidth-intensive data transfers.

Policy enforcement at the switch level allows organizations to implement network segmentation, access control, and compliance requirements directly within the switching infrastructure. This reduces reliance on external appliances and enhances overall security posture. Managed switches in this category are designed to integrate seamlessly with identity management systems and network access control solutions, providing granular visibility and control over who and what can access network resources.

QSFP28 Connectivity and 5Gigabit Ethernet Capabilities

The use of QSFP28 interfaces defines a key technical characteristic of this category. QSFP28 ports enable high-speed connectivity, supporting multiple lanes of data transmission within a compact form factor. This allows the Extreme Networks 5720-24MW to deliver exceptional port density and throughput, making it well suited for environments where rack space and power efficiency are critical considerations.

5Gigabit Ethernet support within this category reflects the evolving needs of modern networks, particularly in enterprise and campus environments where existing cabling infrastructure must support higher speeds without extensive rewiring. By accommodating multi-gigabit Ethernet standards, switches like the 5720-24MW provide a practical upgrade path that extends the life of existing investments while delivering improved performance.

Scalability and Future-Ready Network Design

Scalability is a defining attribute of this switching category. The Extreme Networks 5720-24MW is designed to support network growth through modular and flexible connectivity options. As organizations expand their infrastructure, additional switches can be deployed and integrated seamlessly into the existing network fabric. High-speed uplinks ensure that increased traffic volumes do not compromise performance.

Future-ready design principles are embedded throughout this category, with support for emerging standards, programmable interfaces, and software-defined networking paradigms. This ensures that the switching platform remains relevant as networking technologies evolve. By investing in switches within this category, organizations position themselves to adopt new services and applications without requiring frequent hardware replacements.

Rack Mountable Form Factor and Data Center Optimization

The rack mountable design of the Extreme Networks 5720-24MW aligns with the operational requirements of data centers and enterprise network closets. This category emphasizes efficient use of rack space, standardized dimensions, and compatibility with existing mounting systems. Such design considerations simplify installation, maintenance, and scalability in densely populated environments.

Data center optimization is a central theme within this category, encompassing not only physical form factor but also power efficiency, cooling, and airflow management. High-performance switches generate significant heat, and the 5720-24MW category addresses this through intelligent thermal design and support for hot-swappable components. These features contribute to higher availability and reduced downtime.

High Availability and Redundancy Features

Switches in this category are engineered with high availability as a core requirement. Redundant power supplies, resilient software architectures, and fast failover mechanisms ensure continuous operation even in the event of component failures. The Extreme Networks 5720-24MW exemplifies this approach by supporting advanced redundancy features that minimize service disruption.

High availability is particularly important in mission-critical environments where network downtime can result in significant financial and operational impact. Managed switches in this category provide rapid convergence, link aggregation, and dynamic routing capabilities that maintain connectivity and performance under adverse conditions.

Enterprise-Grade Software and Network Intelligence

The software capabilities of this category distinguish it from basic switching solutions. The Extreme Networks 5720-24MW is supported by a robust network operating system that delivers advanced features such as automation, telemetry, and analytics. These capabilities enable proactive network management, allowing administrators to identify and resolve issues before they impact users.

Network intelligence within this category extends to real-time monitoring, historical analysis, and predictive insights. By leveraging telemetry data, organizations can optimize traffic flows, plan capacity upgrades, and enhance security. This level of intelligence is essential for managing complex, high-speed networks with minimal manual intervention.

Automation and Programmability

Automation is a key driver of efficiency in modern networks, and this category embraces programmable interfaces and open standards. The Extreme Networks 5720-24MW supports automation frameworks that enable rapid provisioning, configuration consistency, and integration with orchestration platforms. This reduces operational overhead and accelerates deployment of new services.

Programmability allows organizations to customize network behavior to meet specific application requirements. Through APIs and scripting capabilities, switches in this category can adapt dynamically to changing traffic patterns, enhancing overall agility and responsiveness.

Security Integration and Network Protection

Security is an integral aspect of the managed switch category represented by the Extreme Networks 5720-24MW. These switches provide built-in security features that protect against unauthorized access, network attacks, and data breaches. By implementing security controls at the switching layer, organizations can enforce policies closer to the source of traffic.

This category supports advanced security mechanisms such as role-based access control, secure authentication, and traffic inspection. Integration with broader security ecosystems ensures that the network remains resilient against evolving threats. The combination of performance and security makes this category suitable for industries with stringent compliance requirements.

Integration with Modern Network Architectures

The category of managed QSFP28 switches integrates seamlessly with modern network architectures, including spine-leaf topologies and software-defined networks. The Extreme Networks 5720-24MW supports these architectures by providing consistent performance, low latency, and flexible connectivity options.

Integration capabilities extend to compatibility with virtualization platforms, containerized environments, and cloud management tools. This ensures that the network can support contemporary IT strategies and application deployment models.

Environmental Considerations and Sustainability

Sustainability is an increasingly important consideration in network infrastructure design. The category represented by the Extreme Networks 5720-24MW incorporates energy-efficient components and intelligent power management features that reduce environmental impact. Efficient cooling and power utilization contribute to lower carbon footprints and operational costs.

Organizations adopting switches in this category can align their network infrastructure with broader sustainability initiatives, supporting responsible resource usage while maintaining high performance.

Strategic Value of High-Speed Managed Switching

The strategic value of investing in the category of high-speed managed switches exemplified by the Extreme Networks 5720-24MW lies in the ability to build resilient, scalable, and intelligent networks. Such infrastructure supports digital transformation initiatives, enabling organizations to innovate and compete effectively in a data-driven world.

By delivering a balance of performance, control, and flexibility, this category forms the foundation of modern network architectures. Organizations that adopt these switches gain the agility to respond to changing demands while maintaining operational excellence.