Extreme Networks strengthens Gateway Gulf's connection to the region

Gateway Gulf is the first provider of Internet Exchange and teleport services that connects the region to the rest of the world. Its integrated suite of offerings, including a Tier IV Data Center and managed services along with the above, provides unique solutions to regional customers. To further enhance its services, Gateway Gulf wanted to boost its Internet Exchange Point (IXP) in order to meet their customers' needs and support their organization's business processes. After evaluating the benefits of Extreme Networks switches versus the comparable core switches from competition, Extreme Networks' switches were deployed across Gateway Gulf's IXP.

Commenting on the implementation, Tariq Husain, Chairman of Gateway Gulf said, "Gateway Gulf's success is based on our ability to deliver enhanced speed and high quality data transmission services at reduced costs to our customers. The implementation of Extreme Networks' switches has allowed us to see higher reliability and ensured that our applications are running smoothly and without any glitches. Given our criteria, the performance upgrade, impressive toolsets, and clear focus on network fundamentals provided by Extreme Networks were a perfect fit. This coupled with their TAC & support department to our technical team has made for a smooth and successful implementation."

The implementation aims to help Gateway Gulf deliver mission critical internet exchange for the EMEA region and across the equator. Furthermore Extreme Networks will help Gateway Gulf mitigate risks, and gain a lower total cost of ownership profile. The implementation will also consistently demonstrate efficient power consumption and meet high-density switching requirements. As per of Tier-1 IXP standard, Gateway Gulf has installed core solutions from two different vendors. Extreme Networks was one vendor that was compliant with this standard. Gateway Gulf's technical team carried out the implementation at Gateway Gulf's headquarters in the Bahrain IXP over a period of one month.

"When companies allocate IT spend and resources for their business, it is crucial that we ensure effectiveness and contribution to business growth. We are pleased to have been chosen by Gateway Gulf. The network solutions deployed are a perfect fit for the needs of the their business and the ROI are immediate and measurable," said Aziz Ala'ali, Regional Director for Extreme Networks, Middle East & Africa.

A typical IXP consists of several network switches to which each of the participating ISPs connect. With the new infrastructure, Gateway Gulf has utilized Extreme Networks' BlackDiamond BD 12806 Core switch for BGP peering with Internet cloud, BlackDiamond BD 8810 for L2/L3 switching, and Summit x450a for management. These products allowed for Robust Redundant H/W and operating system (EXOS), Stable SP technology such as BGP, and a lower TCO as was demonstrated through their proven success in similar environment in the London IXP.