Case Study: George Mason University achieves a seamless, no‑downtime multi‑vendor campus network with Extreme Networks

Premiere Institution Implements Extreme Networks Switches and Achieves Seamless Multi-Vendor Data Network Across All Campus Environments

George Mason University, a large public university with three campuses and 130 buildings serving ~33,000 students, needed to replace aging edge switches while preserving a best‑in‑breed multi‑vendor network, adding PoE and 10GbE readiness, and avoiding downtime or interoperability problems. After an extensive evaluation and two‑week proof of concept, George Mason selected Extreme Networks and its C‑Series stackable switches and NetSight management suite to meet those requirements.

Extreme Networks deployed C‑Series switches with 10GbE uplinks and NetSight (including Policy Manager) to run alongside the existing Cisco core, enabling PoE support, centralized policy and automation, and fast staff onboarding. The Extreme Networks solution delivered seamless multi‑vendor interoperability, no downtime since deployment, simplified management, cost savings (including a lifetime warranty and high customer satisfaction), and an improved network experience for students, faculty, and guests.

George Mason University

Randy Anderson

Director of Network Engineering and Technology