Switch suggestions...

[SilentZero]

Looking at buying a 24-port gigabit switch (most likely unmanaged), does anyone have any suggestions as to the best models to pick up? Also, debating on going with a managed switch. Price outstanding, is there any reason not to go the managed route?

 

[amdskip]

Dell makes some nice unmanaged budget switches like that I believe.

http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/...s&cs=04&kc=6W300&l=en&oc=pct2224&s=bsd $79, thats dirt cheap

Edit: I don't think gig was in the original post.

 

[Changlinn]

There is no way that is a gigabit switch if so gimme

edit: it is only a 10/100, with the ability to put in a couple gigabit ethernet ports for either your servers or uplinks, I have a 3com 48port (all gigabit) switch next to me at the moment, it cost AU$6000... so if it were 79, I would buy a couple Still a good price for a 10/100.

 

[SilentZero]

Well I have a budget between $500-$700 for a 24-port gigabit switch if that helps anyone. I have looked around quite a bit but I am hoping that people here who are more experienced with using them at home or work can chime in with suggestions as per what brand/model they suggest.

 

[azev]

Get dell powerconnect 5334. Its a great switch, and its managed. I've used it at my previous company and at home.

 

[Changlinn]

not a big fan of dell, I reacon go netgear there 5 year warranty is tops, but they're not cheap, if you are in or near Australia, try alloy there pretty decent and cheap, got an 8 year old switch here that still goes fine.

 

[SilentZero]

Has anyone had any experience with SMC?

 

[avey]

Maybe something like this:

http://www.linksys.com/products/product.asp?grid=35&scid=39&prid=569

Quick search on price watch puts the cost arround $420-$500. Its an unmanagable switch.

 

[Changlinn]

http://alloy.com.au/products/GSS24T2SFP.htm for around AU$700 exgst, which is about US$540, but delivery might be a bit difficult. SMC aren't bad, have used a few of their NIC's but they are very basic, and seem somewhat cheap, but I have never had one of their NICs fail. Linksys aren't bad, now that they are owned by Cisco it seems there quality control has improved.

 

[Colebert]

no jumbo frames on any dell switch except 5000 and 6000 series.

 

[Changlinn]

serious I didn't know that, whats the point... even yum cha switches support jumbo frames..

 

[Treyshadow]

That is why the suggestion was the dell 5334.

Does this switch need any future stacking requirements (i.e. more ports in the future) or will it be stand alone? You will pay more for more features.

You can hit your price point with many different switches as long as you are not looking for features like stacking, and layer 2 and layer 3 management, though there are several managed switches in your price point.
A good switch in that price point is the DLink DGS-3024. You may even be able to get the one with 4 SFP ports also in your price range.

 

[Changlinn]

my reply to all our clients, my friends and my wife are to get more than you need, for future needs... heheh, thats why I have a 24 port 10/100 sitting on top of our bookshelf... admittedly I have 8 computers now and one uplink to an ap and one to a router so fair enough...

 

[SilentZero]

Thanks for all the replys. I do not particularly have the need for layer 2 & 3 management, but it would be nice to have. Originally I was just going to settle for a cheaper ($200 range) gigabit unmanaged 16 port switch, but just as changlinn said, better to be prepared for the future. With 10+ pc's in my home network (and always rising), plus the server and 2 laptops, not to mention wireless handhelds, I am looking to revamp my network considerably. Ultimately a 24 port gigabit switch (managed or unmanaged I still am not 100% on yet), and a hardware firewall solution are being added. As I spend more time researching my options it seems the choices become more difficult to make.

That Dell 5334 seems like a great choice, but its a bit outside what I want to spend.

Also a switch that supports Large Frames would be a big plus, but most of the ones I am looking at do not specify if they do or not.

I appreciate all the posts so far, as you are all giving me great things to think about. My biggests questions now are in the range of if I should go managed or unmanaged, trying to find a reliable brand/model, and finding a switch that has large frame support. Thanks for the continued help all.

 

[Colebert]

managed for 10 computers on the same switch might be overkill.

 

[Treyshadow]

That is true. If you are really only talking about 12 machines, wireless access point, router, appliance level firewall, and printer I could not suggest a managed solution.

However, at full tilt, the backplane on most 16 port gigabit switches would be saturated. I would suggest a good quality 24 port switch, unmanaged.

Dlink, 3com, HP, Dell, SMC all make capable products. I would consider jumbo frames advantageous, but not necessary.

 

[SaigonK]

$500 to $700...rule out a 5510 from nortel then..a really nice unit that does L2/L3 and L4 soon....