What do I need for this network?

[exx1976]

I'll do it as part of the configuration during install, and then the wonderful part is, it won't need any troubleshooting down the road, because the stuff doesn't break! Whereas the NetGear and LinkSys stuff will just randomly lose it's config, etc, and will need that easy interface for Lusers to troubleshoot it by themselves. Cisco doesn't have that interface because it isn't necessary.

Besides, the switch we are referring to isn't an enterprise model, it's an unmanaged model, so there is no need for configuration of it. Plug it in, and it WORKS.

 

[deran]

As I said before, I have been use alot of Linksys / Netgear Router/Switch and never seem to have problem or big issue. And you said that never have probelm with Cisco then why the company hire CCIE or Cisco expert for over $$$hundred thouasnds salary?

You are working in the big company network use alot highend devices but you use very few Linksys or Netgear. So, it is very hard for you to compare but I work alot of these devices then Cisco. Do you know why Cisco bought Linksys? The reason is Cisco target on small business company. Microsoft also targets on this business too.

Who said the Cisco Catalyst 2950 is unmanaged and only the enterprise model? If you said that no need for configuration and it is plug n play (dummy) then why paid more for the feature that you don't need???

 

[exx1976]

MTBF man, MTBF. That's the reason to spend money.

Cisco bought LinkSys so they could compete in the LOW END segment. Same reason that Bay (now NorTel) bought NetGear, and before that, SynOptics. They wanted an off-brand that they could sell for less money, and rather than engineer their own, they just bought one that already existed. Just because they're owned by Cisco doesn't mean they are quality. Acuro is owned by Honda, isn't it? Are you trying to tell me that a Honda Civic is just as good as an Acura Integra? I didn't think so.


As for why CCIE's make in the hundreds of thousands of $$, can you do it? Supply and demand, man. There aren't many of them out there (less than 50,000 worldwide, IIRC). So of course they're going to cost more. Just like everything else. If they are highly desired, and there aren't many of them, it's going to go for a premium. As for why companies hire them, it's because companies that NEED them are large enough that they have ever-changing networks and they need superior performance, and they need someone who knows the stuff like the back of their hand, EVERY day. ISP's and REALLY big companies are the only ones who need CCIE's on staff. How many CCIE's have you met? I've been in IT for a little over 6 years, and I've only ever met ONE CCIE. He was a contractor. I don't know any that are permanently on staff at ANY of the companies my buddies work for. Do you?

However, it doesn't take a CCIE to configure one switch and one router... I'm not even CCNA and I can do that..

 

[JackMDS]

Most of the things said above are right.

The issue is to what situation they pertain to.

Bulldozer is very powerful sturdy Vehicle that no Construction company can survive without.

However that is not a good enough reason to advice a ?Soccer Mom? to buy a Bulldozer.

 

[deran]

As I said, it depends on the size of the company network. Of course, can't compare Honda Civic to Acrua. You can afford for Acura but not Ferriari. You can fly with Ferriai but how fast you can drive in the highway and local?

For the small network, even I use HUB instead of Switch. The end users still not notice different. But if they are used HUB before and change to Switch then they will feel a little. Unless they are using 10 HUB and jump to 10/100 then they will notice a big different. The Linksys or Netgear is perfect fit for small business except when they use T1 then need Cisco Router. Because Linksys and Netgear so far can't have it. You know why they don't make Router for T1 connection, because they know only most of the company who use T1 is big company.

Even I recommend Linksys and Netgear for Home use. Because they are not expensive but reliable. For us (IT people) will look for hot deal or even free after rebate cheap devices but we have the knowledge to fool around. I'm not saying that cheap device is not good but sometime will give you hard time to get support or info.