Good network switches

[Asha'man X]

Hey everyone

What would you guys recommend as good network switches for a small to medium sized school network? From personal experience working with various brands and so on out in the world.

The reason I'm asking is because I would like to draw up some plans for the school I work at. We currently have 3 3Com 24 port unmanaged 10/100 switches, and 1 Surecom unmanaged 10/100, plus a myriad of little 5 and 8 port switches for classrooms and so on.

The network isn't really taking any strain at the moment, and as such I was thinking an upgrade would be more for adding valued features than speed. I know that managed switches have the ability to set up VLANS and so on.

Keep in mind, we are not looking for Cisco or other high end stuff. I was thinking more along the lines of 3Com, SMC or other brands.

Thanks

 

[AvOk]

Hey everyone

What would you guys recommend as good network switches for a small to medium sized school network? From personal experience working with various brands and so on out in the world.

The reason I'm asking is because I would like to draw up some plans for the school I work at. We currently have 3 3Com 24 port unmanaged 10/100 switches, and 1 Surecom unmanaged 10/100, plus a myriad of little 5 and 8 port switches for classrooms and so on.

The network isn't really taking any strain at the moment, and as such I was thinking an upgrade would be more for adding valued features than speed. I know that managed switches have the ability to set up VLANS and so on.

Keep in mind, we are not looking for Cisco or other high end stuff. I was thinking more along the lines of 3Com, SMC or other brands.

Thanks

Managed or un-managed? If you have money to spend, rather look at re-cabling. As the smaller switches and daisy chaining could lead to problems. You have 3com at the moment (not bad product), why else would you like to change it? what reason?

 

[Amida]

Managed or un-managed? If you have money to spend, rather look at re-cabling. As the smaller switches and daisy chaining could lead to problems. You have 3com at the moment (not bad product), why else would you like to change it? what reason?

I agree re-cabling would be your best bet. Also VLANs is going to create unnessary hassle if your not really going to use it.

 

[Asha'man X]

Hey guys

The idea was just to get a feeling about the equipment. It's not something that will be done anytime soon. I was just thinking really long term.

Not to sure about recabling, as everything is high quality CAT5e, with some CAT6 to outer buildings.

I do agree however that the mini switches are a potential problem. If someone pulls the power adaptor out by accident, that little segment goes offline.

@ Avok

They would be managed switches. I haven't worked with them, but I have seen them being used to do useful things.

 

[Cadavre777]

Before even considering upgrading the physical layer, look at the services and applications run on the server(s). Managed switches are nice to have, but can be an unnecessary expense if the network is small enough to be well maintained by a single full time staff member.

 

[ghalied]

HP procurve, large variety to suit all infrastructure needs, cheap and cheerfull, excellent support and warranty terms

 

[RSkeens]

ghalied is correct - you can't really go wrong with a HP ProCurve in my opinion.

 

[Conradl]

HP ProCurve all the way - Easy to manage and don't forget that they have a lifetime guarantee.

Also, (it pains me to say this), but try look at (this really hurts) ***Dell***. Can be real good value for money.