Suggest a management switch

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grimstoner

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Hi

I need to replace my current management switch (a Cisco SG-300) with a high-availability pair. Been looking at the 2960 range, but they are quite expensive.

I want to port-channel across switches, so if one fails, I don't lose all connectivity. I also need at least 1 x 10Gb uplink (to the top of rack) from each switch (these will also be port-channel'ed for failover).

Anyone care to suggest a switch to use? Would prefer Cisco.
 
At which layer do you want to use these switches?

2960's are "Access Layer" switches, and are the cheaper ones. Only going to get way way more expensive from there.

Core layer: This layer is considered the backbone of the network and includes the high-end switches and high-speed cables such as fiber cables. This layer of the network does not route traffic at the LAN. In addition, no packet manipulation is done by devices in this layer. Rather, this layer is concerned with speed and ensures reliable delivery of packets.

Distribution layer: This layer includes LAN-based routers and layer 3 switches. This layer ensures that packets are properly routed between subnets and VLANs in your enterprise. This layer is also called the Workgroup layer.

Access layer: This layer includes hubs and switches. This layer is also called the desktop layer because it focuses on connecting client nodes, such as workstations to the network. This layer ensures that packets are delivered to end user computers.
 
L2 is fine. So 2960's are the cheapest Cisco routers?

Should maybe have a look at some Junipers then.
 
grimstoner said:
L2 is fine. So 2960's are the cheapest Cisco routers?

Should maybe have a look at some Junipers then.
Click to expand...

Well, there are cheaper, like the "small business" switch you are currently using, but not sure if one can stack them.
Decent Managed switches don't come cheap unfortunately.

Then the 2960 is not a layer 3 switch, meaning no routing capabilities... think that SG300 does routing as well?
 
juniper ex2200
You cant really go wrong here.
Layer 3 functionality, allow virtual chassis across ethernet connections
Much cheaper than the cisco 2960 equivelant.

Also, as an FYI, 2960s has an end of sale announcement already.
 
If I understand correctly you want to connect the same server to two switches, that are in the same port-channel, to avoid failure when one switch fails?

If you want Cisco, and you want to have port-channels with links distributed over two switches but still the same port-channel, you will need either a Cisco chassis with switch blades and VSS or Nexus kit with a VPC configured. The other option would be to get stackable Cisco switches, but the 2960 does not support this. I am afraid that the 2960's are at the lower end of the price range, so for this functionality you will need to get more budget.
 
You could also look at the new 2960s the XR range. They support stacking which could work. The other options are as Stratt mentioned but way pricier.
 
why bother with cisco in this case?

you can get the same functionality, more value from other vendors... hp/juniper/avaya
and with lifetime warranty
 
nivek said:
why bother with cisco in this case?

you can get the same functionality, more value from other vendors... hp/juniper/avaya
and with lifetime warranty
Click to expand...

Cisco is like a cult man.. They take other routers out back and burn them for the greater good. :twisted::D:D
 
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