[PLUG] Gigabit switch recommendations

[Drew Kalina]

Unless you are wanting to set up multiple gigabit networks in your
home, I don't see why you'd need a gigabit router.  You can plug your
switch into the router as 1000Base-T will work with 100Base-T by the
definition of the specification.  For most homes/small offices a
gigabit router isn't needed.  Then again maybe you have a specific
need.

The more expensive managed switches give the ability to manage traffic
going through the switch, enable/disable ports remotely, etc.  If you
don't think you need the features, you probably don't need them.

Drew

On 8/13/07, John Jason Jordan <johnxj at comcast.net> wrote:
> On Mon, 13 Aug 2007 15:45:18 -0700
> "Quentin Hartman" <qhartman at gmail.com> dijo:
>
> > On 8/13/07, John Jason Jordan <johnxj at comcast.net> wrote:
> > >
> > >   Therefore, I am in the market for a
> > > 24-port gigabit switch.
> >
> >
> > I've had good experiences with Netgear, SMC, Dell, and HP; in increasing
> > order of price. If you don't want / need management, the Netgear or SMC
> tier
> > will serve you well. If you do, HP has a new line, the 1800 series which
> is
> > very nice, and quite affordable for the feature they offer. A 24-port,
> IIRC,
> > runs about $500. It has all the management bells and whistles you could
> ask
> > for, except STP and similar "enterprise class" redundancy and
> > high-availability sorts of things.
> >
> > I'd also have to warn away from the suggestion of daisy-chaining several
> > smaller switches. Speaking as someone who has had as many as five, and
> > currently has 3, switches in a my home "wiring closet", I long for the day
> > when I will have the unallocated disposable income to replace them with a
> > single device. The extra cabling and complexity is a constant hassle, and
> > getting away from that would be worth the cost of a switch.
>
> Thanks to you and others for the responses.
>
> After more consideration (and looking at prices) I have decided I can
> do with a 16-port switch. Some of the jacks I installed in the house
> are only in case I decide to move furniture, so 24 ports are not
> essential.
>
> I am considering the Netgear GS116 16-port switch. Fry's has it for
> $149.00:
>
> http://shop3.outpost.com/product/4094232?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG
>
> I found lots of more expensive switches (way more expensive!), but they
> all had features that I don't think I need. I just have a home office
> and all I want is throughput. On the other hand, I don't understand
> what some of the features of the expensive models really do. If anyone
> has any negative comments about the GS-116, I'd be interested in
> hearing them. Also, alternative options.
>
> > I also need to replace my 10/100 router. Do they make router/switch
> > > combos? Would that be a better idea than separate switch and router?
> > > Any recommendations?
> >
> > Assuming you mean a typical SOHO router, I'd have to ask why you want to
> > replace it. I'd suggest just plugging into your gig switch and getting on
> > with life. They do make converged router / switch devices for the home
> > market, but I only recall seeing one that did gigabit, which seems to be
> > your main goal; and it certianly was not 24 ports.
>
> After further looking it appears that router-switch combos are not easy
> to find, and are more expensive than separate components.
>
> However, my router is only 10/100, so I suppose I should upgrade
> it to gigabit also. Now I need to go research routers. :(
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