Cisco Switch Suggestions
Posted by CoreXchange, 09-15-2008, 05:44 PM Can anyone recommend a 24 port switch with following specs? 24-port 10/100BASE-TX Fast Ethernet managed rackmountable switch with 2 1000BASE-FX ports My supplier is recommending, WS-C2950T-24, but not sure I want to go with an out of date model and not sure I can pay new model pricing. Budget is around $650/unit and I need at least 4. PM me if you want to make an offer.
Posted by Core4Tech, 09-15-2008, 07:46 PM Can I recommend an HP ProCurve 2626. I have used these switches personally and they'll do the same job for less than your budget price. The CLI is fairly similar to Cisco, as most switches tend to be nowadays. There is a web interface, but I'm not fond of web interfaces.
Posted by gate2vn, 09-16-2008, 09:21 AM Cisco switch is rock. I still have one 2924-XL-EN running without any trouble since 5 years. Starting with HP switches since 2 years without any issue either. The advantage of HP is life time warranty. However, HP switches performance is not as good as Cisco ones
Posted by lamerfreak, 09-16-2008, 10:46 AM I have a 2924-XL-EN as well (at home), without problems, but it doesn't have support for more current stuff (Netflow, I think, was one I specifically looked at). So, depending, it may not be suitable. Not all in the 2950 range are EOL, though. You may be looking at 3750/2960 now, I think? Depends on what features you require, as well.
Posted by CoreXchange, 09-16-2008, 11:07 AM I've installed the ProCurve at a few client sites and have never had to go back for support issues. I've not used the 2924-XL-EN, but will check it out if you have seen it stand the test of time.
Posted by Core4Tech, 09-16-2008, 01:25 PM The 2924 switches from Cisco are EOL. The 2950s are still around, especially on eBay. For the money, there is nothing wrong with the HP switches, and there is no performance difference between the 2600 series HP switches and the 2900 series Cisco switches. If you step up the the 3700 series switches, as someone suggested, then you would see an increase in performance, only if you are really going to push that switch. If you are going to have low throughput utilization and not that many packets per second, then you would never even see the performance difference.
Posted by CoreXchange, 09-16-2008, 01:36 PM What threshold would you suggest we step up to the 3700? This is busy office with a VoIP call center.
Posted by Core4Tech, 09-16-2008, 01:42 PM Personally, I think the fact that you're running VoIP in a call center changes things a bit. I would probably go forward with a switch that has better QoS mechanisms than just standard CoS and trust features. You may want to consider the 3700, or at the very least a 3560 switch. You could also use a Foundry FastIron FWSX switch, which is just layer2, or you could use a Foundry Networks FESX, which could do layer3 switching as well. How heavy is the call volume in the call center as well as the business side of your environment?
Posted by CoreXchange, 09-16-2008, 01:55 PM I am still waiting to get back data on call volume currently, but I guess i read to much into Cisco propaganda about their supposed QoS on the 2924. I've submitted to my vendor to get me pricing on the HP 2626. Their spec sheet seems in line with what you are saying and what the customer is saying they need. Thank you for the time.
Posted by Core4Tech, 09-16-2008, 02:01 PM Glad I could help.
Posted by JH GLCOMP, 09-16-2008, 02:36 PM The HP 2626 should cost you about $370 (p/n J4900C). Keep in mind, HP also has a J4900A and J4900B model that have been discontinued but essentially are the same exact switch as the "C" version. The "A" and "B" versions can be had for much less. All three will come with lifetime warranty from HP, so I would suggest buying refurbished if possible.
Posted by JH GLCOMP, 09-16-2008, 02:46 PM If you decide to go with the Cisco WS-C2950T-24, that should run you about $250. Well within your budget.
Posted by Tim Greer, 09-17-2008, 01:14 AM I have a Cisco Catalyst 2948G switch (48 port 10/100 w/ two gige ports), with 4 gigE cards, and it only cost me about $100 in brand new condition. Grabbed it off of ebay, no problems. Good, lightly used and well priced switches (and routers) are all over the place.
Posted by ragubhat, 09-17-2008, 01:57 AM Cisco Switch Suggestions Obsession with CISCO is mistaken! Try switches from Foundry Networks, they are better too. The EdgeIron 2402CF can be a good choice. Last edited by ragubhat; 09-17-2008 at 02:10 AM. Reason: add more info