Adding switch to existing network

MartinBen439 · 26 Mar 2012 at 18:50

We have a 42u rack cabinet with 2 x 24-port switches already in.

I need to fit another switch - do I just connect it to one of the others via Cat5/6

Sorry if it is a noob question.

Dist · 26 Mar 2012 at 19:01

If they are unmanaged switches then yes, just plug it in to one of the other switches. If it is a managed switch you may want to look at configuring the port used to connect to other switch you already have as a trunk port and any ports connecting to end devices as access ports, and also any switchport security settings you want to use.

Deception · 26 Mar 2012 at 19:13

Are the current switches Cat5e unamanaged switches? If so, you may need to make a crossover cable as I think its only the Cat6 ones that are auto sensing? I could be wrong on this.

MartinBen439 · 26 Mar 2012 at 19:14

It is an unmanaged switch so thanks for your reply

All 3 switches are the same make & model.

Woden · 26 Mar 2012 at 19:16

Deception said:
Are the current switches Cat5e unamanaged switches? If so, you may need to make a crossover cable as I think its only the Cat6 ones that are auto sensing? I could be wrong on this.

Cat5e/Cat 6 are cable standards. Not port/switch.

Deception · 26 Mar 2012 at 19:18

Woden said:
Cat5e/Cat 6 are cable standards. Not port/switch.

sorry, I meant 10/100mbps switch or a 1000mbps switch

Dist · 26 Mar 2012 at 19:20

If it's a Gigabit switch then it has Auto-MDIX and making a crossover cable isn't important, if it's a FastEthernet switch it sill most likely uses Auto-MDIX unless it is a REALLY old device.

Dist · 26 Mar 2012 at 19:21

MartinBen439 said:
It is an unmanaged switch so thanks for your reply

All 3 switches are the same make & model.

In that case you should just be able to plug the new switch into one of the old switches and you'll be good to go.

ots3go · 26 Mar 2012 at 19:43

Don't forget, this will leave everyone who's connected to the new switch a mere 100mb/s (or 1000mb/s) uplink to the existing kit.

It's a bad way of doing things but sometimes needs must.

olibb · 27 Mar 2012 at 08:50

Yeah, just plug in and away you go for unmanaged.

bitslice · 28 Mar 2012 at 00:18

Y U NO SAY WHAT MODEL OF SWITCH!!! :mad:

ots3go said:
Don't forget, this will leave everyone who's connected to the new switch a mere 100mb/s (or 1000mb/s) uplink to the existing kit.

It's a bad way of doing things but sometimes needs must.

This

Arrange server connections onto one switch, plug the two other switches into that to minimise cross switch traffic, don't just daisy chain all three switches.

Some switches will allow bonding of lines to make a virtual gig link, but without knowing what you have I can't say