Upgrading core switch, need some advise.

chris6273 · 13 Aug 2011 at 00:46

Hi guys,

I have recently been searching for a new core switch for my Gigabit home network as the old switch we have doesn't offer enough ports for our network (Which has expanded rapidly since we installed it in 2009).

The network consists of Cat6a cabling, 1 Modem Router (Which is plugged into the 2nd port of one of the servers), 7 Servers (3 of which are always patched in), 2 iLO ports, 2 WAPs, 1 PS3, 3 PCs and 1 spare outlet for a new TV (When we get round to buying it).

At the moment, we are using the original Netgear GS608 8-port Gigabit Switch which was installed in 2009 but along with a Belkin F5D5131-5 5 port Fast Ethernet Switch due to the need for more ports.

I have considered buying another GS608 Switch but there would be bottlenecks involved in joining them together which I do not like the sound of (And for how the network has turned out - the GS608 looks a bit basic for the setup now).

I have come across a switch which seems to fit the number of ports I need (and a few more for the future) and within the price range but I would like to know of any differences between it and the existing switch (Apart from the number of ports).

The switch I have been looking at is the Netgear ProSafe JGS516 16-Port Gigabit Switch. I am aware that it is unmanaged but managed switches which fit my requirements are way out of my price range.

Can anyone list the advantages (if any) of the JGS516 over the GS608 switch?

Thanks

chris6273 · 13 Aug 2011 at 02:02

Hi Zarf, thanks for your reply.

The reason I was looking for replies regarding the JGS516 is because I have seen one on Amazon (Brand New) and I have recently acquired some vouchers.

I don't like fleabay (I take it, that means Ebay?) for switches as most sellers incorrectly describe switches as 'Gigabit' when they are actually not (I know I can search the model but I don't like it).

So, are there advantages of the JGS516 over the GS608 switch?

chris6273 · 13 Aug 2011 at 02:24

I wasn't able to find any reference to Jumbo Frame Support (Apart from the latency) with the JGS516 on the Netgear Website - Do you know if it supports it?

If not, this model might do: http://www.netgear.co.uk/business/products/switches/unmanaged-desktop-switches/gs116.aspx

Apparently its exactly the same as the JGS516 but is not rackmountable, doesn't have any fans BUT from what I can see, it supports Jumbo Frames (Up to 16KB).

chris6273 · 13 Aug 2011 at 02:54

Thanks for your reply,

Before I make my decision, does the 2MB Packet buffer memory that the JGS516 has make much of a difference over the 16 x 512KB Queue buffer memory that the GS116 has?

chris6273 · 13 Aug 2011 at 04:12

The GS116E is a bit out of my price range (At £47.31 more than the GS116). Thanks for that suggestion anyway.

chris6273 · 13 Aug 2011 at 09:39

I think going new is the best way to go when buying a switch for the purpose I want it for. The current switch has been working problem-less since June 2009 and has been powered on 24/7 with about an hour downtime due to power cuts (It was new when brought).

Cheers for the suggestion anyway.

chris6273 · 13 Aug 2011 at 10:12

Out of interest how does the D-Link DGS-1016D compare to the GS116? (I guess its a question of Netgear vs. D-Link).

I have seen one on ebay here:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/D-Link-DG...Switches_RL&hash=item27bd513d65#ht_983wt_1139

chris6273 · 13 Aug 2011 at 10:30

I'm looking for something around the £100 mark on Amazon (I have a voucher worth £50) or around the £50 mark elsewhere.

My gut is taking sides with Netgear due to the reliability of the switch I have (And the fact I don't want to look back thinking "Could getting the GS116 have been better"?) but I am not sure whether I should trust it here.