Upgrading core switch, need some advise.

chris6273

chris6273

chris6273

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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
 
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Check fleabay, I picked up some 3Com Managed Gigabit switches which worked out around £1.50 a port, absolute bargain. Bit loud, but it was easy enough to replace the fans with quieter ones.
 
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?
 
With unmanged switches the only perfomance difference will be jumbo frame support.

Apart from that it's:-
  • Build quality/cosmetics
  • Power consumption
  • Warranty
The HP ProCurve 1410 range is worth a look.
 
Unfortunately I know nothing beyond what's quoted on the spec sheet. If it's quoting the latency then there must be jumbo frame support of some sort. The size of jumbo frame it actually supports remains a mystery for the moment.

In my experience jumbo frames are a nice idea, but not worth the hassle. If there was actually a standard for jumbo frames so that it just worked then it'd a different matter.

Personally I'd put silence before jumbo frames, but then my switches sit within earshot and I'm not usually moving the sort of data that would see the benefit.
 
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?
 
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If that's an apples-to-apples comparison then the GS116 has 4x the memory per port.

I haven't actually checked, but the GS116 appears to be a more recent model than the FGS516. With this sort of kit that should mean that the performace will be at least as good, but with the benefit of a smaller package and lower power consumption.

Have you looked at the Netgear GS116E? It has some nice additional features if you happen to have a use for them. I don't know how the costs sompare.
 
I got a Dell managed switch from fleabay for £60 inc. postage. 24-ports too. It's also silent...PowerConnect 2724 is the model. Unless you want to buy new of course...
 
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.
 
Would you let us know what you come up with and if you find something silent?

I too need a new switch at some point. Half my ports around the house are dead since my Netgear FS524 died - I'm left on an ADSL router and 5 port Gbit switch :/
 
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.
 
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