Extreme vs HP Procurve

[tjb]

Hi All,

Does anybody out there have any Extreme or HP Procurve core switches on their network? We are looking to upgrade to a 10gig backbone and have quotes for both Extreme Summit X450a-24x and HP Procurve 5406zl and 5412zl switches.

Any feedback on either would be great! What would you get if you had the choice?

[Sylv3r]

We have a HP Procurve 5308XL as our core and have no issues with it - as with the rest of the procurve range its relatively easy to manage it once you get the hang of the console and commands or you could just use the web version once it is configured with an IP.

[localzuk]

5406zl as our core here, and 2650's everywhere else. Solid as a rock. Simple to set up and manage also. There's also a large number of people on here that use them, so a good amount of support that can be provided.

I know there is at least 1 member who has Extreme switches on here though.

[Tallwood_6]

Got a 5412zl here much like all the procurve switches its works flawlessly. Have looked at Extreme before and found the procurves's at the time offered a better feature set and warrenty for the money.
That said i know of one site near to us that has had problems running 10gig between several 5412zl's but i put that more down to the poor fiber links.

[ravens]

We have had 5412zl x 3, and 3400 and 3500s running 10gb plus trunked 3400s and 2600 for about three years now. They are very reliable and education pricing is very good. A big plus is that they carry a lifetime warranty for as long as you own them regardless if HP phase the model out unlike for example Cisco. You need to check the warranties with Extreme as well as the switch capabilites. Whilst you are still considering choices, I read sometime about Google releasing very cheap 10gb switches. Unfortunately, I cant remeber where I saw it and Googling it dosent produce any results.

Good luck.

[localzuk]

I read sometime about Google releasing very cheap 10gb switches. Unfortunately, I cant remeber where I saw it and Googling it dosent produce any results.

Supposedly, they run homebrewed switching gear - Google’s Secret 10GbE Switch | Nyquist Capital

But it isn't consumer release stuff, much like their custom-built servers.

[tjb]

Thanks guys for all of your comments, you have all been most helpful as usual!

[tjb]

I decided on the HP Procurves in the end based on the lifetime warranty, price and the fact you can replace more older equipment by going to a modular chassis solution.