Which switches fit our needs?

[san_narula]

We need to buy few switches as we are upgrading our network. The switches should be able to support BYOD, VLANs, VOIP, IP Cameras, Lync etc. So we need two for the core and 6-8 for the edge network. The switches will support 50 staff and 300 students. Can someone recommend what is best for our needs. Please ask if you need more information.

Here is the main thread.

http://www.edugeek.net/forums/hardware/111470-help-me-design-our-network.html

[Michael]

I can certainly recommend HP or Cisco. They're generally considered the market leaders. Buying high density (48 port+) switches is the way forward wherever possible.

[san_narula]

I can certainly recommend HP or Cisco. They're generally considered the market leaders. Buying high density (48 port+) switches is the way forward wherever possible.

 

Would you be able to tell me the models you think I should consider?

[sonofsanta]

At that low level of users, you should be able to just use HP A5120s for the core and edge. JE069A is the 48 port version, JG237A is the PoE version. We run them at the edge here and they're marvellous.

[CyberNerd]

At that low level of users, you should be able to just use HP A5120s for the core and edge. JE069A is the 48 port version, JG237A is the PoE version. We run them at the edge here and they're marvellous.

 

I would second the use of A5120's in this scenario especially for VOIP where you will need QoS. If it is out of budget a 3600EI might cut it but I wouldn't go for anything less.

[san_narula]

Does anyone use Cisco SG300 or recommends using it? They are much cheaper than Catalysts and have similar functionality.

[FN-GM]

Personally (for a small network like yours) i would go for 2 x Cisco Catalyst 3750 for the core. For Edge Switches Cisco Catalyst 2600S stack-able switches.

[san_narula]

Personally (for a small network like yours) i would go for 2 x Cisco Catalyst 3750 for the core. For Edge Switches Cisco Catalyst 2600S stack-able switches.

 

Do you mean 2900 as 2600S is EOL?

[FN-GM]

OOps typo i mean Cisco 2960S

[localzuk]

I'd want to know a bit more before suggesting models - are your edge switches all dotted around in different places? Or are they concentrated in one or 2 locations? ie. how many ports in each location are required?

[san_narula]

I'd want to know a bit more before suggesting models - are your edge switches all dotted around in different places? Or are they concentrated in one or 2 locations? ie. how many ports in each location are required?

 

At the moment the edge switches are located in four different locations. Most locations need about 100 ports.

[sonofsanta]

At the moment the edge switches are located in four different locations. Most locations need about 100 ports.

 

The HP 5120's can be stacked, so you can have 3 x 48 port switches operating as one. It's what's in the cab next to me right now - 2 48 port switches + 1 48 port PoE switch all stacked into a single 144 port switch (effectively).

[CyberNerd]

yes you definitely want a stackable switch for 100 connections. @sonofsanta is spot on with the A5120 recommendation

[nicholab]

Befits of stacking switches is that you can do 24x patch--48x switch--24x patch--24x patch--48 switch--24x patch with short patch lead then you end up with less of a mess.

[cpjitservices]

or you could use a Juniper... EX2200 are very good stable, solid, switches, and can do stacking with Virtual Chassis. The Hp's are awesome bits of kit too, especially with lifetime warranty. I just love the EX2200 though.

 

 

[cpjitservices]

or the big SWITCH just for future reference.