HP 2920 or 5130?

[SJA]

We're planning a major switch refresh this summer. HP is one of the strong contenders.

 

The HP proposal is essentially a 10GbE network with HP 5820 at the core, and HP 2920 at the edge (access).

 

There are several standalone 2920, and some in stacks (currently biggest are stacks of four devices but maybe five one day).

 

I'm wondering if 2920 is the best choice for the edge, over the alternative which might be a 5130. I'm pretty sure both these are very common edge switches, and many people on here will have chosen to go with one or the other (maybe mixed in a few cases).

 

I know that we can stack four of the 2920 together, and if we require five then a new stack is needed (and will use up more fibre cores and 10GbE ports in the core). The 2920's make use of modules for 10GbE and stacking, whereas the 5130 have what is required built in.

 

I am just wondering, if there is anything you guys think one of these (2920 or 5130) does better over the other? I am told in regard to pricing that there is not that much in it. I know they are both good switches, and will work for years doing what they are fundamentally required for. I know about the two firmware types and generally either seem to be well regarded. So where is the extra benefit with one or the other? Why did you choose one over the other? In my case they both will do what I need them for fundamentally (switching, QoS [VoIP], multicast, VLAN, 802.1x, LACP, virtual chassis), but I would be interested if either has some better authentication features for end device or user control. Is there any difference you can suggest that someone could make use of?

 

Essentially, which one did you choose, and why?

Edited March 30, 2015 by SJA

[Ashm]

5130 would get my vote, they run the same Comware OS as your 5820 core. We run 5130's at a number of sites and they seem like very good switches.

[dhicks]

The HP proposal is essentially a 10GbE network with HP 5820 at the core, and HP 2920 at the edge (access).

 

We bought HP 5800 core switches and HP 2920 edge switches with the idea that we would be able to use them in a software defined networking (SDN) system via OpenFlow. We haven't gotten around to sorting that out yet, but it's still a feature I'd like to get around to using.

[Sylv3r]

We too are looking at refreshing our switches this year and have looked at both options for our Edge. As we are an existing HP customer I am favouring towards the ones running the Procurve software - although I'll be watching this thread with interest.

[njc235]

As already stated, the 2920 can only stack to 4 and will need stacking modules to do so. The 5130 on the other hand will go to 9 in a true IRF using DACs. As previous posters have stated, the 2920 is from the Procurve range which is very popular in edge situations. Some people prefer to stick with one operating system and therefor go for the 5130 in the edge. The 5820 is a fine core switch but have a look at the 5700. Unless you need OSPF and MPLS (5900), the 5700 is a very capable 10G switch.

 

HTH

[SJA]

Thanks to all of you who have replied so far. Some good food for thought. I'm still looking into the options and thinking about it.

 

One thing to mention is that we don't plan for any Software Defined Networking. Most of our traffic is core to edge, and adding more cabling to make a 'web' wouldn't be worth it in our environment.

[SJA]

As already stated, the 2920 can only stack to 4 and will need stacking modules to do so. The 5130 on the other hand will go to 9 in a true IRF using DACs. As previous posters have stated, the 2920 is from the Procurve range which is very popular in edge situations. Some people prefer to stick with one operating system and therefor go for the 5130 in the edge. The 5820 is a fine core switch but have a look at the 5700. Unless you need OSPF and MPLS (5900), the 5700 is a very capable 10G switch.

 

HTH

 

The stacks of four do bother me slightly. Would there be a major advantage of using IRF in our situation? The current plan is that there would be an LACP link back to the core, using the top and bottom edge switch in each stack. This along with the stacking would provide full redundancy against one dead switch or module, as well as max 20Gb bandwidth back to the core. What I do find slightly concerning is the way HP don't describe this on the spec of the 2920, as I know that with Juniper and Dell it's called MC-LAG and is a big selling point.

Edited March 31, 2015 by SJA

[njc235]

IRF has a major advantage in that it can exist not only across DACs but also SFP+ links which means you can easily split a stack or a core across multiple locations. Also the 5130 with built in SFP+ ports on the front make them cheaper than 2920s with stacking module and 10G port expansion card(s).