Core Switch Advice

[MrFrostmaul]

Hi all,

 

We are currently looking at replacing our very old core switch which is a HP Procurve 4204gl (J4887A) which has one gigabit module and two fibre modules.

 

Can anyone recommend what switch we should look at for replacing our current one?, we would prefer to stay with HP for our switches.

 

Thanks

[Mr.Ben]

The 5406zl v2 or 5412zl v2 are both very good switches. The only issue I have noticed is that both only support up to 40Gbps per module, but HP will happily sell you an 8 port 10Gbps module for it!.

[njc235]

Mr Ben is not quite right though his sentiment is. The first 5406 was 4:1 blocking on the 10g ports whereas the second release was only 2:1. The most recent R ZL is wire speed. As I have suggested before, the compare 5800 series is a great core switch and has been deployed in many schools. It has 4 x SFP+ ports on the front and can take another 4 port module in the rear. When considering its IRF functionality, compatibility with 3rd party optics etc etc, it makes it hard to beat for the money and carries a lifetime warranty.

 

HTH

[MrFrostmaul]

Thanks both for your input. Will have a look at them.

[jamesfed]

The new 5400R zl2 series replaces what was the 5400zl2 v2 - its pretty much the same bit of kit but line rate speed annd with the option for dual management controllers.

 

Loads of port options as well including 8x10Gbit, 24 copper PoE+ and option for mixtures.

 

Just had two put in with a load of 2530s and more than happy with them.

[Mr.Ben]

Another tip is if you want a second management controller (quite a sensible option) then I have been finding it cheaper to buy two chassis (which come with a single removable management controller), rather than an additional stand alone controller. Plus you also end up with some additional spares that may come in handy.

 

I hadn't seen the new Rzl2 series - thanks for the info guys! :-)

[ricki]

I would have a look at a hp 5406R zl2 and populate it with the modules you need it allows you the option to expand your core when needed

 

Richard

[john]

Another option if you didn't want a Chassis switch is go for the HP 3800 switches and stack kits we have used them over chassis switches in several locations now

[PotNoodleTech]

Got a 5412ZL here as managed too get ginormous discount and so futureproofed, a 5406ZL would do the job though - I love the modularity of the switches, got a mixture of 1000 fibre, 10gig Ethernet, 1 gig POE on mine.

 

They're great and were a third of the price of the equivalent cisco.