[geeks] Networking stuff

[Fogg, James]

SRACS network design is always and forever a *very-bad-idea* (Supposedly
Redundant Array of Cascaded Switches). Usually, the cheap switches used for
such a design won't have the fabric speed needed when you get near the top
of the pyramid. Also, the inter-switch links become choke points. And, the
unbearable inter-switch latency will eat your network performance alive.

If you grind into the numbers and *really* compare switches, you will find
that Cisco is hard to beat (cost vs. performance vs. ports). Also, other
big-switch companies, like Foundry, are pumping out some good-looking stuff.
Personally, I have never had good feelings toward 3Com for large switch
gear. I highly recommend Catalyst 550X and 650X switches for your
application. In fact, we will soon have a 5505 for sale, if you are
interested (we out-grew it). We may also have a 5509 for sale too (out-grew
that one too, time for a second 6509).


> -----Original Message-----
> From: Shawn Wallbridge [mailto:swallbridge at franticfilms.com]
> Sent: Thursday, October 11, 2001 2:54 PM
> To: geeks at sunhelp.org
> Subject: [geeks] Networking stuff
> 
> 
> We are rapidly running out of network ports and I am thinking 
> we would be
> better off moving towards the modular cabinets rather than buying more
> switches and tying them together. We have 96 10/100 ports, 4 
> 1000SX ports
> (with more SX needed) and we are going to be growing quickly.
> 
> We have some 3Com switches now, so I was looking at 3Com, but I was
> wondering what you guys think. I was looking at the 4007 
> cabinet, but what
> about Cisco? Any recommendations? Right now we have a mix of 3Com
> (2xSuperStack 3300's), Intel 510T, IBM (2x24port10/100), Netgear GS504
> (4-1000SX).
> 
> I am really out of my league here, so I have a lot of reading 
> to do, does
> anyone have any recommendations? Hell, I have most of our 
> 24port 100Mbps
> switches connected with crossover cables :-(
> 
> So basically, what HW brands do you recommend? and what should I read?
> 
> shawn
> 
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