Gigabit Network Layout

[FatalSaviour]

I've currently got 10 PCs (one which act as a FileServer (FS)) linked up to 5 port 10/100 Mb Switches, connected to a Router with a 10/100 switch (Draytek 2800VG) as follows:


4 PCs --------Switch----------Router-------------Switch-------------Switch------4 PCs (inc FS)
|
2 PCs

Now, all PCs have Gigabit Ethernet NICs, so I'm looking at upgrading to Gigabit Ethernet switches.

I could replace the layout exactly as above, but I was thinking that it might be better to change the layout slightly (to avoid the intermediate 10/100 switch in the router) as follows?

Router
|
4PCs--------------8P Switch------------------5P Switch-------------8P Switch------4PCs (Inc FS)
|
2 PCs

Hope that makes sense!

As an aside, does anyone have any recommendations as to which switches to buy?
I'm currently using metal cased Linksys products, and would prefer something similar (definitely without a fan!). However, brand is not too important, as long as they're fast, and above all, reliable!

Thanks guys,

Best Regards

[b0redom]

Why don't you just get a 16 port switch? You should also note that 1000Gbps isn't going to make that much difference unless you're moving a lot of very big files around and you have very fast disks in your PCs.

http://www.scan.co.uk/Product.aspx?WebProductId=798304

For a 16 port switch?

[directhex]

guess who just bought one of those switches? ^_^

[haku]

From what I can gather from your post FatalSaviour, I think b0redom is absolutely spot on with the 16port switch recommendation. Your network diagram just has lots of daisy chained switches which are not serving any purpose other than :
* adding complexity
* adding delays
* ineffieciently consuming power
* probably adding cost (considering they are decent switches)

Unless you have some sentimental attachment with the daisy chained passthrough switches, you should replace it with a decent 16-24 port switch ( managed switch if budget allows). I use netgear 48 port managed switch and I think its a decent piece of kit for the money. Hope this helps.

Cheers

[Steve]

I disseminate my tubes via an 8-port gigabit switch (3Com) that supports jumbo frames.

I third the recommendation of a 16-port switch, even if it means 2/3/4 cables running in the same direction to meet a group of PCs, provided they can be routed in an aesthetically acceptable manner.

However, unless you're on a corporate network, I can't see why the added expense of a managed switch would ever be worth it.

[PeteSmith]

Not wanting to hyjack this thread but is there anything similar but with a couple of USB printer ports included? Doesn't need to have so many ports, 8 would be ample.

[FatalSaviour]

From what I can gather from your post FatalSaviour, I think b0redom is absolutely spot on with the 16port switch recommendation. Your network diagram just has lots of daisy chained switches which are not serving any purpose other than :
* adding complexity
* adding delays
* ineffieciently consuming power
* probably adding cost (considering they are decent switches)

Unless you have some sentimental attachment with the daisy chained passthrough switches, you should replace it with a decent 16-24 port switch ( managed switch if budget allows). I use netgear 48 port managed switch and I think its a decent piece of kit for the money. Hope this helps.

Cheers

Thanks for all your input everyone.

The issue that I now face is that we moved into 2 adjoining offices, and knocked the partitioning wall out, which leaves me with 2 distinct areas with PCs in.
Were I to buy one switch, this would leave me running 5 15m cables down one side of the office, and a few more 5m cables to reach the middle.

I could make do with 1 16 port switch, but 2, or 3 switches would at least make cabling tidier.

At the moment, I'm placing an order 4 or 5 Dell Precision Workstations, so I'm tempted to throw in some PowerConnect 2708 or 2716 switches at the same time (~£100 ea.). Does anyone have any caveats on those?

[Jay]

How about like this...



i think i'm going to be sick.

more here... get a sick bad though.

http://www.sysadminday.com/horrors.html

[impossible]

.... At the moment, I'm placing an order 4 or 5 Dell Precision Workstations, so I'm tempted to throw in some PowerConnect 2708 or 2716 switches at the same time (~£100 ea.). Does anyone have any caveats on those?

I have a 2708, its a fanless switch but it doesnt do Jumbo frames (which the 2716 does)

Imp