Part of my job description is to come as close as possible to
doing everything with no resources. (My entire IT budget for this
year is $6K. That includes internet connectivity, all repairs,
all infra-structure costs, and all core software. About
$100/computer) THIS year I have about 4K for servers. I get to
replace my pair of 1 GHz 256MB boxes with something a bit faster,
more reliable and more spacious.)
I was given a stack of 3 com SuperStack II and III switches. I
picked up a set of matrix cables off eBay, and since one of the
switches had the matrix module, I was able to put 4 in a stack.
This made a huge difference. At class shift, login times dropped
from 3-4 minutes to 30 seconds.
At present the one with the matrix module is connected to the
servers. Everyone else talks to the other three.
HOWEVER, these switches are dying like flies at a RAID show.
I've had 5 of them die in the last 3 months. (I also use them in
classrooms -- Overkill, for 3-4 computers in a classroom, but, as
I said, the price is right.) In effort to stem the bloody tide,
I've remounted them on the rack with 2 rack holes between each,
to improve the air cooling.
I'm wandering. New servers (wow! NEW, not second hand) are
coming in. I'd like to set up a tiered structure, with the
server switch being a GB switch, the second level switches being
1 GB uplink + 100 MBit to the desk top. Use 3 24 port ones in
the wiring closet, and 12 port ones out in the classrooms.
So I went to 3com's web site. Got frustrated as hell trying to
find what I was looking for. Went to Cisco's site. No better,
but they answered the phone. Their switches are pricey. 8 port
with 1 GB uplink are $800. 24 port GB $3300.
Go to Dell's site, and the numbers are a lot cheaper. Even for
web managed (semi-managed) switches I could chop a digit off of
prices. E.g. a 24 port GB switch for about $300, an 8 port GB
switch for $100. Then don't sell semi-managed switches that have
just 1 or 2 GB ports.
So I could put GB to the desktop -- except that my wiring is only
Cat 5, and I don't really need GB at the desktop.
So, question time:
1. Why is a cisco 2960-PT-ATTL eleven times the price of a Dell
PowerConnect 2724?
2. I figure there is less likely to be gotchas if all my core
switches are from the same vendor. What vendors do you recommend
for inexpensive switches.
Cautionary tales?
