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Network layout question
This is somewhat of a continuation from the following question: https://www.experts-exchange.com/questions/21170467/Recommended-file-server-sharing-solution.html#12324424
We're trying to determine what we should be putting in place in our company since many of our users have been experiencing a lot of slow downs and disconnections lately.
Our current layout:
We currently have about 8 'regular' users upstairs plugged into a 10/100 unmanaged swtich. Our main data server and firewall/router our also plugged into this switch. This switch also connects to another 10/100 unmanaged switch on our 1st floor. On that second switch there are about 20 users of which 10 or so are CAD techs. All of the CAD techs work from and store their files on the data server upstairs. Clear as mud?
Here's the solution we're considering:
Install a 24-port managed switch with a couple of gigabit ports (Dell PowerConnect 3348) on the 1st floor. Install a 24-port unmanaged switch (Dell PowerConnect 2324) upstairs. Run a gigabit line between the two switches and one gigabit line to the dataserver off of the managed switch.
Does this sound optimal or is there a better way to approach this.
Thanks for the help!
J
We're trying to determine what we should be putting in place in our company since many of our users have been experiencing a lot of slow downs and disconnections lately.
Our current layout:
We currently have about 8 'regular' users upstairs plugged into a 10/100 unmanaged swtich. Our main data server and firewall/router our also plugged into this switch. This switch also connects to another 10/100 unmanaged switch on our 1st floor. On that second switch there are about 20 users of which 10 or so are CAD techs. All of the CAD techs work from and store their files on the data server upstairs. Clear as mud?
Here's the solution we're considering:
Install a 24-port managed switch with a couple of gigabit ports (Dell PowerConnect 3348) on the 1st floor. Install a 24-port unmanaged switch (Dell PowerConnect 2324) upstairs. Run a gigabit line between the two switches and one gigabit line to the dataserver off of the managed switch.
Does this sound optimal or is there a better way to approach this.
Thanks for the help!
J
Yes that sounds good, just verify that those GB ports can be used either as an uplink or direct connect to server, that would be my only concern. What was your price range on those swtiches? the 3com 3750 has 24 gig ports and 4 GBIC ports you can use for connecting...though this might be a little pricy at app$2100
You might want to check out the Cisco 2970. 24 ports of 10/100/1000 on a managed switch.
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/hw/switches/ps5206/index.html
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/hw/switches/ps5206/index.html
ASKER
We have copper running between the floors.
What is the difference between a port that can uplink or direct connect to the server?
Budget is enough of an issue to prevent us from going to a 24 port gigabit managed switch. Is it possible to run one gigabit line between each switch and a redundant 100mb line?
What is the difference between a port that can uplink or direct connect to the server?
Budget is enough of an issue to prevent us from going to a 24 port gigabit managed switch. Is it possible to run one gigabit line between each switch and a redundant 100mb line?
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Netgear has some very goof backbone switchs at low price like 24 10/100/1000 with option port for fiber full layer 2 managed all 24 port gig under $1400
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hi, there
Now you have not mentioned what kinda server it is does it have a GB link port ?.. What kinda End PC is it do they also have a GB link port ?..
If yes to all those question:
purchase the 3348 48GB ports, put all the CAD users on seperate VLAN including the server Add that vlan for the server, rest users configure seperate VLAN with either GB connection or 100MB FDX...
Now you have not mentioned what kinda server it is does it have a GB link port ?.. What kinda End PC is it do they also have a GB link port ?..
If yes to all those question:
purchase the 3348 48GB ports, put all the CAD users on seperate VLAN including the server Add that vlan for the server, rest users configure seperate VLAN with either GB connection or 100MB FDX...
ASKER
The server does have a gigabit NIC in it. However, if what Jon a.k.a. The--Captain is saying is correct...that only matters if we're using a managed switch. Am i understanding that correctly or would we need a managed switch with multiplexing capabilities? Do most managed switches have this ability?
Thanks for all the quick responses people!
J
Thanks for all the quick responses people!
J
You need to remember that you limit by your server though put
Max though put for lan cards is like
100mb lan card 75 mb
1 Gig 32 bit buss 120 mb
1 Gig 64 bit buss 66 mhz 250 mb
1 Gig 32 bit buss 133 Mhz 390 mb
Max though put for lan cards is like
100mb lan card 75 mb
1 Gig 32 bit buss 120 mb
1 Gig 64 bit buss 66 mhz 250 mb
1 Gig 32 bit buss 133 Mhz 390 mb
ASKER
To further clarifty things...
Can only one client truly be accessing/communicating with the server at a time?
If this is the case, a gigabit card into the server wouldn't be beneficial since all the client's are on 100mb lines.
Can only one client truly be accessing/communicating with the server at a time?
If this is the case, a gigabit card into the server wouldn't be beneficial since all the client's are on 100mb lines.
hi, there
If as I understand Multiplexing is to set a GB port to a lower speed (Auto detecting) then all new Switches has that feature.
If as I understand Multiplexing is to set a GB port to a lower speed (Auto detecting) then all new Switches has that feature.
I am not saying managed switches are necessary - just that they can help you figure out where your network problems are since they tend to support at least some level of statistical reporting.
>If as I understand Multiplexing is to set a GB port to a lower speed (Auto detecting) then all new Switches has that feature
No, that is not what I'm talking about - I'm not sure what the vendors call what I am calling "multiplexing", but it is not speed auto-sensing. I was thinking that routers could handle the "multiplexing" job quite nicely, which got me to thinking that maybe layer three switches are wht is needed here - anyone here played around with layer-3 switches lately?
Cheers,
-Jon
>If as I understand Multiplexing is to set a GB port to a lower speed (Auto detecting) then all new Switches has that feature
No, that is not what I'm talking about - I'm not sure what the vendors call what I am calling "multiplexing", but it is not speed auto-sensing. I was thinking that routers could handle the "multiplexing" job quite nicely, which got me to thinking that maybe layer three switches are wht is needed here - anyone here played around with layer-3 switches lately?
Cheers,
-Jon
What is Multiplexing ???
I am using some layer 3 switches now.
Switch management let do vlan, security, set port speed and other
I am using some layer 3 switches now.
Switch management let do vlan, security, set port speed and other
You might want to find a switch with more than two Gigabit ports and create redundant connections between floors. Do you have fiber or copper in the risers between floors?