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SMB Switching options - cheaper vs more expensive switches

All,

I had a client ask me why I recommended HP Procurve switches (pricey) versus cheaper Netgear type switches. I threw out the usual, warranty, command line, stacking speed agruments but that didn't really enlighten them. I did a couple quick searches for comparisons but really didn't result in anything. So my question is what is the real difference? Horsepower? Speed? OS coding? Reliability? I don't necessarily know so really just looking for some suggestions. It could be any solution.

For discussion, our networks are usually 50-150 ports.

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unknown_routine

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Member_2_6582184

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rauenpc

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ClearBlueTechnologies

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Interesting info. So basically if you are small and don't expect to grow, you could get away with it. If you are larger, expect to grow or want more control over how data passes across your infrastructure you need to more enterprise grade switch? I get the backplane, CLI, ability to grow within the product line...all valid points. How do you test or know the lower switches are talking at the lowest speed vs the highest speed? That is great information I am just curious how I would test that to make sure we are getting the best network speed?

ClearBlueTechnologies

ASKER

@Rauenpc - great point! We are building a lot of SMB Infrastructures now to support full VoIP systems as well and that try to make that point but the problem is that until they have a realtime app on the network they typically don't realize any issues on their network except Up/Down.

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rauenpc

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ClearBlueTechnologies

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All of the answered added value to the question. Thanks for all your input!