10Gb Switches: How to Choose the Right Switch for Your Business
By adopting a 10G-compliant network core, businesses can boost their employees’ productivity and improve response times for customers, particularly in busy environments, by avoiding network congestion. For applications that require low latency, a 10Gb switch is an ideal choice to guarantee network performance and reliability. However, it is essential to carefully consider several factors when purchasing a 10GbE switch.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a 10 Gigabit Switch
Port Density and Speed
When purchasing a 10Gb switch, it is important to consider both the number and speed of ports, including those beyond the 10GBASE-T copper ports. Many 10Gb switches have 10GbE SFP+ ports, and the number of these ports can vary between vendors. It is essential to strike a balance when selecting a switch, as a switch with too few ports may not provide enough capacity, while one with too many may be an unnecessary expense.
To ensure that future requirements are met, it is recommended to choose a switch with one or two additional ports. For example, in an enterprise environment, a 48-port 10Gb switch with four QSFP+ ports can effectively meet future demands.
Power Consumption
Power consumption is a crucial factor to consider when choosing 10Gb switches, particularly in large data centers with multiple switches and ports. Vendors provide switches with varying power consumption levels, with some switches having independent overload and short circuit protection, while others have LED indicators displaying power status, making operations more efficient. However, data usage has a significant impact on power consumption. Hence, selecting a 10G switch that meets your needs and consumes less power is a wise decision to reduce energy usage and cost.
Stackable or Standalone Switch
As companies grow and expand, they may require additional switches to support their increasing number of devices. Deploying a standalone 10Gb switch can be complex as each switch needs to be controlled separately, making it challenging to add a new switch to the network.
For small business networks, a standalone 10Gb switch is recommended. However, larger organizations can benefit from a stackable 10Gb network switch, as it simplifies network management and extends network reach.
Functions
This aspect emphasizes the essential characteristics of various 10Gb switches. These switches offer standard features, such as MLAG, IPv4/IPv6, VXLAN, NVGRE, SNMP, MSTP, etc., and are compatible with both traditional and fully virtualized data centers.
Moreover, they offer advanced security functionalities, including Storm Control and IGMP Snooping, which enable the monitoring of broadcast, multicast, or unknown unicast traffic to reduce network bandwidth usage.
Conclusion
In order to enhance network performance and speed in a 10GbE environment, it is essential to acquire a cost-effective Ethernet switch. Thus, it is important to have a well-thought-out network plan and take into account the factors discussed earlier in order to make an informed purchase. If unsure, seeking guidance from an expert can assist in creating a customized network plan.
What is a Network Switch?
The world of networking has advanced significantly in recent years, and network switches have become a crucial component of modern networking. In this article, we will delve deeper into the world of network switches, covering the types of switches, and their applications. We will also discuss some useful features that can be found in modern network switches.
Understanding Network Switches
A network switch is a networking device that connects multiple devices on a network together. It uses packet switching to forward data packets between network devices, improving network efficiency and security. Network switches use the Media Access Control (MAC) address to identify the source and destination of data packets, allowing for more efficient routing of data.
Juniper Networks. (2023, April 20). What is a Network Switch? Juniper Networks. Retrieved April 20, 2023, from Juniper Networks
Types of Switches
There are various types of network switches available in the market, each designed to suit different requirements. The two primary types of network switches are managed and unmanaged switches.
Managed switches offer advanced features such as VLAN, QoS, and port mirroring. These switches are typically used in enterprise-level networks, where there is a need for greater network control and management. Managed switches provide advanced functionality, such as the ability to configure, monitor, and manage individual ports and devices, making them ideal for complex networks.
Unmanaged switches, on the other hand, are simpler and more straightforward to use. These switches are ideal for small networks where there is no need for advanced management features. Unmanaged switches do not provide the same level of control as managed switches but are cheaper and easier to deploy.
Applications of Network Switches
Network switches are used in a variety of environments, including homes, small offices, and large enterprises. Network switches are especially useful in enterprise networks, where there is a need for high-speed data transmission, security, and network management.
One key application of network switches is cloud computing. In the cloud environment, network switches help to connect servers and other devices together to facilitate data transmission. Network switches can also be used in data centers to connect multiple servers, storage devices, and other network devices together.
Another critical application of network switches is in industrial control systems (ICS), where they are used to connect various industrial devices, such as sensors and programmable logic controllers (PLCs). Network switches help to create a reliable and secure network infrastructure that can support the needs of critical industrial applications.
Network Switches Features
Modern network switches come with several useful features that can enhance network efficiency and security. Some of the common features found in network switches include:
VLANs
VLANs allow you to create virtual networks within a physical network, providing additional security and network segmentation.
QoS
QoS allows you to prioritize network traffic, ensuring that critical data gets delivered with minimal delay.
Port mirroring
Port mirroring allows you to copy network traffic from one port to another, making it easier to monitor network traffic.
Conclusion
Network switches are essential components of modern networking, providing fast, secure, and reliable data transmission. They are used in a variety of environments, including homes, small offices, and large enterprises. With the growth of cloud computing, the Internet of Things (IoT), and Big Data, the demand for network switches is only going to increase. It is crucial to understand the different types of switches available and their applications to make the right choice for your network infrastructure.
1Gb Backbone vs 10Gb Backbone: Gigabit Switch or 10GbE Switch
The modern world is developing in full speed, so is the telecommunication industry. Not long ago 10GbE switch had been a luxury, so was exclusively affordable to large enterprises. And many individuals and businesses used 10/100Mb switch and could only get to gigabit switch for 1Gb backbone. However, this situation is changing due to price dropping and proliferating market demand. Now more and more SMBs and individuals are using gigabit switch and attempt to access 10Gb switch. As thus questions like whether to deploy gigabit switch for 1Gb backbone or 10GbE switch as 10Gb backbone has stirred heated discussion on many forums. This article is to give some reference for 1Gb backbone vs 10Gb backbone selection guide.
Simply put, 1Gb backbone refers to the networking configuration that gigabit switch is used in the data center as core switch. A typical scenario in 1Gb backbone configuration is to run 10/100Mb access layer switches with 1Gb uplink back to a central gigabit switch. In this case the 1Gb uplink on the 100Mb switch receives the 1Gbps from the switch gigabit, then divides the 1Gb bandwidth to its terminal endpoints. Restricted by the normal port 10/100Mb, max. 100Mb is available for access points. As thus 100Mb switch has gradually been obsoleted by gigabit switch.
To achieve 1000Mbps and bring in PoE capability, modern operators often use gigabit PoE switch as access switch to cooperate 1Gb backbone gigabit switch. Here is a 1Gb backbone deployment scenario by FS.COM: Employing S5800-48F4S 48 port gigabit SFP switch as 1Gb backbone in the data center. Linking two 24 port PoE switches in the office to connect and power IP phones, wireless APs, desktops and laptops. Then running two wires to link two 8 port PoE switches in the warehouse for IP surveillance.
Figure 1: Deploying FS 48 port gigabit switch with 10Gb uplink as core switch and FS 8/24 port gigabit PoE switches as access switches.
Similarly, 10Gb backbone refers to the configuration that 10GbE switch serves as core switch in the data center. Then running gigabit switches with 10Gb uplink back to the central 10Gb switch. To illustrate 10Gb backbone configuration, here is a deployment scenario. In this case, we deploy S5800-8TF12S 10Gb SFP+ switch as core 10GbE switch in the data center. Using S3800-48T4S 48 port switch and S1600-48T4S 48 port gigabit PoE switch as access switches, we run fiber patch cables to corresponding 10Gb SFP+ uplinks on these access switches. As thus the 10Gb uplink bandwidth can be divided to the access gigabit switch normal port.
Assumption on the case 10 same endpoints are connected to 10 ports on the gigabit Ethernet switch. Then each can obtain max. 1000Mb from the 10Gb uplink bandwidth. In this case the gigabit speed is retained. If the upper layer switch is a gigabit switch, then each endpoint can only get 100Mb.
Figure 2: Deploying S5800-8TF12S 10Gb SFP+ switch as 10Gb backbone, while S3800-48T4S 48 port switch and S1600-48T4S 48 port gigabit PoE switch are for gigabit access switch.
Generally speaking, deploying gigabit switch for a 1Gb backbone vs 10GbE switch for a 10Gb backbone depends heavily on virtualization application. Even in a small office with only several PCs, demanding applications for high bandwidth may require a backbone 10Gb switch. That is, if you or your employees must deal with high-load pictures and videos every day, 10GbE switch backbone is a must to ensure smooth operation and work efficiency. Or you may easily get stuck in network congestion. Say a regular video conference in a midsize enterprise can randomly drop, which wastes time and drag down schedule process.
Also, pay attention to number of users. Counting all the current endpoints: computers, wireless APs, IP phones, etc. And try to measure the load traffic by plotting utilization. Then take future expansion into consideration. If your backbone gigabit switch ports are already hot for using the most bandwidth provided, and you still need to add office devices, then your network is on the verge of severe congestion. In this case 10Gb switch backbone or higher is the choice to go.
All in all, choosing between backbone gigabit switch vs backbone 10GbE switch, there is a bandwidth gap that access endpoints are available. If you deploy 10Gb switch as core switch and gigabit switch with 10Gb uplink as access switch, the normal port on the access switch can get max. 1000Mb bandwidth. However, if the backbone is 1Gb and your access switch is 100Mb, then only max. 100Mb bandwidth can be available in the access switch port. So for 1Gb backbone scenario where one use gigabit switch as core switch, deploying gigabit PoE switch instead of 100Mb switch as access switch is a solution to keep up with 1000Mbps speed.
In summary, 1 Gb backbone gigabit switch vs 10Gb backbone 10GbE switch selection depends on the bandwidth your virtualization applications require. In detail, 10Gb switch shall function as 10Gb backbone in the case mass data transfer is a regular task. Thus the gigabit switch normal ports can share max. 1Gb bandwidth. Otherwise you can remain your 1Gb backbone. But for 1Gb access, deploying gigabit PoE switch to replace your 100Mb access switch is a future-proofing and feasible solution to go. FS SFP switch is a good choice for 1Gb backbone core switch whereas SFP+ switch for 10Gb backbone core switch.
48 Port Switch Buying Guide
As a core hardware device in data centers, network switch is vital for setting up a reliable network. Meanwhile 48 port switch with high port density has become popular among enterprise-class, small to midsize and even home users. However, how to buy an optimal 48 port switch for different network environment confuses many people. This article will make an analysis of 48 port switch for your buying guide.
To buy an optimal 48 port switch for your network, one should take several factors into consideration. Above all, choose managed over unmanaged if possible. 48 port managed switch has advanced features in reliable performance, traffic control, custom management and security regulation. For modern applications requiring for high network privacy and resiliency, 48 port gigabit switch managed is a must. Besides, here lists other important factors for 48 port switch managed selection.
What kind of virtualization applications are you implementing? Do they require extra high switching capacity? Generally 48 port switches in the market come with 2 different speed basis: 48 port gigabit switch and 48 port 10Gb switch. For average customers without special requirements 48 port gigabit switch can well meet their demands. But for speed pursuers 48 port 10Gb switch should be deployed for smooth operation in high traffic.
In addition to regular port, pay attention to the uplink port on 48 port switch. For multiple switch connection, 48 port gigabit switch often comes with several 10G SFP+ uplink ports whereas 10Gb switch comes with 40G QSFP+ or even 100G QSFP+ uplink ports for link aggregation. With a few corresponding uplink ports reserved, the 48 port gigabit switch can access to 10G core switch. And 48 port 10Gb switch can cater for future demands like next generation Metro, Dater Center and Enterprise networks.
For situations where power outlets are unavailable for cabling devices, 48 port PoE switch is a natural fit. A typical aforesaid case is for connecting Powered Devices (PD): IP cameras, VoIP phones and wireless access points (AP). By deploying 48 port PoE gigabit switch, you can easily put an IP surveillance camera anywhere on the ceiling.
You can easily get the best 48 port switch with all advanced features once budget is not a concern. However, most people should note cost/performance ratio to get good but cheap 48 port switch. For good purchasing experience, here recommend you 2 best 48 port switch for reference.
Without PoE capability, here recommend S3800-48T4S 48 port switch managed. It comes with 48 10/100/1000Mb auto-sensing RJ45 ports and 4 10GE SFP+ uplinks for cost-effective gigabit access or 10G link aggregation. Thus you can easily deploy this 48 port Metro Ethernet switch either in access layer or as core switch. Also, with dual power available this 48 port gigabit switch managed provides redundancy in emergent outage.
Figure 1: Deploying FS S3800-48T4S 48 port gigabit switch as access switch and S1600-48T4S 48 port PoE switch for PDs in network layer.
FS recommends S1600-48T4S 48 port PoE switch for both 600W high PoE power budget and reliable hardware with software integration. With 48 1000M RJ45 ports and 4 10G SFP+ uplinks compact in 1RU, this 48 port PoE gigabit switch owns high density and space saving features. As a 48 port gigabit switch managed, it supports both Web Interface and CLI command. Therefore it offers enterprise-class functionality of free configuration, strong security and reliable RSTP. As PoE+ switch, it complies IEEE802.3af/at standard. Thus the PoE network switch can auto figure which standard the PoE enabled device supports and then supply power to it. To deploy S1600-48T4S 48 port switch, you can flexibly put it in a rack, on a wall or on desktop. Power on the switch. Then connect over 40 APs or other PDs all over the building with only one each cable is required to run for them.
Figure 2: S1600-48T4S 48 port PoE switch connecting to VoIP phones, wireless APs and IP surveillance cameras for intelligent switching and networks growth.
Take a long-term view, 48 port switch with high port density provides abundant ports for your current devices and room for future network growth. Buying a best 48 port switch requires one to consider its own demands for specific applications. Based on which, one should take based speed, uplink port configuration, PoE capability and other personal requirement into consideration. For cheap 48 port gigabit switch, we recommend you classic one S3800-48T4S and 48 port PoE switch S1600-48T4S. For 48 port 10Gb switch, you can also find one with decent offer in FS.COM.
8 Port Gigabit Switch Recommendation
For the issue of choosing an optimal Ethernet switch, one usually refers to its demand for network capacity (1G, 10G, 40G or 100G) and port quantity. As for gigabit switch, a 16, 24 or 48 port switch is commonly used for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) to achieve both high performance and cost-efficiency. But how about 8 port gigabit switch? Are there any recommendations for it? This article will recommend 4 different 8 port gigabit switches for you in terms of managed or unmanaged and PoE or non-PoE.
Managed 8 Port Gigabit Switch Recommendation
DGS-1210-10 comes with 8 x 10/100/1000 Mbps gigabit ports and 2 x SFP ports. It is the latest generation of D-Link gigabit web smart non-PoE switch, characterized by D-Link Green 3.0 technology to save energy under non performance sacrifice. Moreover, for concerns of management and security, DGS-1210-10 8 port gigabit switch centralizes the pros of easy management, D-view 6.0 system and auto monitor VLAN (ASV) capability. This partly managed smart switch takes one step above “dumb” switch as well one step behind fully managed switch, thus it has absorbed both strengths. As a compromised gigabit switch, it is specially designed for SMEs.
Figure 1: D-Link DGS-1210-10 managed 8 port gigabit switch.
FS S1130-8T2F PoE+ managed 8 port gigabit switch comes with 8 x 10/100/1000 MbpsBase-T RJ45 Ethernet ports, 1 x console port and 2 x SFP ports. This fully managed PoE+ switch features long transmission distance of up to 120km, strong resistance to electromagnetic interference and superior performance stability. Besides, for concerns of noise, it is whisper-quite designed with no fans. It can easily placed in a rack, on a wall or on desktop, and is best fit for PDs such as WAP, IP phones and weather-proof IP cameras. FS S1130-8T2F has a maximum power consumption of 130W. If higher power budget is in demand, you can go for FS S1250-8T2F 8 port gigabit switch, which is up to 250W for your network expansion while only $30 extra cost is offed by FS.COM.
Unmanaged 8 Port Gigabit Switch Recommendation
Netgear GS108 is an auto-switching 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet switch, targeted at business with plug-and-play and no-configuration demand. Netgear GS108 comes with 8 switched ports for PCs, severs and switches and a sturdy metal enclosure, with IEEE802.3az support for power savings and traffic optimization. It is also fanless designed to ensure silent and reliable operation. Though this desktop 8 port gigabit switch costs a little more than Linksys SE3008 ($35.99), the advantage of ProSAFE Lifetime Warrenty does makes it worth that.
Figure 2: Netgear GS108 unmanaged 8 port gigabit switch.
TL-SG 1008P unmanaged PoE 8 port gigabit switch comes with 8 x 10/100/1000 Mbps RJ45 ports and 4 PoE ports with maximum power budget of 55W. It is featured with no configuration need, overload arrangement, fanless design, high efficiency and limited lifetime warranty. The 4 PoE ports can supply powered devices (PD) such as wireless access points (WAP), IP cameras and IP phones with one single cable for both power and data transmission. It is best fit for expanding home and office network.
Figure 3: TL-SG 1008P unmanaged 8 port gigabit PoE switch.
Summary
This article focused on the recommendation of 8 port gigabit switch for different requirements: unmanaged non-PoE switch, unmanaged PoE switch, managed non-PoE switch and managed PoE switch. Each one has its features in terms of different switch types and vendor characteristics. For managed PoE 8 port gigabit switch consideration, FS.COM will be a good place to go.
Related article: How to Choose 8 Port Gigabit Switch?