LAN Party Chat
LAN Party Chat
For a LAN setup accommodating up to 400 devices, each requiring 48-port PoE and managed connectivity, you'll want versatile options under $100k. Consider switches that support 10GbE and robust backplanes for reliability. Options like the Cisco Catalyst 9500 series or Aruba 9500 series fit these needs well.
Why this approach? You can find used 48-port switches on eBay for around a few years old HP Aruba models, costing about a couple hundred each. Adding a 10Gb uplink would really increase the budget, but a 1Gb uplink is still widely used and perfectly acceptable.
We intend to deploy numerous PoE cameras, access points, and other network devices, and it’s always pleasant to have PoE available. Regarding the Aruba switches, they are intriguing but not exactly what we need. We’re not aiming for 10GbE across every table, just 10GbE per row switch.
Outline your strategy clearly—it’ll help when seeking guidance. Immediately consider isolating the cameras and possibly the entry points on a separate channel.
They should create the map themselves first, getting as precise as possible. That way, it will be much simpler for us afterward.
Brocade ICX6610s serve as your edge switches, paired with two ICX7750s as your core. Utilize the 40Gbe ports for your uplinks. Avoid spending on PoE for every device—opt for one or two PoE switches for infrastructure equipment. (Cameras should reside in a different VLAN, ensuring guests can't access them.) Or invest fully in a Cisco Nexus fabric setup if you're feeling bold.
Edited October 3, 2023 by Needfuldoer
Whoa, seriously! I had to back it up—I remember hearing "I want a massive LAN party center" as a teen dream project around here...
You can purchase Cisco N3k-C3048-FA-L3 switches for $99 each: https://unixsurplus.com/Cisco-N3KC3048TP...s-1G-2xPSU or https://www.ebay.com/itm/355009201636 (their online shop). Ordering 8 to 10 units may offer better shipping rates. Inquire about the availability of 10g SFP+ ports – unclear what “BASE LICENSE” refers to. Alternatively, consider the Juniper Ex4200 for $99 – a 48-port 1G switch with 2x PSUs and an ear, plus 2x 10G SFP+ and 2x 1G SFP: https://www.ebay.com/itm/355009328442. For the Cisco 4948 model, you get a 48-port 1G switch with 2x PSUs, ear, 2x 10G SFP+, and 2x 1G SFP for $119. Another choice is the Quanta T1048-LY4R at around $250: https://unixsurplus.com/Quanta-T1048-LY4R/ or https://www.ebay.com/itm/354665454149. A 52-port 10G SFP+ switch costs about $250: https://www.ebay.com/itm/355009221358. Arista 7050S-52-R offers 48 x 10g SFP+ plus 4 x 10g SFP+, priced at $269: https://www.ebay.com/itm/355067123299. You can connect 2–4 switches with 10G cables to a central unit, use the remaining ports for a router, internet, or other needs.