Searching for a switch with 2*10GbE and additional n*1GbE capacity.
Searching for a switch with 2*10GbE and additional n*1GbE capacity.
I manage a modest design team of about ten members. We've grown enough to consider investing in a dedicated file server for better organization, so we're evaluating a network switch upgrade. My goal is to get a switch with two 10GbE ports and many 1GbE ports. For the two high-speed ports, I'd prefer copper connections over fiber. After some research, the Netgear GS110EMX caught my attention—it offers two 10GbE ports plus eight 1GbE ports. However, we already have ten desktops and expect more growth soon. Ideally, I'd like a switch supporting both 10G and 16G ports. That would match our current needs perfectly. Finding one that fits is challenging, but I'm open to suggestions. On the budget side, I'm comfortable with under $1,000, though lower prices aren't ideal. Quality and brand reputation matter to me.
For 1k you can choose a Netgear XS716 with 16 ports or connect two 10-port switches in series.
Consider the Mikrotik CRS326-24G-2S+RM (https://mikrotik.com/product/CRS326-24G-2SplusRM). It costs around $200 with 24 ports and two SFP+ modules. You can switch it to copper ports by using two S+RJ10 models (https://mikrotik.com/product/SplusRJ10r2, $65 MSRP). If you only need a basic switch, it works perfectly without modifications. It supports most standard managed switch functions, though it’s not a true layer 3 device—routing must be handled by the CPU, which is slow. Learning Mikrotik can be challenging beyond simple switching, but its value is unmatched.
I suggest something similar to the EdgeSwitch 48 Lite. It includes a WebUI for managing your network. You might discover better prices elsewhere. The price tends to rise quickly for copper 10Gbit Ethernet. SFP+ is more affordable, but you can adapt it to copper using transceivers like these or those.
Our firm specializes in various design approaches. You might wonder if a 10Gb connection is necessary—perhaps you're considering a dedicated backbone from the file server to the main switch? Alternatively, we can use stacked switches that support 10GbE and connect via stacking cables to link several devices together. Most stacking switches offer internal speeds of 40 or 80 Gbps. We also embrace "virtual stacking," where multiple switches are linked using numerous Ethernet ports to combine their bandwidth. Additionally, many 16+ port Gig switches include 10GbE ports or can be upgraded for this purpose.
I agree with @brwainer's suggestion. An alternative choice for powering IP phones and similar devices via PoE is the CRS328: https://mikrotik.com/product/crs328_24p_4s_rm