Seeking suggestions for 8+ port switches with 10GB ports.
Seeking suggestions for 8+ port switches with 10GB ports.
We're planning a new office in about a year and am evaluating tech upgrades from our existing setup. Right now we have six desktops, one server, twelve Microsoft Surface tablets, five VOIP phones, and everyone's cell phones. Our current network uses a 16-port Netgear switch at 1Gbps, which works but isn't future-proof. I'm considering moving the server and all desktops to a 10GbE switch, while keeping the old switch/WAP for the rest. I'd like suggestions on vendors and budget around $500 for the switch plus $100–$150 per station for new computers. Anyone have ideas?
The server is handling file transfers and managing network configurations. You're asking about the files being copied, whether the desktops support 10GbE, the type of connectivity you're using (fiber or copper), and what features are required on the switch. You're also considering a managed solution and have a specific product in mind from Netgear.
I own that one and I'm not completely sure I like it. For some reason, I don't get the full 10Gb throughput even though I can actually pull it from a P2P connection. It feels missing some important features. Plus, I think I'd prefer a model that supports 2.5G and 5G speeds since 10Gb seems a bit excessive for most devices. Also, my question is, what makes the PCs or servers worth spending so much on 10Gb? I also just saw a video about this; it's worth checking out, especially with your upcoming two-switch setup.
The server stores our client information. ~4,000 customers have complete service records, and we've expanded approximately 5-10% annually over the last four years. Currently, we're running consumer-level solutions. The desktops will be equipped with PCIe or Thunderbolt 10G adapters together with the switch.
What bandwidth do you see to the desktops? My guess is your well below gigabit, and gigabit won't be a limit for a long time. Customer data is pretty small normally, and normally the clients are only loading a small amount of it at a time. I don't see a reason to go 10gbe here now, seems like a complete waste.
For a fresh office setup that mainly uses current devices, a full network refresh handled by a skilled engineer is advisable. This approach will likely deliver better results than simply adding a few high-speed switches without proper planning.
Realistically, predicting the business's future in twenty years is uncertain. The key focus at the office should be on structural cabling and infrastructure updates—everything could change every few years without notice. What matters most is your server setup. If it’s essential to your operations, consider relocating it to a central data center or cloud environment. Your customer base might grow by 5-10% annually, so prioritize robust protection for the applications and infrastructure that store your data. This server likely represents the biggest IT risk. You’d only consider upgrading to 10Gbps if your current network can’t meet today’s demands and you have a clear plan in place. Often, customers aren’t aware of their traffic levels, so you might be suggesting a 10Gbps connection for a network that rarely handles 100Mbps. With a budget of $1000, I’d invest in a reliable new switch to avoid future issues.