Support for SMB Network services
Support for SMB Network services
Hello, I’m not sure if this is the ideal spot for seeking advice, but I’m hoping someone can assist. At work, we’re updating our office network layout (it’s being reconfigured) and I’m in charge of picking the configuration. Here’s a bit of background: We’re a small business, aiming for a smooth setup without breaking the bank. We’re not planning a complete overhaul—just swapping cables and installing two switches (one per area). The main hubs (SW0) are two HPE Aruba CX 6100 units connected via fiber optics. In short, each switch has 10 Gigabit RJ45 ports with SPF+ ratings (two free per switch), but it doesn’t support 10G RJ45 transceivers according to the datasheet. My research indicated that a 10G RJ45 module is only available for CX6200 models. Each area needs a 24-port switch (SW1 and SW2).
My goal: Establish two high-speed connections (copper or fiber) from SW0 to SW1/2 for redundancy or backup. Include a PoE switch in each area, equipped with 1Gb RJ45 downlink and 10Gb uplink, using patch panels for cable routing through wall trunks. Ideally, we’d avoid replacing SW0 entirely—just swap out cables. Changing the main cabinet later would be more disruptive.
Budget-wise, altering SW0 now isn’t feasible due to design constraints and cost limits. The two switches are located in separate rooms, about 40–50 meters apart, with varying distances from SW0 to each switch. I’m considering using HPE Aruba IO 1930 (JL683B) for SW1/2 based on the datasheet.
My questions:
- How should these switches be connected? My initial thought was RJ45 cables, but SW0 lacks 10G ports and SPF+ doesn’t support RJ45 modules.
- SW1/2 can use a Cat 6a transceiver module (limited to 30m), while SW0 is compatible with longer distances.
- Do I need to change SW0 to newer models with PoE, or should I stick with the current setup?
- Fiber options exist, but they seem complex and costly. Is there a simpler alternative?
I’m new to this, so any suggestions or clarifications would be greatly appreciated. Appreciate your help!
Set up a multi-strand single mode fiber trunk between closets to serve as your backbone. This choice works because it's forward compatible with 10/25/40/100 gigabits—no need to redo the setup. For stacking switches, link the server to the nearest switch using DACs or other optics you prefer. You're free to use multimode within a rack if needed. It performs smoothly and reliably. I personally avoid copper for such high-speed links that span an entire room.
Thanks for your input. You're right about single mode fiber being more suited for longer distances, especially in your 100m setup. For practical examples, you might find datasheets or product listings online that detail cable performance at shorter ranges. Regarding multi-mode OM3 cables, they can indeed support speeds up to 40/100 Mbps over distances under 100 meters, which aligns with what you found. As for the cable compatibility, if it feels too restrictive, it's common to plan for future upgrades—switching to different equipment later is often a smart move. The fact that your current server lacks DAC ports is understandable, but you're right to consider expanding capabilities soon. It sounds like you're thinking ahead and planning for scalability, which is great. You might want to keep an eye on emerging standards while you're at it.