Thoughts on used enterprise switches vs new consumer ones?
Thoughts on used enterprise switches vs new consumer ones?
I've recently installed CAT6 cables in every room and am deciding which switch to purchase. I already purchased a TP-Link TL-SG1024DE for $110 (CAD), but I'm reconsidering because it lacks PoE ports. If I ever need to upgrade my access points to PoE devices, I'll have to buy additional injectors—no high-speed uplinks available. The LAN bandwidth is limited to 1GBE, which isn't a major issue, and I also require a VLAN-capable switch (the TP-Link model already has that). Some users on forums recommend used enterprise switches, though they seem expensive. I'm open to more complex initial setup but want something reliable without future maintenance headaches. What do you think?
Edit: General feedback from Amazon users suggests these budget switches are often overpriced and may not deliver the promised features.
It depends on whether they're controlled or not—meaning if you need to prepare them first. A few could require an entire operating system just to get started, while others might need only a small amount of knowledge. Additionally, some units may have powerful, loud fans that can be quite bothersome.
I think most VLAN-capable switches do need some management effort. There seems to be limited guidance beyond standard spec sheets when trying to figure out which models are particularly tricky to configure. It’s tough to find detailed info online, but since your rack will be in a noisy environment, you might want to pick something that’s more forgiving during setup.
I really like my enterprise castoff switches. I found some Cisco 48 port PoE++ models for around $100 each. They’re easy to manage, but after checking the manual I realized they reset automatically—probably because of a button I had to press (it was EZPZ). The only issue is they take a while to power up, about four minutes. Otherwise, there are no problems.
Beyond the chance to control the change, which complicates setup, there’s another issue: older enterprise equipment tends to consume more power. A switch from 10 years ago is unlikely to match today’s efficiency. The model you’re considering supports only about 14.19W of maximum usage. That’s going to be tough for an outdated device to overcome. More probably, it’ll be roughly double that amount. Assuming a steady 10W extra draw, this adds around 87.6kWh annually. At $0.20 per kWh, that’s approximately $17.50 extra each year. While not an immediate stop, it’s another factor favoring a newer switch.
Also keep in mind that many business networking devices—especially from Cisco—need an annual software license to access specific functions or upgrade firmware. Make sure to check the details of your device before proceeding!
It seems they’re focusing on Meraki products. "Standard" Cisco equipment doesn’t offer continuous subscriptions; updates require a support agreement and keep the firmware unchanged. Brocade or Ruckus devices come with permanent licenses. There’s a detailed discussion on ServeTheHome about suitable models. Keep in mind that FastIron FCX tends to be noisy and outdated. The ICX7150 series works well when you can secure a competitive price. Ubiquiti products are often misunderstood, but most advanced features need their Cloud Key or specific software versions. Their devices are uncommon in large-scale enterprise environments—most are seen in small businesses. (I’ve noticed enterprises rarely use Mikrotik.)
Wow, that’s a solid offer. I’m still trying to wrap my head around the different Cisco switch models. Power efficiency wasn’t on my radar at first, but it’s definitely something to keep in mind. I was going through this discussion but got lost about what steps I should take for setup. There’s a Linux guide mentioned, though—I’m not sure its purpose is clear. Would using FastIron be an option, or should I look into alternatives like the ICX7150 versus ICX6610? I’m also curious about non-traditional consumer switches such as the ones linked in that article. What do you think?
I had a short connection and landed a good deal, though it was still around market value. Both units are Cisco Catalyst 2960x. I used govdeals to look for network equipment within a 100-mile radius, then checked the listings for those models. You should be able to find their specifications easily. I was looking for at least 12 PoE ports and gigabit speeds, so I skipped anything missing those features and just picked what fit. After deciding on the ones that matched, I verified in the manual that they could function as passive switches, and I went ahead and installed them.