Switch and AP Recommendations

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Paul1977

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Topic # 191878 19-Feb-2016 09:26

My 8 port unmanaged switch at home is full and I'm an looking to replace it with something a little bigger and better, but not sure what to get. I'd like to go at least semi-managed, but also don't want to spend a fortune.

I particularly want one with port mirroring capabilities that a single port can be configured to mirror the traffic from all other ports at once (so I can monitor all traffic on the network if required). Preferably I would like this port to always function as a data port as well, and just be able to turn the mirroring on and off as required (i.e. have my PC plugged into port 1 and always have proper connectivity, but be able to turn on mirroring on that port as required to run Wireshark to capture all network traffic).

Other requirements are: Gigabit with good fast performance, 12 to 16 ports, physically not too large, and quiet (as it will be in a bedroom).

One I'm considering it the TP-Link TL-SG1016DE.

Also after a decent wireless AP, so recommendations for that are also welcome.

Any and all input is appreciated.

EDIT: Typo.

Home: Work:
Home Work

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Reply # 1495429 19-Feb-2016 09:28

I suggesting ringing some ex-lease computer suppliers as they have PLENTY of ex-lease switches going for a song. My favourite company is BMS - search bms2013 on TradeMe

ComputerRecycling.co.nz is my second favourite.

I love the Ubiquiti UniFi wireless gear, but probably overkill for home as it requires a management computer (which can be a home computer).

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sbiddle

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Reply # 1495457 19-Feb-2016 09:59

Depending on your knowledge I'd also recommend looking at some ex Lease gear as it's easy to pick up great Cisco stuff for peanuts

Once you start to move to a mid to high end switch the one thing you do have to factor in though is fan noise, which can become a problem depending on it's location.

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Paul1977

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Reply # 1495576 19-Feb-2016 12:07

Ex-lease is an interesting idea. There's a couple of HP ProCurve 2510G-24 switches on Trademe, but I think these may be a little noisy... thoughts?

EDIT: Specs say 40.5 dB, too loud for a bedroom?

jnimmo

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Reply # 1495656 19-Feb-2016 13:29

Netgear have some nice small fanless web managed switches which will do mirroring

http://www.netgear.co.nz/home/products/networking/switches/click-switches/default.aspx#tab-features

or the GS116Ev2

Not sure how the pricing compares.. HP have some quiet fanless models too but much larger (1800 range)

xpd

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Reply # 1495659 19-Feb-2016 13:33

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Dynamic:

I love the Ubiquiti UniFi wireless gear, but probably overkill for home as it requires a management computer (which can be a home computer).

Only for initial setup - I have a UniFi at home, set it up then removed the software and havent needed it since.

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Reply # 1495679 19-Feb-2016 14:06

All managed switches I have come across have those obnoxious little cooling fans (some being worse than others). You could get creative. :)

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Paul1977

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Reply # 1496799 22-Feb-2016 08:53

Thanks for the suggestions.

While you can get some good deals on ex-lease, anything that makes more than the slightest noise would be a bit annoying in a bedroom.

So am probably looking at buying a new web managed "smart" switch without a fan. Less management functionality, but it is just for a home network.

Looking at $300 max, has anyone used anything in this price range they would recommend?

timbosan

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Reply # 1496812 22-Feb-2016 09:26

I have a 1U 3com fully managed switch, it has the small high-speed 40mm fans. So I just opened the case and replaced them with these Noctua fans:

http://quietpc.co.nz/nf-a4x10-flx-5v

Now I cannot hear it, even sitting next to it. I did this about 2 years ago and its still going fine. And with an ex-lease you probably don't have to worry about any warranty anyway.

lNomNoml

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Reply # 1496813 22-Feb-2016 09:31

Paul1977:

My 8 port unmanaged switch at home is full and I'm an looking to replace it with something a little bigger and better, but not sure what to get. I'd like to go at least semi-managed, but also don't want to spend a fortune.

I particularly want one with port mirroring capabilities that a single port can be configured to mirror the traffic from all other ports at once (so I can monitor all traffic on the network if required). Preferably I would like this port to always function as a data port as well, and just be able to turn the mirroring on and off as required (i.e. have my PC plugged into port 1 and always have proper connectivity, but be able to turn on mirroring on that port as required to run Wireshark to capture all network traffic).

Other requirements are: Gigabit with good fast performance, 12 to 16 ports, physically not too large, and quiet (as it will be in a bedroom).

One I'm considering it the TP-Link TL-SG1016DE.

Also after a decent wireless AP, so recommendations for that are also welcome.

Any and all input is appreciated.

EDIT: Typo.

That TP-Link is an excellent choice.

networkn

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Reply # 1496842 22-Feb-2016 10:15

$300 will get you a quiet web managed netgear easily.

Paul1977

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Reply # 1497558 23-Feb-2016 09:05

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jnimmo:

Netgear have some nice small fanless web managed switches which will do mirroring

http://www.netgear.co.nz/home/products/networking/switches/click-switches/default.aspx#tab-features

or the GS116Ev2

Not sure how the pricing compares.. HP have some quiet fanless models too but much larger (1800 range)

I'm leaning towards the GSS116E, as it will do everything I need for my home network and the size and mounting system look good. Thanks for suggesting those.

Paul1977

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Reply # 1497563 23-Feb-2016 09:11

And for the AP I'm thinking the Ubiquiti UniFi AP AC Lite. Tempted by the Pro model, but for a home deployment I don't think I can justify the extra cost. What do you guys think?

MattR

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Reply # 1497689 23-Feb-2016 11:10

I use a Cisco SG300-10P fanless PoE switch and Unifi AC Pro wifi APs at home. I went with the AC Pro as it has standards-baesd PoE (the lite is 24v). I work for a VoIP company and have bucketloads of 802.3af gear already.

You won't find a fanless PoE switch with more than 10 ports. If you don't need PoE and just want managed, the SG300-20 and SG300-28 non-poe models are also fanless.

Paul1977

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Reply # 1497739 23-Feb-2016 11:53

MattR:

I use a Cisco SG300-10P fanless PoE switch and Unifi AC Pro wifi APs at home. I went with the AC Pro as it has standards-baesd PoE (the lite is 24v). I work for a VoIP company and have bucketloads of 802.3af gear already.

You won't find a fanless PoE switch with more than 10 ports. If you don't need PoE and just want managed, the SG300-20 and SG300-28 non-poe models are also fanless.

I have no real need for PoE and will just use the supplied PoE injector, but the SG300-20 is a outside my budget for a switch.

In regards to the APs: Other than standards based PoE and the PRO being Indoor/Outdoor, is the only other difference the 3rd antenna to give higher maximum N and AC speed (450mbps vs 300mbps and 1300mbps vs 867mbps respectively)?

webwat

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Reply # 1498902 25-Feb-2016 00:34

I have a 16port dick smith 100base switch, has VLAN, port mirroring, and a couple of other interesting features but no PoE at all. You have to setup over a serial cable. Not sure what its worth, maybe $50? Some of the small 8port PoE switches seem to deliver less than the required power anyway.

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