[CentOS] [OT] Network switches

[nate]

Rob Townley wrote:

> i would not be surprised if most SOHO networks may not even have layer
> 2 manageablity.
> How do you know it isn't something to be concerned about unless you
> have data from various manufacturers and various NICs?

I don't deal with SOHO networks(outside of my own which only has
a few devices on it, I used to run a big fancy 48-port layer 3
managed switch at home but have since eliminated most of my
home network so don't need the noise/power draw of the big switch
for just a few things. So you certainly have a valid point
for that type of network.

For the higher grade networks my experience tells me at least for
performance for the most part there isn't a concern, at least I
haven't run into any noticeable performance issues that I can
recall. I do design networks carefully though as to try to avoid
potential bottlenecks e.g. utilizing 802.3ad, using good quality
cables(some folks who crimp themselves can do a real poor job,
while others do it fine), and having a system that can scale as
needed to something more powerful(preferably with downtime for
the upgrades measured in seconds or minutes not hours or days).

My last company was really small there was only about 24
48-port switches total that I spec'd/bought/deployed between two
sites. The company previous to that was bigger, we had about 65
48-port gigE switches and a pair of 180-port(480 max) core
switches at one site. The place I'm at now has aging
infrastructure and probably has about 40 48-port gigE switches,
and a pair of big ~96 port core switches(384 max?).

nate