Network recommendations

[Ra1nman]

I'm a fairly new IT manager to a small organization.  We have 12 departments in one building that's roughly 200' X 200'.  The current network has been expanded upon so many times that it's literally impossible to trace every run.  We've been experiencing data storms and tracking down the cause has been futile.  I'm basically rebuilding the network from scratch.  I'd like to install new 10gbase-t copper runs from the server room to switches in each department and then use CAT5e between the switchs and the device.  We don't have a lot of cash so I need to keep the cost in check.

First, is this a good economical way to eliminate our data storm issues and improve network performance?

Second, what switch would you recommend in the server room (12 ports minimum)?

Third, what switch would you recommend in each department (4 to 16 ports)?  I need POE for VOIP phones and Wi-Fi.

Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated!!!!

[DaneA · Accepted solution]

Hi @Ra1nman,

Welcome to the community!  Let me help you with your concerns.

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@Ra1nman wrote:

First, is this a good economical way to eliminate our data storm issues and improve network performance? 

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If ever the previous IT Manager did not leave any information before leaving his/her post then rebuilding the network from scratch would be a good way to start.  In this way, you will have everything documented about the network setup.  This method might take time and production might be at stake since everything will be rewired and reconfigured.

Considering the cost, if ever the existing devices still works then you may want to decide to still use it.  However, upgrading the hardware have also advantages since it supports features not present in the exisitng devices you have (such as 10Gbase-T).

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@Ra1nman wrote:

Second, what switch would you recommend in the server room (12 ports minimum)? 

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For the server room, I recommend the XS712T switch.  All 12 ports of it are 10Gbase-T ports.  Kindly check its data sheet here.

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@Ra1nman wrote:

Third, what switch would you recommend in each department (4 to 16 ports)?  I need POE for VOIP phones and Wi-Fi.

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Currently, there is no 16-port PoE switch wherein all 16 ports are capable of PoE that is available.  However, I recommend you the GS728TP switch.  All 24 ports of it supports PoE (IEEE 802.3af standard).  VoIP is also supported on this switch.  Kindly check its data sheet here.

About Wi-Fi, there is no NETGEAR switch that supports Wi-Fi.  Using an Access Point would be the best solution.  I recommend you either the WAC730 or WAC720. Kindly check their comparison on the data sheet here.

Prices varies on the NETGEAR devices I have recommended when I have check it online.  Kindly check this list of NETGEAR Authorized resellers then inquire for the price.

Regards,

DaneA

NETGEAR Community Team

[DaneA · Accepted solution]

Hi @Ra1nman,

Welcome to the community!  Let me help you with your concerns.

---

@Ra1nman wrote:

First, is this a good economical way to eliminate our data storm issues and improve network performance? 

---

If ever the previous IT Manager did not leave any information before leaving his/her post then rebuilding the network from scratch would be a good way to start.  In this way, you will have everything documented about the network setup.  This method might take time and production might be at stake since everything will be rewired and reconfigured.

Considering the cost, if ever the existing devices still works then you may want to decide to still use it.  However, upgrading the hardware have also advantages since it supports features not present in the exisitng devices you have (such as 10Gbase-T).

---

@Ra1nman wrote:

Second, what switch would you recommend in the server room (12 ports minimum)? 

---

For the server room, I recommend the XS712T switch.  All 12 ports of it are 10Gbase-T ports.  Kindly check its data sheet here.

---

@Ra1nman wrote:

Third, what switch would you recommend in each department (4 to 16 ports)?  I need POE for VOIP phones and Wi-Fi.

---

Currently, there is no 16-port PoE switch wherein all 16 ports are capable of PoE that is available.  However, I recommend you the GS728TP switch.  All 24 ports of it supports PoE (IEEE 802.3af standard).  VoIP is also supported on this switch.  Kindly check its data sheet here.

About Wi-Fi, there is no NETGEAR switch that supports Wi-Fi.  Using an Access Point would be the best solution.  I recommend you either the WAC730 or WAC720. Kindly check their comparison on the data sheet here.

Prices varies on the NETGEAR devices I have recommended when I have check it online.  Kindly check this list of NETGEAR Authorized resellers then inquire for the price.

Regards,

DaneA

NETGEAR Community Team

[Ra1nman]

Thanks DaneA!!!  This is great information.  My goal is to have 10GB communication between switches using sheilded CAT6a cable. Is that possible?  Can I use CAT6a to connect the server room switch to each department switch?  If so, will the RJ-45 connector work, or do I need to use something else??  I was told that the best option is to use Fiber with SFP+ connectors but I'm trying to save money --- and still get 10GB speed.

[DaneA]

Hi Ra1nman,

If you will use RJ-45 CAT6a cabling between the XS712T switches (for the server room) and the GS728TP switches (for each department), you will only get 1 Gigabit connection since the GS728TP switch does not support 10Gbase-T ports.

If you want 10 Gigabit connection between the switches, I recommend you the S3300-28X-PoE+ switch for each department instead of the GS728TP.  The S3300-28X-PoE+ has 2 dedicated 10Gbase-T RJ-45 ports and all 24 ports of it supports PoE.  For more information about the S3300-28X-PoE+, kindly check the data sheet here. 

With CAT6a cabling between the XS712T switches and S3300-28X-PoE+ switch, you can achieve 10 Gigabit connection.  Again, take note that S3300-28X-PoE+ has 2 dedicated 10Gbase-T RJ-45 ports and all 12 RJ-45 ports of the XS712T are 10Gbase-T ports that is why 10 Gigabit connection between these switches is possible. 

Regards,

DaneA

NETGEAR Community Team