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  3. Need recommendation for BEST 8 port Gigaswitch

  • Need recommendation for BEST 8 port Gigaswitch

    R
    R

    Hi There - I have a Netgear one now (for 5 years) - giving up the ghost - can you make a recommendation for the BEST one that users have (using VEPRO).   Thanks in advance.   

     

    Rob
  • M
    M
    last edited
    last edited

    Hey Rob,

    I'm pasting the answer I gave you on VI-Control, here on VSL because you stated no one answered it. I thought it was a good question and I believe that my, somewhat, detailed answer would be noteworthy for someone researching in buying ot replacing a gigabit switch. I think you already settled on what to get so I'm just reposting. I now quote myself:

    "As you learn more about network switches, you'll find there are two types: managed and unmanaged. Unless there are computers connected to this switch that are constantly streaming large files throughout the day, unmanaged is just fine. I personally own the Linksys LGS108, although there is a newer model now. Here's a link to it on a popular retail website.

    Linksys LGS108 8-port Gigabit Unmanaged Switch

    For completeness:

    1. Is the gigabit network isolated such that no other computers, except for yours, are connected to the switch?
      • If so, then unmanaged is fine. It will be cheaper as well.
    2. If the computers are connected to the internet, will you be sharing the internet with others also connected to that switch?
      • If so, then managed might be considered IF the other computers are doing any or all of the following: streaming HD video, playing online video games, video chat, or anything else that has to do with video or large media files (not music...that's actually insignificant). Why? Because you can prioritize bandwidth to the VEP computers. With an unmanaged switch, you have no control and you're hoping the internal QoS monitor appropriates the bandwidth you need to your computers and not the other people.
        • My experience is that unmanaged can be fine with certain brand of switches that have good QoS monitoring. You'll have to do the research on that but I know that Netgear and Linksys are good for that but I discovered that Linksys has better internal chipsets than most everything out on the market. They also run cool and are silent...no fan.
      • If not, then unmanaged is fine.

    For unmanaged: Linksys, Netgear, D-link (in that order according to reliability)
    For managed: Dell PowerConnect 2808 (reliable chipset)

    How about the $20 switches? They probably will work just as fine but aside from having less ports, their maximum internal data transfer will give you 1Gbps between two computers (as advertised) BUT with more computers it's not a true 1Gbps connection anymore. I can't explain all the details on that, as those units have their own managing system inside that smartly regulates the data packets. You'll have to try it out and see if it does the job for your workflow. I know the name brand of switches I mentioned offer models that have true 1Gbps per each port. In reality, it's not exactly 1Gbps...it's slightly less due to the type of computer you're using and the services running on that computer.

    Take what I say with a grain of salt. I hope it gives you some insight on what to pay attention to in your research. New versions of switches have surfaced since I did my research a while back but it will still boil down to two types as mentioned before. I am most certain unmanaged will be quite sufficient. I only went into detail because the information I provided is spread across many webpages on different websites. If there is any error in anything I have stated, I'm sure no one will hesitate to correct it...which is good for you! (and me)

    Good luck."

    I will add some more information here on VSL that I didn't state on VI-C. Full duplex switching with consistent bandwidth across all ports is the difference between the popular cheap switches and the more expensive ones. Many new models have hit the market just in the last few months, so it's best to study up on some of the new models. Many online gamers and small office owners are making certain switches popular but specialized operations like running audio where latency is always a crucial factor for music production, you must find out how exactly a piece of hardware will integrate and function to facilitate your workflow and not just look at how many ratings a piece of harware has.

    If you think about, most people are not producing music across a gigbait network, so what is popular is most likely something designed for a common task inherent in the population...running VEP is not. Now, one can argue that the digital data is all the same and if the speed is there, then anything can work. Maybe....but let's now introduce more computers into the network and now we have to start experimenting with buffers to get the latency down.

    In my experience, specialized tools required to complete mission specific tasks should never be substituted for knock-offs that claim to do the same thing. Another good tip is that good switches offer lifetime warranties.

    Research. Buy once, not twice.
  • R
    R

    Thanks Mathematics - especially for your follow on comments.  Given the 4 puters working in the VEPRO environment - is there any latest switches that might even be better suited for the duty than the Linksys LGS 108 you linked?   For this switch only these puters are hooked into the switch (of course the modem (internet) comes into the switch as well so they have access to the internet)
  • M
    M

    The Linksys was merely an example of what to look for and also because it was the best one at the time I bought it, for my VEP cpmputer network (which works fantastically).

    If I had were to do it again, I would still choose unmanaged because I don't share the network with anyone and those VEP systems are isolated. If company comes over and they want to use the internet, they connect wirelessly through the router, which is set up to be isolated from my network; meaning, they can't see the VSL computers; no one can...except the VSL computers themselves.

    $40-$80 will get you a great unmanaged switch with full duplex transmission on all ports...no doubt. There are so many brands to choose from now, which makes it very time consuming to go through and investigate chipsets, firmware....and so on. I would suggest to hunt down only the major name brands that offer a lifetime guarantee. You'll find this will dramatically narrow down your search.

    If I come across any good suggestions, I'll be sure to post them.
  • R
    R

    I am all about PROVEN track record the Linksys 108 looks like it will work well and has a good track record.   Thanks again for all your help Mathematics.