3Com switch, question

[bkonner]

Hi,

This may not be the right forum, but I would like some input. When connecting two or more switches together, is it faster to use a module (a stack extender kit) or a cross cable. With 3Com's 4400 switch, you can connect up to 192 ports (four switches). The thing is, each kit costs about $ 400 to 500 each. 3Com recommends the extender kit, but my gut tells me that the difference is probably marginal and that I am wasting money.

I am just curious to get some responses.

Thanks

bkonner

 

[jimbopalmer]

I may have misread, but I think the extension cable connects them at 10.1 million packets per second 17.6 Gbps

This will be faster than a gigabit crossover cable, and MUCH faster than 100 Mbps

The stacking kit seems to be priced under the Gigabit port. I tried to remain child-like, all I acheived was childish.

 

[jm565]

bkonner,

Also, the extender cable lets the network see the switches as "1" device on the network, as opposed to two when using the cross-over cable. This is mainly to eliminate hop counts over a large disperse area, with many hubs or switches.

If hop count isn't a concern for the network your running, then the cross-over solution is fine. The internal speed of the network is negligible any way, since ultimatley you're running into the Internet connection bottleneck.

Keep in mind that if your network grows, at some point hop counts will matter. Good Luck