Can you mix Cisco and HP switches?

[hinesjrh]

Do you see any issue with mixing Cisco and HP switches at the same location? I have Cisco switches installed in an MDF closet and I am now adding an IDF closet. I have an HP switch I could use there. Is it possible to run fiber from a Cisco 2950 (SX) to an HP 2650 with a mini-GBIC?

Are there any special configurations to consider?

 

[vipergg]

Shouldn't be any issues as long as you know how to configure the HP , make sure all your speeds and duplexes match . Think HP's even run CDP .

 

[lambent]

There are SC-LC/SC-MTRJ fibers. You just need to make sure that both GBICs are either running multi-mode or single-mode and then buy the correct MM/SM fiber cables.

 

[jneiberger]

And don't plan on running VTP with your HP switches. You could run GVRP, though, but then you'd have to turn off VTP on your Cisco switches.

 

[hinesjrh]

My scenario has changed a bit now that I have looked closer at the current set up.

I have two Cisco 2950 swithes each in the MDF and IDF. The MDF and IDF are connected by fiber. Due to user expansion at this site I need to add a switch to each closet but may want to get HP switches (2650's) due to cost per port. So if I go with a new HP switch in each closet, do you see any issue with running a patch cord from a Cisco 2950 to a HP 2650 in each closet? How does spanning-tree play into the port settings on each?

 

[jneiberger]

There shouldn't be a problem but it may be management pain in the hiney. Without VTP you will have to manually configure the HP switches whenever you add or delete a VLAN. Or you can convert all your switches to use GVRP instead.