Remote Distribution switches

[ERG13]

I have a large warehouse that I am going to be expanding my network into. I have some industrial equipment coming which requires network connections for diagnostics and service support. I will also be adding VoIP Phones and computer kiosks for the operators and in the near future Security Cameras, which I feel should be IP.

There are 2 locations which will have a concentrated number of network devices which I would like to place switches at. One location is over 400' of cable length from my server(Wireing Closet). However the second location is within 200' of both the wiring closet and the other switch location .

Is it possible too use a switch that has two) 1000Base-t gigabit uplink ports and daisy chain from the wiring closet to the first switch then to the other in order to keep the distances within the 300' range? Or should I opt for a fiber run to the further location?

Cost is one factor, But more importantly I want there to be enough bandwidth to expand in the future for cameras and more computers.

There is a little EMI due to some electrical motors on the machines, but the switch and 1000 Base-t cable would be ran on the wall and/or ceiling rafters away from the EMI.

Thanks,

 

[franklin97355]

In an industrial situation like this I would use fiber between the switch locations. This will negate any electrical interference and give you the best bandwidth you can get.

The answer is "42"

 

[LawnBoy]

You can daisy-chain the switches, but I don't recommend it because you're cutting your total bandwidth in half. 2 individually cabled switches can deliver 2 Gb/s to the wiring closet, but two daisy-chained switches can only deliver 1 Gb/s (no single cable can deliver more than 1 Gb/s).

Running VoIP and IP cameras together is going to demand as much bandwith as you can get, since both are time-sensitive streams. Regular data can be buffered (held in storage temporarily) by the switches until the network isn't busy, but voice and video demand that their data be delivered on-time every time to prevent "choppiness".

Fiber is the way to go if you can, I'd recommend fiber to both switches. Fiber is impervious to noise, power surges, and ground loops. While it is more expensive, Multi-Mode fiber (which will work for your distances, also refered to as "short-haul") is not prohibitively so. The fiber will still be usable if you sholud upgrade you switches to 10Gig in the future.

Whether you use fiber or copper, you will want to connect those two edge switches to a "core" switch that has enough Gig ports to connect to the switches and every server you have. I find HP's line of Procurve switches to be of extremely high value and reliability (they come with lifetime warranties, no extra cost).

Build it right the first time, and then forget about it.