Which switch to buy?

[hageyama]

Greetings,
I am a teacher at an elementary school who has just had the honor of having the title of "tech-person" added to my responsibilities. I have inherited a computer lab consisting of twenty-four desktop PCs. They range from Pentium II 600 to Pentium IV 2.8, and are running W98 and WinXP. They are presently connected using Hubs only. To improve the speed I have been told to purchase a 3Com switch. We will be adding more PCs to the lab soon so we will need one that can handle in excess of 24.
My question is what type of 3Com switch would you recommend, that would allow for expansion, and that is currently available? Also,if it is allowed in this forum an est. of cost would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[mikeyb123]

does it have to be 3 com?

It's not getting any smarter out there. You have to come to terms with stupidity, and make it work for you.

 

[hageyama]

Yes they were pretty specific.

 

[softgod]

I am a 3com nut that has been given the same job but for 125 people this time and nearly 400 in November. I do things a bit different though. I throw LAN parties (computer gaming parties) in the Indianapolis area.

http://WWW.INDYGAMERS.COM

and

http://WWW.STOMPFEST.COM

-> had to get a plug in

Anyhow I have several 3com 3900's that have 36 ports and a fibre gigabit uplink on the back. This could be an option so you could upgrade later on but I think this might be better since I am a tax payer.

The 3COM superstack II and superstack III 3300s have a lifetime warranty. I buy dead ones all the time and send them in to get new ones at my door a week later. If you have any 3com questions you can reach me at softgod@indygamers.com. I do not know it all but I am working on it.

If you really want room to expand look for a 3com Switch 4007 or Corebuilder 9000. I have one of each and they are great. Also Ebay is a really good place to look for used 3COM switches.

 

[hageyama]

Thanks, at least now I know where to start looking.