it would be nice if the managed switches weren't so expensive. I'd like one at home to tinker around with, and maybe even put some PoE equipment on them. But 500$ for a switch? not happening
Not sure what you're talking about, ("smart") managed switches with PoE start at around €85 here. For $500 you can get something like my Cisco SG200-26P which is already somewhat high up the line...
Depending on what you need a managed switch for, a common IT trick is to use an inexpensive 24-port 10/100 manage switch (can be had for under $200) in combination with gigabit switch(es) that can pass 802.x (802.1q, as, etc) from the managed switch to the nodes. That was the endpoint connection is gigabit but the management is from the legacy switch. This is good for VLANs, magicpacket/WOL, static assignment, MAC filtering, flow control, duplex config, bandwidth throttling, and so on. Most decent switches can pass at least 802.1q. This is becoming an even more common configuration as companies upgrade to VOIP and opt for PoE switches, but don't want to pay for an expensive switch, and for the time needed to program it.
"... and I have to say that the unit has been silent ..."
Despite the said lower power consumption this device has a fan according to the image so something seems odd here...
It's pretty strange anyway that companies are optimising efficiency of the devices but still manage to have uncontrolled cheap-ass fans in their devices needlessly sucking one Watt or two and getting on everyones nerves... Heck, if you decide to replace the built-in crappy blowers with something decent (like a Papst) and a PWM controller you'll be greeted with annoying warnings that your fan(s) have failed...
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CamdogXIII - Friday, August 1, 2014 - link
it would be nice if the managed switches weren't so expensive. I'd like one at home to tinker around with, and maybe even put some PoE equipment on them. But 500$ for a switch? not happeningDaniel Egger - Friday, August 1, 2014 - link
Not sure what you're talking about, ("smart") managed switches with PoE start at around €85 here. For $500 you can get something like my Cisco SG200-26P which is already somewhat high up the line...Samus - Saturday, August 2, 2014 - link
Depending on what you need a managed switch for, a common IT trick is to use an inexpensive 24-port 10/100 manage switch (can be had for under $200) in combination with gigabit switch(es) that can pass 802.x (802.1q, as, etc) from the managed switch to the nodes. That was the endpoint connection is gigabit but the management is from the legacy switch. This is good for VLANs, magicpacket/WOL, static assignment, MAC filtering, flow control, duplex config, bandwidth throttling, and so on. Most decent switches can pass at least 802.1q. This is becoming an even more common configuration as companies upgrade to VOIP and opt for PoE switches, but don't want to pay for an expensive switch, and for the time needed to program it.ganeshts - Friday, August 1, 2014 - link
I got the GS2200-24 managed switch for $200 from Newegg back in 2011. You just need to be on the lookout for the perfect deal :)PS: I still don't understand how it was priced that low - It is still being sold, and the current price is $385!
Daniel Egger - Friday, August 1, 2014 - link
"... and I have to say that the unit has been silent ..."Despite the said lower power consumption this device has a fan according to the image so something seems odd here...
It's pretty strange anyway that companies are optimising efficiency of the devices but still manage to have uncontrolled cheap-ass fans in their devices needlessly sucking one Watt or two and getting on everyones nerves... Heck, if you decide to replace the built-in crappy blowers with something decent (like a Papst) and a PWM controller you'll be greeted with annoying warnings that your fan(s) have failed...
ganeshts - Friday, August 1, 2014 - link
The GS2200-24 (that I have at home) is fanless. However, the newly introduced GS2210-24 is actively cooled according to specs.