Hi, We are looking currently to deploy a large scale network with 288 x 10/100 Ports. Currently, we are basing this equipment on a configuration of 1 x 24 Port 2960, 2 x 48 Port 2960 in one cabinet, and 1 x 24 Port 2960 with 2 x 48 Port 2960 in another cabinet. This is then tied together at a 3560 24 Port 10/100/1000 switch with 4 SFPs for future expansion (naturally, running things like EtherChannels between all the 2960 switches).
Based on the large amount of 10/100 Ports required, I am believing that it would be cheaper to invest into a modular switch, such as a 6500 and just add a few blades. So far, the bit of pricing I have seen on the blades are very, very cheap. Our requirements would be for 288 10/100 Ports, and a few (no more than 16, 24 max) 1GB ports, and hey, fantastic if we can later upgrade to 10GB interfaces by installing a module. What I am wondering, is how close to EOL is the 6500 series? Those switches has been around for quite a while, and I see that certain models are already at EOL. What could I possibly look at? We don't require a massively fast backplane, nor long distance capabilities at this stage - frankly, the network would perform very well with the 2960s and 3560s as mentioned above - I am looking at a modular switch at this stage, purely from a pricing perspective. If I am to look at a 6500 (or another model), what kind of modules would I need to look at? I've seen lots of different modules for the 6500 already, but apart from the actual blades with the Ethernet ports, I'm a bit lost as to what is required.... Thanks allot, and I look forward to some constructive criticism as always :) Regards, Chris. _______________________________________________ cisco-nsp mailing list [email protected] https://puck.nether.net/mailman/listinfo/cisco-nsp archive at http://puck.nether.net/pipermail/cisco-nsp/
