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Topic
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Which and how much hardware
Hi,
I’m new here, not an IT expert, but I have some networking basics.
As part of a project, I’m drafting network requirements to discuss with our IT person (language barrier involved), so I’m trying to clarify a few concepts first.
We’re building modular test racks to operate and test in-house devices. The idea is to replicate these racks across multiple stations.
Each rack would include:
– Power supply (networked)
– Possibly Measuring devices (networked)
– Likely a computer
– One or more “testing boxes”
– Each boxes has 5 devices needing Ethernet + PoE (max ~15W/port)
– Each devices is internally connected to a small switch, itself linked to another switch in the rackI’d like to access all devices Power supply, measuring equipments, PC and testing box) “externally” and was thinking of assigning one VLAN per rack (“Rack 1”, “Rack 2”, etc.). My app could scan and group devices by VLAN.
–> “Externally” I mean outside of each VLAN. Meaning someone could be working on Device 1 inside Rack 1 via the integrated computer, but someone else could be working on the Device 2 of Rack 1 by simply being connected on the general internal company’s network.Questions:
– Do I need a managed switch in each rack, or can one central switch (in server room) handle VLANs based on port config? Racks rarely move, so one-time setup is fine.– Any simple/compact switches you recommend for both inside the rack?
– For the testing box: need a very small PoE switch (≥6 ports), no need for internal power as we could deliver it via our own power supply.
Thanks for your help!
-Vincent
