switch usage

Here are some general guidelines for setting up the switches. Keep in mind that performance and management are the key elements to optimize.

1. If the switches are stackable, then stack them. Stackable means that they are equiped with a special port, sometimes called a matrix port, that allows the switches to act as a single unit. They are linked together through the matrix cable which doesn't require you to use an ethernet port to connect them. The matrix port is many more times faster thanthe ethernet port and it also allows the two switches to be managed as a unit. It essentially couples the backplanes of the two switches together as one high speed 48 port switch.

2. Use the most optimal connection between your switches and yourservers. Some units support gigabit interfaces. While this may be overkill in your situation, it is the most optimal way to connect your servers to your LAN. Otherwise, if the switches support full duplex ethernet, then make sure to select NICs for your servers that take advantage of this feature. You should also consider connecting the servers to the switches using 2 NICs. If you select 3Com server NICs, the two NICs will act as backup for each other. If one fails, the other will take over. Other NIC manufacturers offer similar features.

3. Consider a spare. If your application is mission-critical, have a spare switch mounted in the rack, ready to go if one of your switches fails. This is usually very easy to justify. If your down timeis worth $1500/hr (30 users at $50/hr), you can easily justify mounting a spare switch to offset potential down time.

4. Install the switch manufacturer's management software. This software will allow you to configure and monitor the switch, looking for performance bottlenecks, trouble spots, etc. If your switches max out, your software will let you know so that you can plan to increase your available bandwidth.