At IU, what switches are recommended for use on the campus network?
Ethernet hubs, repeaters, and switches are a cost-effective way to provide network connectivity to multiple devices via a single data jack. However, improperly implemented switches can result in network problems for an entire building or even, in some rare cases, an entire campus.
To prevent network problems, end-user Ethernet switches on the IU network must meet the basic requirements published by UITS. For an explanation of these requirements, and for testing instructions, see At IU, is my Ethernet switch compatible with the campus network?
Recommended switches
The following switches have been tested and meet the requirements for end-user Ethernet switches:
| Vendor | Model Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| TRENDnet | TEG-S50g | 5-Port Gigabit GREENnet Switch |
| D-Link | DGS-2205 | 5-Port 10/100/1000 Desktop Switch |
| Linksys | EG005W | 5-Port Workgroup Switch |
| Netgear | GS108NA | ProSafe 8-port Gigabit Desktop Switch |
| Netgear | GS105NA | ProSafe 5-port Gigabit Desktop Switch |
| SMC Network | SMC8505T | 5 Port 10/100/1000Mbps Auto-Sensing Gigabit Switch |
| SMC Network | SMC8508T | 8 Port 10/100/1000Mbps Auto-Sensing Gigabit Switch |
| HP ProCurve | HP408 | HP ProCurve 408 8-Port 10/100 Switch |
| Amer Networks | SGD105 | 5-Port Unmanaged 10/100/1000Mbs Desktop Switch |
| Amer Networks | SGD5 | 5-Port Unmanaged 10/100/1000Mbs Desktop Switch |
| Amer Networks | SGD8 | 8-Port Unmanaged 10/100/1000Mbs Desktop Switch |
| Amer Networks | SGR24 | 24-Port Unmanaged 10/100/1000Mbs Desktop Switch |
None of the switches listed supports the IEEE Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), but all forward STP. Looping ports on the switch cause traffic to flood the upstream (IU) switch, which catches the loop and disables the port with STP. Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP) forwards correctly, with no IGMP snooping.
Not recommended
The following switches have been tested and do not meet the requirements for end-user Ethernet switches:
| Vendor | Model Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| HP ProCurve | 4000M | HP ProCurve Series 4000 |
| HP ProCurve | 1800 | HP ProCurve Series 1800 |
Last modified on September 15, 2011.
