Re: Ethernet cabling and switches

[Bill <bubbzbill@xxxxxxxxx>]

I haven't had switches go bad on me whether small or large, so I think 
it's a moot point.  One that's more important is length of run:  the 
longest you can run for Cat 5 is 100 meters between points. 

Having the mini-switches also gives you more flexibility for expansion 
if that's a possibility.  Is there a lot of electrical noise in the 
area?  A long run would be highly susceptible, whereas mini-switches 
along the way would help to keep the signal clearer.

bill


Burns, Bryan wrote:
> My thoughts exactly.  "But we'll have two spares", I heard.
>
> Bryan  
>
> -----Original Message-----
>
>
> Would you honestly trust a $20 port for a obviously mission-critical system?
> Go with the full 24 port switch. Consumer-grade is reliable, but
> business-grade is more so.
>
> On 10/26/06, Burns, Bryan <Bryan_Burns@xxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
>   
> > What's the best practice with respect to Ethernet cabling and
> > switches?  At what point do you cable a homerun instead of switch, upon
> > switch, upon switch?
> >
> > We'll soon be adding one thin client and one Zebra label printer to 11
> > final assembly lines and we need to run network drops.  The printers will be
> > a critical component of the assembly lines;  if a printer is not working,
> > the entire assembly line will shutdown. It's been suggested that we buy some
> > cheapo $20 four port switches and put them at each line and use an existing
> > drop to connect the switch.
> >
> > The alternative is to run two home run Ethernet cables from a switch
> > cabinet located on a post in the assembly area to each assembly line.   But
> > we'll have to buy a 24 port switch and add a patch panel panel.