Using “enterprise” switches in home network? [closed]

Question

After more than 12 years working with computers, I am still way behind when it comes to networking, so please bear with me :)

As of this Christmas, the number of computers in my home has increased and it's well about time to upgrade the current network hardware in order to offer LAN connection to all computers.

Trying to find a cheap solution, A close friend offered me a great deal on a "enterprise-class" Switch from HP (more LAN ports than I would ever need), at the same price as what a brand new Netgear or D-link Switch with 6/8 ports would cost me in retail.

Would it be common sense to get this one and start using it immediately and never again have to worry about running out of LAN connections, or am I taking on a bigger bite than what I could chew?

Answer 1

I'd be concerned about the power consumption, noise, electromagnetic interference (EMI) and cooling requirements.

While they're robust and would (probably) provide you with more connections that you'll ever need, they're designed to sit in server rooms or cabinets. This means that they'll (potentially) be noisier than one designed for home use, for example.

Answer 2

It is just a switch. Power it up, put all the ports on a single vLAN (which is probably the default config anyway) and plug in your machines. Just keep in mind that switch will make more noise than a home switch and will draw more power / give off more heat.

Answer 3

I just wanted to mention one problem that I've seen when using a managed switch in a home environment. It's a problem that can be avoided if the switch is configured appropriately.

The default configuration should work for most home environments. But many managed switches have STP enabled by default which can cause some network connectivity with some devices. I've personally seen this issue with my XBox 360 and my DirectTV HD DVR. The solution is either disabling STP globally on the switch or enabling "portfast" or "fastlink" on the ports in question. Portfast and fastlink are just two names for the same thing and I'm not sure what HP calls it. Either of these solutions will be safe to use on a home network that you've described.

I even wrote a blog post about this a couple months back. So if you want more information on what STP is and how portfast/fastlink solves the problem then have a look at that post.

Answer 4

A switch is a switch. The enterprise class ones are that way because they have lots more features, like vlan, remote management, individual port configuration, remote monitoring (SNMP). But the core functionality remains the same, to get packets from one port to another. If your friend supplies it with an "out of box" configuration, it'll behave practically the same as the dlink one you can buy for retail. It'll be better at it, faster at it, and a little noisier too (remember enterprise class switches usually have control boards, with processors that require cooling, and as such, fans).

Do I think you'd be biting off more than you can handled? I doubt it, basic configuration on these bigger switches is usually enough for most cases. If you want to start getting a little more technical, like splitting the kids off on their own private network (vlan), then you might consider reading the manual, and brushing up on some basics of networking, otherwise you should be fine.

Just remember when these things ship from factory, they're just basic layer 2 switches, the advanced stuff you usually have to configure/enable.

Answer 5

I can't comment so I have to put an answer, but assuming that your getting a HP procurve(from the picture) some do not have fans, but you need the model number to be sure...

EDIT

The procurve 2524 do have Fans , but I have heard that mileage varies on the switch , some being quite loud and some nearly silent

Answer 6

I have a ProCurve 2650 and the fan is LOUD—or at least it was once upon a time. I popped the cover off and unplugged the fan connector over 2 years ago.

It complains about the fan failure, but no temperature-related warnings or errors:

hpicfSensorWarnings.1 = 0
hpicfSensorWarnings.2 = 0
hpicfSensorWarnings.3 = 0
hpicfSensorWarnings.4 = 0
hpicfSensorFailures.1 = 8267
hpicfSensorFailures.2 = 0
hpicfSensorFailures.3 = 0
hpicfSensorFailures.4 = 0
hpicfSensorDescr.1 = Fan Sensor
hpicfSensorDescr.2 = Power Supply Sensor
hpicfSensorDescr.3 = Redundant Power Supply Sensor
hpicfSensorDescr.4 = Over-temperature Sensor
...
Up Time            : 233 days

By now, I've gotten used to the blinking orange LED.