Solved: is it possible to build a core layer with c3508g and c3548

michel van vossen · ‎02-17-2010

i want to build a data centre with switches i`ve got on the shelf.

for the access and distribution layer the different 2900 and 3500 models will do fine.

the data centre consists of:

1 cabinet containing a dell blade m1000e cassis incl. redundant cisco fibre switchmodules, 1 emc clarion 4 tb SAN ,with 2 fibre san switches.

1 cabinet containing a couple of hp dl320,360,580 servers.

2 cabinets containing Bull database servers

Edison Ortiz · ‎02-17-2010

You are planning to build a DataCenter with End Of Life equipment? I don't think that's a good idea.

In addition to that, all the switches you've listed are targeted for the access layer, not for the Core of the network.

View solution in original post

Edison Ortiz · ‎02-17-2010

So, the bulk of the money is going towards the server infrastructure but in order for the servers to communicate they need a robust switching topology.

I recommend getting a pair of 3750-E - stack them for redundancy - they will function as a collapse core/access-switch for this environment.

View solution in original post

Edison Ortiz · ‎02-18-2010

if i take the 3750e as a standard for all the different layers this will work efficiently?

For your small environment, Yes.

over time the other switches will be updated i can have 1 in stock for direct hardware replacement.

That's actually a pretty good idea.

View solution in original post

Leo Laohoo · ‎02-17-2010

There are three methods of doing a network project: quick, fast, and cheap. Choose TWO.

About 3 years ago, I worked for a sensitive government account. During my stint, I observed that the client were using >550 2900XL/3500XL switches both for access and distro. Server were also connected to the 3500XL. I recommended that they consider upgrading their switches because the new generations of PC's NICS could and maybe incompatible. Let's just say that the report didn't go down very well. Sure enough, the clients refreshed their PC's and, lo and behold, everything started falling apart. Mainly because the PC's were running slower than the old Win2000. A week of investigations found that the cause of the issues were the PC's NICs unable (unwilling) to properly negotiate with the 3500XL clunkers. Because the client has signed a huge purchase order with the PC manufacturer and the PC manufacturer's stance of "it's your fault and not ours", the NIC chips couldn't be changed prior to shipment.

The client would up spending more to upgrade the 3500XL switch.

Edison Ortiz · ‎02-17-2010

You are planning to build a DataCenter with End Of Life equipment? I don't think that's a good idea.

In addition to that, all the switches you've listed are targeted for the access layer, not for the Core of the network.

Edison Ortiz · ‎02-17-2010

You are planning to build a DataCenter with End Of Life equipment? I don't think that's a good idea.

In addition to that, all the switches you've listed are targeted for the access layer, not for the Core of the network.

michel van vossen · ‎02-17-2010

going dutch is not the answer i know.

the buget is limited so witch switch is recommend for the core (NFR purchase)

the other layers will be updated later

Edison Ortiz · ‎02-17-2010

I understand you are in the budget and I've seen some small datacenters being built around a couple of stacked 3750-E.

When building a core, redundancy is something you should consider and also have equipment that can be supported by the manufacturer.

Are you planning to provide services to customers or this datacenter is for internal company use only?

How big is the company? Expected throughput? Any WAN links?

michel van vossen · ‎02-17-2010

we are currently hosting some exchange servers, 5 company database`s and our own infrastucture.

we are hoping to host mutiple vps service`s als well as SAAS solutions in the future (this is where the dell cassis with catalyst bladeswitches and the emc SAN come in)

redundancy is a must but i am reluctant to purchase a 6,7,10 or 12000 series switching solution.

the newly build datacentre will contain 4 to 5 cabinets

we are a company with 2 office`s and 12 people,this datacentre with fibre-uplink is a size bigger than our company seeing we are smb specialised company

Edison Ortiz · ‎02-17-2010

So, the bulk of the money is going towards the server infrastructure but in order for the servers to communicate they need a robust switching topology.

I recommend getting a pair of 3750-E - stack them for redundancy - they will function as a collapse core/access-switch for this environment.

michel van vossen · ‎02-17-2010

so if i take the 3750e as a standard for all the different layers this will work efficiently?

seeing that over time the other switches will be updated i can have 1 in stock for direct hardware replacement.

Edison Ortiz · ‎02-18-2010

if i take the 3750e as a standard for all the different layers this will work efficiently?

For your small environment, Yes.

over time the other switches will be updated i can have 1 in stock for direct hardware replacement.

That's actually a pretty good idea.