Switch Configuration Recommendations for Small Home Network

nabioullinr · ‎06-04-2010

I have recently purchased a used Cisco Catalyst 3512XL switch (12.0 firmware) for a small home network (~3 PCs, 2 printers, server with GbE NIC, WAP). I currently have the default settings, but I want to take advantage of all the functions that the firmware offers that would be relevant to such a network; i.e., user accounting would be useless, but storm control might be useful in case of a host on the network becoming compromised with malware causing a broadcast flood.

Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.

Leo Laohoo · ‎06-04-2010

I'd be careful using 3500XL with modern or latest generation of Gig NICs. I was involved with a multi-million dollar project to roll out new PCs with Gig cards (Intel). I was with the network team and we noticed that there are some cases where the ports would just flap like mad! We managed to fix by hard-coding speed and duplex.

Enable spanning-tree portfast and BPDU guard would be good. Storm control on a XL switch? Never thought that it was supported but I could be wrong. Regularly clean the fan blades because the accumulation of compressed dusts all over the fans can strain the bearings. The accumulated dusts plus a very weak bearing can be very noisy plus can cause the bearings to fail.

mbroberson1 · ‎06-05-2010

I would consider just picking up a used 3550/24 if its just for a small home network. The 3550 will do everything you want then some. If space is an issue and you want a switch a little smaller then consider the 2490 switch, it is an 8 port switch you can sit on a pc and will also run all nessesary features.

Please rate if posting help.

Kind Regards