Help needed regarding Ethernet Switch

[Jakob Østergaard]

On Sun, Sep 02, 2001 at 09:20:12PM -0700, Sakthivel Narayanan wrote:
> Dear Lists,
>         
>         We are having a 20 node linux cluster with 
> 24 port 10/100 Mbps Intel EtherExpress 
> 510T (manageable & stackable) switch. We would like 
> to add some more machines with the existing cluster.
> 
> I want to buy one more Ethernet Switch and stack with
> the existing Intel 510T switch.
> 
> I need your suggestion for the following.
> 
> 1. Can i go for one more Intel 510T E-switch with
> stackable interface module and stack with the 
> existing switch.

We have that here:

The stacking module is advertised as 1Gbit, but when you receive it
the docs will tell you it's actually 400 Mbit full duplex.  However,
that may be enough (?)

Our stacking module had a too short pcb, meaning it wouldn't work
when inserted.  Opening the switch and applying sufficient amounts
of physical violence fixed the situation.

> 
> 2. I have doubt, is it possible to stack two different
> brands of switches.(Like Cisco & intel)

Not with the Intel stacking module - but you could do this with
gigabit ethernet ports (available for the 510T and many other
swiches).

> 
> 3. What are the pros and cons of stacking with the 
> same brand or different brands.
> 
> 4. What are the important technical specs, i should
> look before buying and stacking a Ethernet switch 
> with an existing one.
> 
> 
> Please through some light on this, from your
> experiences.

Aside from the issues mentioned, the stacking module has worked perfectly well
ever since (400 Mbit instead of 1G, and nobody dares to touch the switches out
of fear from shaking the module out of it's socket again).

The pcb issue may well have been fixed since.  I don't know what speed they
market the stacking module with these days.  We use the switches on a regular
LAN (not for a cluster), so the 400 Mbit is acceptable.

-- 
................................................................
:   jakob at unthought.net   : And I see the elder races,         :
:.........................: putrid forms of man                :
:   Jakob Østergaard      : See him rise and claim the earth,  :
:        OZ9ABN           : his downfall is at hand.           :
:.........................:............{Konkhra}...............: