Buying Guide: Choosing An SMB Ethernet Switch, Part II

ITBusinessEdge: Buying Guide – Choosing An SMB Ethernet Switch, Part II

Paul Mah points out additional features and options to consider for small and medium businesses shopping for an Ethernet switch.

“I recently wrote about choosing an Ethernet switch for your SMB where I highlighted some of the key features that small- and mid-sized businesses will probably want to consider when it comes to selecting a network switch. Today, I want to talk about some features that didn’t make that list but are nevertheless important considerations that are likely to crop up as part of the decision-making process.

Stackable and Stacking Capacity

One factor that administrators of larger networks need to consider is whether a network switch is stackable, as well as its stacking capacity. A stackable switch can essentially be merged via (usually) proprietary connectors. Because additional stacked switches are managed using the same IP address, the ability to stack them opens the door to easy upgrades in the future with zero manageability issues. In addition, mid- to high-end stackable switches tend to feature greater stacking capacity in stacked configuration than what is achievable with a cascaded or trunked uplink.”