What GigE switch to use?

aehusted

Active Member
Well the title pretty much tell the story. I need to add an 8 port GigE switch and would like to put it in the 42" Leviton can with my Elk if possible. This is both to keep it out of sight and to simplify the wiring. Most of the posts that I found here were for much larger, heavy duty units. This is just for my home.

I am most worried about heat. Will I need to vent the can somehow in order to keep this switch cool? Or is putting it in there a bad idea?
 
I like my 16 NetGear 10/100 switch. It is ultra slim, and no issues at all. I don't feel any heat, but it's not a GigE switch, so maybe that will make a difference. They now make a GigE switch in that same form factor, so I would probably give them a shot.

I think this would be the switch to get:

http://netgear.com/Products/Switches/Deskt...ches/GS108.aspx

I believe BestBuy has them on display (you can always find a 10%-12% coupon) if you want to look at the box. That switch has 8 ports, but NetGear also has a 16port, which should fit in the can as well. I used this bracket to mount it in my Channel Vision can.
 
It's not going to be as cheap as the previously mentioned switches but the 47611-8PT - 10/100Mbps 8-Port Ethernet Switch is a nice looking switch for the structured wiring can.

t-1369-1197.jpeg
 
Not a GigE switch tho, IMO you can't beat the netgear + Channel Vision bracket combo, it actually looks pretty good, if not better (maybe cleaner is the word I am looking for).
 
Thanks for the input.
I am starting to think that I don't want it in the can. That way it will be easier for me to add a UPS for it. I have also toned down my aesthetic requirements because it is going into my basement workshop.
I definitely want a GigE switch because all of my computers are and I plan on adding NAS later. I did some more looking and it seems that the DLink DGS-2208 and the Netgear GS608 are both good options as well.

It will be connected to an Apple AirportExtreme(n) router, but I don't know if that really makes a difference.
 
I was thinking about the UPS issue as well, but since the switch runs on 12VDC, I would rather just add another battery to my power cabinet (one of those Elk batteries will do), as it is much more efficient, and cheaper.
 
I got the GS116 off ebay for $125 but have not hooked it up yet. It does fit in a can and I do plan to drive it off an external PS and batt.
 
Steve, how did the GS116 work for you? Reviews are all over the map, and I am concerned about the heat if I mount this in a can...

GS116 at NewEgg

I have a GS116 mounted in a Leviton 42" can, don't have the cover on yet though, and haven’t had any problems. The switch has worked good for me, better than my Linksys WRT350N router!
 
Funny, I also have the WRT350N, which I plan on keeping using, at least in the short term for the wireless N and the StorageLink capabilities.

How long have you had the GS116 running? I am going to wire Cat6 into all the rooms of the house, and wanted good GigE equipment that fit in a can (no room for a rack).
 
I typed it in wrong it's the WRT310N I have and it was running ok until I started running over 100 vms, Dan & Steve said to try the dd-wrt firmware and it has been running better since then. I’ve had the GS116 running for a long time now can’t remember exactly when I got it.

Funny, I also have the WRT350N, which I plan on keeping using, at least in the short term for the wireless N and the StorageLink capabilities.

How long have you had the GS116 running? I am going to wire Cat6 into all the rooms of the house, and wanted good GigE equipment that fit in a can (no room for a rack).
 
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