Indiana University
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Recommended Ethernet switches

Ethernet hubs, repeaters, and switches are a cost-effective way to provide network connectivity to multiple devices via a single data jack. However, improperly implemented switches can result in network problems for an entire building or even, in some rare cases, an entire campus.

To prevent network problems, end-user Ethernet switches on the IU network must meet the basic requirements published by UITS. For an explanation of these requirements, and for testing instructions, see Testing Ethernet switches for compatibility

Recommended switches

The following switches have been tested and meet the requirements for end-user Ethernet switches:

Vendor Model Number Description
TRENDnet TEG-S50g 5-Port Gigabit GREENnet Switch
D-Link DGS-2205 5-Port 10/100/1000 Desktop Switch
Linksys EG005W 5-Port Workgroup Switch
Netgear GS108NA ProSafe 8-port Gigabit Desktop Switch
Netgear GS105NA ProSafe 5-port Gigabit Desktop Switch
SMC Network SMC8505T 5 Port 10/100/1000Mbps Auto-Sensing Gigabit Switch
SMC Network SMC8508T 8 Port 10/100/1000Mbps Auto-Sensing Gigabit Switch
HP ProCurve HP408 HP ProCurve 408 8-Port 10/100 Switch
Amer Networks SGD105 5-Port Unmanaged 10/100/1000Mbs Desktop Switch
Amer Networks SGD5 5-Port Unmanaged 10/100/1000Mbs Desktop Switch
Amer Networks SGD8 8-Port Unmanaged 10/100/1000Mbs Desktop Switch
Amer Networks SGR24 24-Port Unmanaged 10/100/1000Mbs Desktop Switch

None of the switches listed supports the IEEE Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), but all forward STP. Looping ports on the switch cause traffic to flood the upstream (IU) switch, which catches the loop and disables the port with STP. Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP) forwards correctly, with no IGMP snooping.

Not recommended

The following switches have been tested and do not meet the requirements for end-user Ethernet switches:

Vendor Model Number Description
HP ProCurve 4000M HP ProCurve Series 4000
HP ProCurve 1800 HP ProCurve Series 1800