I'll be the first person to admit I have a lot to learn about network architecture. Consider this a learning experience for me :)

We're about to experience a good deal of growth (colocation), and I want to start building with a good foundation. I've already hired a CCNP to design our network, but I want to get your opinions just for my own benefit.

Currently all of our customers are on Cisco 1924-EN and 2924-EN switches. The intent was to eventually establish VLAN's for each customer, though I just determined that each switch can only support a maximum of 4 VLAN's. That's a bit disappointing.

I'm looking for a recommendation on:

1) An inexpensive router that will take two 100mbps ethernet feeds (HSRP). A 2611 or better would seemingly do the trick if it had FastEthernet, and a little more horsepower. What's the next step up?

2) What switches can I use that will allow - ideally - one VLAN per port? Most of my customers have but one box, and I'd like to set them all up with the enhanced security of a VLAN offering.

Cisco equipment preferred, but open to other suggestions. Any other relevant thoughts? Please share those as well :)

Thanks!

Brandon

Originally posted by cbtrussell
Currently all of our customers are on Cisco 1924-EN and 2924-EN switches. The intent was to eventually establish VLAN's for each customer, though I just determined that each switch can only support a maximum of 4 VLAN's. That's a bit disappointing.


Are you sure they are really -EN (Enterprise)? It may just take a software upgrade to get more than 4 VLANs on the 2924, although you are out of luck with the 1924.



I'm looking for a recommendation on:

1) An inexpensive router that will take two 100mbps ethernet feeds (HSRP). A 2611 or better would seemingly do the trick if it had FastEthernet, and a little more horsepower. What's the next step up?


2651XM is a beefy router which has 2 100mb FastEthernet ports and can do VLAN trunking.


2) What switches can I use that will allow - ideally - one VLAN per port? Most of my customers have but one box, and I'd like to set them all up with the enhanced security of a VLAN offering.


The 2924XL-EN switches can infact do VLANs; up to either 1024 or 4096, I believe.


Send me a PM if you'd wish to talk more about any of this.

Thanks

Define inexpensive. (<$5k sounds inexpensive to me)

And the 2924 switch, the difference between the normal and enterprise models are the software (vlan!) and amount of ram (more in the EN). Decent switches.

Thanks for the feedback guys. Exactly what I'm looking for.

They're definitely EN switches, I bought 'em expressly for VLAN capabilities. That's why I was disappointed to learn (I thought) I was limited to 4 per switch. Still annoyed with the 1924-EN's, I have numerous customers who average under 64k and are perfectly suited to the 10mbps limit. A great switch, too bad I'll have to scrap 'em.

As for price, I was hoping for something between $1000-$2000. A quick eBay search reveals 3 2651's under $2500, so that's close. And tempting. Any other suggestions? Any must-have differences between the 2651 and 2651XM?

Thanks for your help,

Brandon

Extreme Switches! :)

Get Extreme Summit 48si if you can. Otherwise, Extreme Summit 48 or Summit 24e3 will be good as well.

Have a look on ebay for a 2948G, 2 GBIC ports and 48 10/100. The killer feature is that they suport private VLANs like the 5000 and 6500, these rock in the colo environment - look them up on CCO.

Brandon,

Instead of just tossing money towards a lower end router, why not just get a 7206VXR? In the long run it will allow you to add more providers, etc. If money is an issue, get a loan from the bank.

My network at home would compete with the setup you're suggesting ;)

(minus the two FE drops, of course!)

suport private VLANs like the 5000 and 6500What are private VLANS?

I think (again I am not a Cisco guru), but the 26xx series router will only handle lines like a T1, etc. If you start pushing more BW, it will have some problems.

If you are not running your own network (direct with providers), I would recommend a good L3 switch from Foundry or Extreme.

What are private VLANS?http://support.ee.cornell.edu/netapp/sag/vlans2.htm

Originally posted by RackMy.com
What are private VLANS?

I think (again I am not a Cisco guru), but the 26xx series router will only handle lines like a T1, etc. If you start pushing more BW, it will have some problems.

If you are not running your own network (direct with providers), I would recommend a good L3 switch from Foundry or Extreme.

2600's, the 2651XM mainly, can handle far greater than t1's. Obviously they can not forward packets at line rate, but they can accomodate other routers. I"d have suggested a VXR earlier, but for this scenario, a) it doesnt demand it, and b) its not cost effective.

i'm a big fan of the 3500 series switches, but again, not very cost effective.

CipherVendor, I know what a VLAN is... LOL.. I was asking what a private VLAN is.