Introduction
This page shows switches that AgIT recommends. When installing these switches be sure you have Cat-5 or better wiring. If you don't have Cat-5 wiring you will need to upgrade your wiring. If you attempt to use these switches with less than Cat-5 wiring you may run into problems (eg. network is incredibly slow).
The first step in selecting a new switch is identifying how many ports you actually need. Each device that is connected to the network needs a port. This include PC's, laptops, IP Video units (Polycom's), and networked printers and scanners. Add two to this number (to interconnect to I-Light switch). Now add 25-50% or whatever you think is appropriate to account for possible future expansion. Finally select a switch with at least that many ports.
Commercial Grade Switches
All the commercial grade switches listed here have an internal power supply and use a standard three pronged electrical plug. All can be rack mounted or placed on a desk or table top. The eight port unit can also be wall mounted. All the commercial grade switches listed also have metal cases.
When ordering these switches directly from Allied Telesyn be sure to order them through Agriculture Business Office in order to get the "Purdue" direct pricing discount. Also, be sure to specify the model number precisely as shown in the table. There are a number of switches with very similar part numbers.
Commercial Grade (10/100Mbps) Switches
| |
Description |
Purdue Price |
 |
Allied Telesis AT-FS708-10 Unmanaged Ethernet Switch ( AT-FS708-10 ) |
$46.99
(www.ecost.com) |
 |
Allied Telesis AT-FS716L-10 Unmanaged Fast Ethernet Switch. |
$60.99
(www.ecost.com) |
 |
Allied Telesis AT-FS724L Ethernet Switch |
$82.99
(www.ecost.com) |
Commercial Grade - Gigabit Switches (10/100/1000Mbs)
| |
Description |
Purdue Price |
 |
Allied Telesis AT-GS900/8 Unmanaged Gigabit Ethernet Switch - AT-GS900/8-10 |
$96.99
www.ecost.com) |
 |
Allied Telesis AT-GS900/16 Unmanaged Gigabit Ethernet Switch - AT-GS900/16-10 |
$212.99
www.ecost.com) |
 |
Allied Telesis AT-GS900/24 Unmanaged Gigabit Ethernet Switch - AT-GS900/24-10 |
$292.99
www.ecost.com) |
Consumer Grade Switches
If cost is a major issue for your office you can use consumer grade switches. Below is an ethernet switch that AgIT recommends when cost is the number one priority.
The switch below comes in a plastic enclosure and use an external AC adapter. They can be wall mounted or placed on a desk or table top. These units are not rack mountable.
The price mentioned below is from www.buy.com.
Consumer Grade Switches
| |
Description |
Purdue Price |
 |
Hawking Ethernet Switch - HFS8T
Hawking Switch only in 8 port |
$31.24
(www.buy.com) |
If you have any questions please give the AgIT helpdesk a call at (765)494-8333, (888)226-2438 or email AGIT Help.