Network gigabit switch help

[RockDawg]

While looking to build a new server, I realized that my current plain Jane 8-port switch is full and I should get one with more ports.  I also concluded that I would like it to rack mountable.  Browsing NewEgg shows me that a basic 16-24-port switch is about $150-160.  Browsing Ebay I found a Cisco Catalyst WS-C2948G-GE-TX 48-Port switch for $219.99 shipped.  here's a link to the product description.

 

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/hw/switches/ps606/products_data_sheet09186a00801cfafe.html

 

I realize that it is probably overkill for my needs, but I wonder if there is any benefit i would gain by having a switch like this as opposed to a basic one or would it just be a waste of an extra $60-70 to get the Cisco?  My immediate plans are to build an ESXi server running unRAID, Windows 7 for Sick Beard, Couch Potato and SAB, and pfSense.  The rest would just be my desktop and 3 XBMC media centers.  If the Cisco offers no benefit to me with my current plan, what scenarios would make it beneficial.  I hate to save $70 now only to find out next year that I'm wanting to do things where I can use one and have to spend more money later.

[ptmurphy]

In my opinion, a managed switched is not going to gain you anything in a home network. You can look at the features (the link you posted) and decide if will currently or will need any of the features.  The main features would be the network security features, VLAN support, etc.

 

Your savings comparison isn't really fair either - you're comparing new on Newegg to an eBay item.  You can get 1Gbs unmanaged switch on eBay for probably $50-100. 

 

I personally use unmanaged switches at home.

[RockDawg]

I did look at the specs, but a lot of it is foreign to me hence me asking about it here.  The savings comparison is fair because that is the cost difference.  I am completely aware that one is used and one is new,  I'm also aware that the used Cisco originally sold for far more than it's current price.

 

There are not a lot of 16+ port gigabit switches for $50-100 on Ebay.  Especially after the shipping costs.  Sure there are some, but the majority are 10/100 switches that have a couple gigabit ports.  This fact led to my question.  For just a little more money, could this Cisco switch prove more useful than a standard switch in a home network some day?

 

Thanks for your feedback.

[PeterB]

Look at the TL-SG1016.

 

I've just bought one recently.  It seems solid and does all that I require.  Unless you need a managed switch because you plan to use link aggregation, or something, I can recommend the TP-Link.

[Influencer]

IMHO in a home network you have to just want the features to "nerd out". Vlans are not necessary except in the most high end home network and even then would probably not be needed. If you were planning on running a business server or web server you want separate from the rest of your network I could see it, but for the average user probably not.

 

If you plan on link aggregation (something else I don't see a home network needing) the extra money would be worthwhile, but that really only helps you in transfers within the lan. And even then, only the machines equipped to handle it would make use of it.

 

I'm no expert but I don't see any real needs to spend the extra cash. I myself am a cheapskate and am waiting for another sale before I buy a new gigabit switch, and I'm only getting a 8 port.