Copper or SFP for linked switches 5324

Question

Question is - if you have three switches in the same cabinet, what is the benifit to using LAG SFP or just using LAG copper.  I need to get 2GB from switch to switch. Some switches are in the same room, some are long haul i.e. 300 feet apart.   I know it is cheaper to use 3 foot cat6 for connecting those in the same room, but what are we going to gain by using SFP.?   This is for 5324 switches.

gnitset · Answer

If you use the SFP modules, you get to use all 24 ethernet ports. SFP SX Fiber modules give you up to 220 meters SFP LX Fiber modules give you up to  2 kilometers Copper will only go 100 meters

Stigmataxp · Answer

I believe one fiber port takes place of one copper port.  Ports 21, 22, 23, and 24.   I think the main advantage is distance and less electromagnetic interference.  It's also stronger and more flexible.  Possibly the shortrun fiber won't make too great a difference, but a 300 foot Cat5e/6 cable will degrade the signal over that distance vs. fiber.

gnitset · Answer

Your right, 21-24 are 'combo' ports.

StarLog · Answer

gnitset, You said: If you use the SFP modules, you get to use all 24 ethernet ports. So your saying, i can specify that g24 incorporates the following ports on that one 5324: g1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8  and that is or is not classified as a LAG.   Thanks to the rest for thier info.

gnitset · Answer

I was wrong, Ports 21,22,23&24 are shared with the GBIC ports... It's an either or situation. I don't know why.

StarLog · Answer

10-4 I knew that, we are ordering the SFP's tomorrow. This will be a good test. thanks

cerbera_a84f2d · Answer

There is no performance benefit in using fibre rather than copper.   The normal reason why fibre is used is if you require greater distnce than 100 metres or you are connecting between two locations which are served by separate earthing points, requiring electrical separation between the two switches.   You can configure LAGs to get more throughput between switches using either copper or fibre; indeed, on thge 5324,  you can build a LAG from a mixture of copper and fibre ports.   The 5324 ASIC supports 24 ports; so, to give customers the option of some fibre attachment, four of the ports are 'combination' ports, in that they can be either fibre or copper...but the total number of ports remains at 24.

StarLog · Answer

Been a while since I chimed in here, One of the reasons I wanted to use the fiber is, that between two of our buildings is a fiber interface. We currently have external copper to fiber converters on the wall, which go to the interface underground. Currently we are using only two of the four connections, so I believe we have an opportunity to use the other two, and not buy more external converters, just use the gbic versions.

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Copper or SFP for linked switches 5324

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