Where’s the right network switch when you need it?

[#1]

By Rebecca Humphress, HP Networking Global Product Manager, HP Networking

Switches, switches everywhere, but not a drop where I need it. . . until now

Typically, when you think of switches, you think of pizza-box shaped devices hidden away from view. Good reasons for this abound: security, acoustics concerns and bulkiness, for instance. But in many cases, hiding switches away requires you put additional thought into your building layout—with longer cable drops into places like conference rooms, classrooms, hotel rooms and point-of-sale terminals. 

Typical ways to tackle network switch challenges

Sometimes, the requirements for these locations are more than one drop, so you may have started placing switches in at these end points.  For instance, I was talking to a customer who utilizes Power over Ethernet (PoE) and network to retail point-of-sales (POS) terminals, along with some advanced security and manageability functionality. 

Originally, the customer was placing a 24-port switch with PoE capabilities at each POS terminal in order to have all the required hardware and software features. Using this sort of switch forced the customer to ensure that the checkout counter design had sufficient airflow—plus a network drop with PoE power at each counter. Employees complained of noise and heat coming from under the POS terminal. 

Switch to this switch—no matter your business size

In the past, you probably made these common decisions: You choose a small port count box that is unmanaged or only with L2 capabilities. Or you choose a closet, pizza-box switch that provides management and L2 and capabilities. 

I asked our customers what we could do to solve these issues. . . and offered a solution to provide managed L2+ capabilities along with PoE power, zero acoustics with fanless operation, robust security features and an optional physical theft deterrent solution.  What is the name of this switch?  The HP E2915-8G-PoE Switch (J9562A).

In his recent blog, Paul Mah of ITBusinessEdge highlighted these enterprise-class switches and also noted that they are well suited for smaller and midsized businesses and branch offices—ideal really for any business looking for a “blend of enhanced security capabilities, support for PoE and high-performance gigabit connectivity with the ability for expansion.”

 

Features and advantages of HP E2915 switches add up
 

The HP E2910-8G-PoE switch features:

• 8 port 10/100 and 10/100/1000 Layer 2/3 Switches with PoE capabilities
• Static IP & RIP IPv4 routing
• IPv6 host capabilities
• POE fanless operation (67 Watt PoE power budget)
• 2 Gigabit dual personality RJ-45 or fiber ports
• Power supply brick w/ power supply clip
• Optional cable guard (J9700A)

 

Along with these switches, we offer 10/100 flavors called the HP E2615-8-PoE Switch. 

How does this switch scenario work for you?

We want to improve with every new product. So tell us what you think:

• Have you tried a HP E2915-8G-PoE switch or the HP E2615-8-PoE switch?
• What additional features would you like to see on a next generation switch? 
• Would you like to see a switch that is powered by PoE/PoE+? 
• What about the design? 

Would you like to see a more aesthetically pleasing design?  We would love to hear your feedback!

Find more details on HP E2915 switches

Product info:

• HP E2915-8G-PoE (10/100/1000 8-port switch with PoE)
• HP E2615-8-PoE (10/100 8-port switch with PoE)

Video datasheets:

• HP E2915-8G-PoE
• HP E2615-8-PoE

>> Learn more about HP Networking products and solutions for the Instant-On Enterprise 

[#2]

I'm in the process of procuring the 2915-8G-POE right now.  I'm excited cause it will give me a small switch that I can work with in a network lab environment.

A couple options I would like to see with this switch would be:

1. Larger port count options (12 or 16 ports)

2. A non-POE option

3. Redundant power supply option

But this is a very full featured little switch; I like!

[#3]

Thank you for your response! 

I was hoping to follow up on a couple of the items you mentioned above.  Can you help elaborate on the following?

-  On the larger port count options, would you need more Gig uplinks?  If so, how many?  Also, do you require the L2 + Lite L3 (Static & RIP Routing) capabilities on the switch or do you only use L2 features? 

-  On the non-PoE option, would you expect that this sort of switch was powered by a separate power supply or by POE/POE+ from another switch?

I am very happy to hear that you like this switch and appreciate the feedback. 

[#4]

Reply:

I think a 16 port option for this switch would be a nice option, but yes Gig would be desired for my situation.  And generally a L2+Lite would suffice for my needs.

As far as power goes, I could see both options as being a possibility (POE from another device or seperate PSU).  For my needs I'd like the redundant PSU option so a seperate PSU would be desirable.

I guess my over all thought for this switch is if it wasn't POE it would provide a full featured switch with a lower price point.  It's hard to tailor the market to everyones needs/expectations.

One other comment I'd like to add as a customer, is I'd like to see more images via the product page (360 degree views with zoom would be great), as well as a "What's in the box" section.  I now wonder if my new switch (on it's way) has a seperate power supply or if it's power via POE, I can't find that answer.

[#5]

Excellent feedback on the product that would fit your needs.  I'll take this information into the team, and we'll discuss this information. 

Also, thank you for the comment on getting a 360 image as well as information on "What's in the Box."  I will let the web team know!

Regards,

Rebecca