atcomsystems.ca/forum Forums VOIP Phones & IP PBX Networking Network question

I have a hotel with wifi for guest use. The topology is one router in the basement attached to a small 8 port 10/100 switch. From there, cat 5e cables connect to smaller switches on each floor. About 6 other switches. Some switches are connected other switches which connect to the basement. I found duplicate connections between switches, too.

Yesterday, no-one could connect until I replaced the single switch in the basement attached to the router. I'm figuring a packet-storm, maybe?

I am trying to clean this up.

Is there any particular reason to buy a high end managed switch for the 'core' of the network? I'm not sure what would be 'managed'. Would a gigabit switch do better or one with more internal memory do better?

A gigabit switch has more bandwidth. With a managed switch you can set VLANs to segment traffic, do routing, access restrictions, etc.

Holy bottleneck, Batman.

The proper configuration would be wireless access point(s) on each floor, connected directly to a single switch in the basement via home runs.

I don't see any benefit to Gigabit or managed - except the managed switch may do a better job of detecting network loops and disabling them. The internet speed is probably only 10Mbps or less anyway, no need to setup high speed "trunks" or VLANS, etc.

Just make sure you get rid of all duplicate connections between the switches - ideally, test all the cable runs as well...

Jeff makes a good point about using VLANS. This type of protection is not only for the guest but the establishment. An unsecured network in a B and B is to expected but you won't see it in a national chain. Even wireless has evolved from standalone AP's to AP's needing controllers and driving force here was security.

I've a non managed gigabit switch ready in case of another crisis. They have a HP wireless controller but D-Link APs. The HP APs that could be controlled by this unit are super super pricey, beyond their budget.

Home runs to the basement would exceed 500' so I am going to get new switches and test all wires. Maybe get some N rated APs.

Thanks for the advice!!