Get a gigabit router/switch for CBET servers

[ct-martin]

Currently the CBET servers are capable of gigabit but are on a 100Mbps switch. It would be nice to be able to use them at full capacity. At least 5 (6 if router w/ WAN port) ports, but 12+ would be nice.

[jwflory]

@ct-martin I don't know much about good hardware for this. Could you suggest two or three options and how much they cost so we can plan accordingly with our budget (especially as we are getting ready to follow up on our budget allocation from Clubs Office soon in #67).

[Tjzabel]

With all this being said, I'm assuming there's no way to have these servers connect to the RIT network via already available equipment without needing to buy new equipment?

Furthermore, since I don't know anything about these servers, it would be a good idea to document everything about them in #73

[ct-martin]

@jwflory https://www.amazon.com/NETGEAR-16-Port-Gigabit-Ethernet-Unmanaged/dp/B01AX8XHRQ/ https://www.amazon.com/TRENDnet-Unmanaged-Forwarding-Protection-TEG-S16DG/dp/B0044GJ516/

@Tjzabel there is one drop-down cable and we have a 100Mbps switch, but there are 5 gigabit-capable servers with 2 NICs each, so there's a definite limiting factor

[jwflory]

@ct-martin Thanks for the links. Assuming we spend a minimum of $50 USD, this exhausts 20% of our (current) budget for this academic year.

What are we currently using the machines for that requires an upgraded data link?

I suggest we block this ticket by #67. If we receive a notable increase in budget from Club Office based on the case we present, I am more ready to experiment and try something new. If we do not receive a budget increase, I think we should revisit since this purchase is 20% of our budget until May. It could strap us thin for purchases made for the Maker Faire, Imagine, and other costs that arise during this and the next semester.

[icflournoy]

I'm going to take a look at hardware that I have laying around. I know I have a 24+ port gigabit switch, and it's very possible I have something that can act as a gigabit edge router.

I'll compile a list of a few things I'd be willing to donate for the club's benefit.

[jwflory]

I'll compile a list of a few things I'd be willing to donate for the club's benefit.

Thanks @icflournoy! That would be awesome if you have anything. I'm assigning this to you for now while you work on the list.

[icflournoy]

@ct-martin The switch is a Nortel BayStack 5510-48T which is a 48 port gig switch. I have two (not sure where the other one is). I will donate it to the club if you think it can be used.

Its got a serial interface for initial configuration. I should have the cable somewhere around here to interface with it.

Front of switch

[icflournoy]

I've also got

• Cisco ASA 5510 (rackmount security device)
• Cisco ASA 5505 (smaller form factor, built in 100MB switch with 8 ports or so)

The 5510 supports gig on both sides and could be useful as an edge device.

[ct-martin]

@icflournoy thanks!

The 48-port switch is a bit overkill but definitely a huge improvement over what we have now. If you wouldn't mind wiping the settings to be effectively unmanaged, that would be even more helpful.

Looking at the spec sheets for the two ASAs, I think I can do better with pfSense, but thanks for offering.

Thanks again!

[icflournoy]

2018-10-24 Eboard Meeting

@jrtechs @ct-martin @icflournoy are headed to the datacenter on 10/25 to install a router/switch to get external access to the machines

[Tjzabel]

@ct-martin @icflournoy Is this issue taken care of? As far as I can tell, @icflournoy has donated his switch to us to use with the CBET servers.

[icflournoy]

2018-10-31 Eboard Meeting

• Switch is in club possession in the club locker. issue resolved