Second HP 4204vl or upgrade to 4208vl?

[jamie2497]

Hey guys,

We're currently running a HP 4204 vl switch chasis with 3 fibre modules and 1 20port/4 gbic module.

All of the fibre ports are in use so for the odd link we've had to use fibre converters (not ideal!), however the college has decided to move one of the IT suites to a room with no network access.
Rather than running over 30 machines on a fibre converter we are looking at adding to the core switch.

My question is, is it better to upgrade our HP 4204 to a 4208 for more modules or to buy another HP 4204 and link the two with a fibre cable.

Many thanks

[Chrisd131313]

Hi jamie2497,

Both options are have their pwn pros and cons. Bringing a 2nd switch into the mix gives you that extra level of physical redundency, it can also allow you to load balance server connections acroos both switches - utilising NFT rather than LACP. If you go with the upgrade to a larger chassis you keep your setup simple, but still have the single point of failure that you get with a single chassis. 

There are many more options available to you if you were to upgrade to a different model of chassis (5406zl etc) but if purchasing another 4204vl is an option then I would say go with the additional switch. trunk teh two together and you can also load balance you fibre connectiosn across both then too.

HTH