Re: [tlug] switch for small cluster

["Keith Bawden" <keith@example.com>]

On Thu, Jun 5, 2008 at 6:06 AM, Christian Horn <chorn@example.com> wrote:
> To transfer more data between hosts in a given timeframe the switch
> should be able to support trunking/bonding/however they call it;
> so using multiple gbit-interfaces together for more bandwidth.

The time when you want to expand your network beyond a single switch
is when you *may* need more expensive gear (higher throughput when
stacking might cost you a bit).

If you have a 2 gb link connecting two switches and for some reason
all of your nodes try to access a single host hanging off one of those
switches then you could quickly saturate that 2 gb link. On the other
hand stacking your switches will generally provide for more
throughput.

In the end you will be better off analyzing your network usage as it
is and then comparing the results to the specifications of the
switches you are looking at buying.

Regards, Keith