Best way to connect Route10 to multiple switches (SFP vs Ethernet)?

[DigitalRes]

Hi all,

I have a client with a Route10 and an AP6 in a new office that’s currently being refurbished. We’re getting everything in place ready for them to move in at the end of the month.

We’re planning to add two 24-port switches and four more APs (most likely AP6 Pros instead of the AP6). The APs will be cabled back to the switches.

My main question is around linking the Route10 and the switches. I’ve not used SFP/SFP+ connections before. Would this be the best way to connect everything together?

If so:

• Do the SFP/SFP+ ports need any special configuration, or are they essentially plug-and-play?

• Would it be better to connect both switches directly back to the Route10, or to connect one switch to the Route10 and daisy-chain the second switch from the first?

Any guidance or best-practice recommendations would be appreciated.

[Beaker]

@DigitalRes

• Do the SFP/SFP+ ports need any special configuration, or are they essentially plug-and-play?

Short answer, no. Plug and play so long as your transceivers match on both ends. I’d recommend 10G or 1G DAC (depending on the demands) to further simplify any concerns.

@DigitalRes

• Would it be better to connect both switches directly back to the Route10, or to connect one switch to the Route10 and daisy-chain the second switch from the first?

Yes, you can daisy chain or subtend. I am not sure how critical this network is, but just be mindful that there are points of failure with this configuration. For example:

Route10 <→ S24#1 <→ S24#2

If the first S24 goes down for whatever reason, so does the internet traffic on your second S24. So there is a risk for isolation.

Hope this helps.

[DigitalRes]

That is great. Thanks.