Switch Pricing

mzinz

tiersten wrote: »

You're comparing different generation switches. 3500XL against 2950. You need to look at the older 2900XL.

2960 + 3560 = Current = 12.2
2950 + 3550 = Last gen = 12.1 for 2950 and 12.2 for 3550
2900XL + 3500XL = Even older = 12.0

The version number of IOS for switches lags behind that for routers. There isn't a 12.4 for any of those switches. 12.0 has some commands which are different in 12.1 and above. That is why if you can afford to spend a little more, that you should get a 2950 as a minimum.

Is there a large difference between 12.1 and 12.2?

Edit: Also - any idea when the next release will come out? (12.3)

mzinz

I just ordered some 2650XM's. Any recommendations on what NM and WIC's to put in?

mzinz

tiersten wrote: »

All 3550 switches have the same flash/RAM. Latest is 12.2.46-SE.

The newest I see on the Cisco Download Center is 12.2.44-SE5(ED). Is this not the newest ver?

Also - which IOS is the most "complete"? IPBASE? IPSERVICES? I definitely want one with k9.

tiersten

mzinz wrote: »

The newest I see on the Cisco Download Center is 12.2.44-SE5(ED). Is this not the newest ver?

CCO says 12.2.46-SE is the latest for a 3550. It was released in August 2008.

mzinz wrote: »

Also - which IOS is the most "complete"? IPBASE? IPSERVICES? I definitely want one with k9.

They renamed it awhile ago. It used to be SMI/EMI. IP Services is a superset of IP Base.

Upgrading from SMI to EMI is a software only upgrade on a 3550 and just requires the EMI IOS. It is a paid upgrade however and they say they track downloads. If you don't have the right to download those files then download at your own risk etc...

Newer switches need a license file specific to that switch as well to enable the upgrade.