New switches needs our LAN(d)
In 2021 we did not have a lot of “big” technical projects because of the covid pandemic. But right with the start of 2022 we started our process to chose new hardware for our network. The needed access hardware is used to connect our members in the dormitory to our network. In total we will need around 260 devices to cover everything.
Our current hardware is way over their expected lifetime but before there was no reason to change them from a technical perspective. We did not see any real innovations on the market until now. Also the first devices started to fail due to age related problems like failed fans, failed power supplies and failing storage chips. Also the vendors support will end in 2024 so we would not be able to fix any software issues or security vulnerabilities afterwards. Furthermore several new (larger) dormitories will be connected to our network which will need additional devices. Therefore we are now at the perfect point of time to discuss a new access switch model. Of course we also want to integrate the new technologies of these platforms while we are at it. On the road map are features like being able to use multi-gigabit network devices or the Selfnet-PPSK-WLAN (currently in planning) which may allow to create a layer 2 network connection between the Selfnet WLAN and the network in the dormitory rooms. This would present the possibility to use in-room-streaming or using local wireless printers in your room.
Oh but all the choices to make …
In January we started to send our critera (which we created before) to different network vendors/suppliers. We expected to get back a suggested model and a short (at least by Selfnet standards) questionarie. We selected several vendors that were able to meet our criteria. This step is already completed and the vendors are currently providing us with demo equipment which we will test accordingly. The vendors we selected are: Arista, Aruba/HP, Extreme Networks, Huawei und Juniper. For each we selected models that provide all the features we asked for. That is mainly the multi-gigabit ports and VXLAN as an overlay feature. All features we currently use are set as basic requirements.
Current Demo Equipment (Top: Juniper EX4400, Middle: EX3300 (current model we use), Bottom: Arista 720XP)
This procedure is an interesting exercise in knowledge transfer as - even for us - it is not usual to have that many different models and vendors on our hands for experimenting. It will still take several weeks until our tests are finished, propably until the end of May. Hopefully we can also integrate some devices into our active network to see how they behave in “real world” conditions. It is possible that we will replace access switches on a short notice (mainly the Vaihingen area).
But as we are volunteers working in our spare time we cannot provide any finished “timetable”. But this also means: If you’re interested in tech and/or networking you can just drop by and help out. We’re always looking for interested people who want to join us, and shape our network.
We hope to have a decision within this year and maybe get the first new devices to install - but as soon as we know more about this, there will be another update.