Chris,

>I know this isn't strictly on-topic for the list, but since there are so
>many knowledgeable networking folks on the list, it seemed the sensible
>place to ask.
>
>Has anyone found any cost-effective VLAN-capable switches? Everything I've
>seen is hideously expensive (£300+), and even more expensive than that if
>you want gigabit. I'm trying to find a cost effective method of VLANing a
>single cat5e link between two buildings. Adding extra cables isn't feasible
>- there's a pavement over the top.
I picked up a 3com SuperStack II 3300 switch (3C16980) for £50 + P&P a
little while ago.  Saw a pair go for £74 + P&P.  Search for '3c16980' or
'3com 3300'.

Perform a firmware upgrade on those and they'll handle it for you.
Admittedly they don't do PoE but at that price you can't complain.

I'm planning on removing the two dual NICs in my m0n0wall and switching
to a trunk to the switch to reduce the amount of cabling I have here.
Bandwidth won't be a problem down the single NIC.

HTH,


                                Neil.

-- 
Neil A. Hillard                E-Mail:   neil at dana dot org dot uk
                               Web:      http://www.dana.org.uk/