Hi,
I'm about to move to a new home, planning on doing a new network from scratch, it will have 6 PCs (desktop, downloading pc, whs2011 server, HTPC, and 2x laptops). The routers and cable model is supplied by ISP, but its a 10/100 router, works pretty good, but its slow and only 4 connections.
So im trying to search for the perfect switch to go with the supplied router, i need at least 8 POE ports (the cameras consume a 5 to 15W), i also need at 4 ports for the PC (laptops will be on wifi), and another port to connect the router and another for the wifi access point, so that's 6 more, maybe ill add another access point depending on how things goes with the coverage but at least i need 14 ports, so a 16 port with 8 POE would be an ideal switch for me, wouldn't mind to go with twin 8 ports, but my router is 10/100 and will be doing the DHCP, so i want to avoid transferring data through it to avoid the bottleneck of the 10/100 network.
There is no set budget, would prefer if its below $500, but willing to go higher if it will be more reliable,faster, cooler running, easier to maintain, etc. Some switches that im staring to consider are the following,
Please let me know what you think would be the best route, or if you have any suggestions, or another switch that i should consider, really looking for some guidance, never really have gone into this expensive switches, been more of 5/8 port consumer based switches that i been happy till now.