I want to play with managed switches... HP 2810 worth a shot?

Networking & Firewalls
1

I would like to learn more about managed switches.

I can get a couple HP 2810 for $30ea and wondering if they are just too old to bother trying to learn anything from.

Researching online it looks like their interface requires Java.

Are these worth a shot and if not what would you recommend.

Thank you

2

I would consider that too old. OK sure it works, but there’s some significant improvements in later firmwares. I would want a 2530.

For learning purposes, an old Cisco is going to do a lot more for you than an old HP. Also be aware that the VLAN config style is quite different between HP and Cisco. Long term its best to understand both, but Cisco is easier to start with for most people.

Also, with managed switches you need to learn the CLI, until/unless you get to the point of a large enterprise that is doing automation at scale. I’m at a fortune 500 and every day we just SSH to switches to configure and troubleshoot.

3

I saw a couple post in here about older cisco requiring the purchase of a license. Is that a big deal?

Would the cisco 2960 be worth a shot?

Thanks for the help.

4

Most used Cisco switches don’t require purchasing a new license and there would definitely not be a reason for it if it is end of life (EOL). I agree with @brwainer going the Cisco route for a used switch verses HPE.

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5

Sure, its going to be a lot more relevant to current Cisco switches, and to all switches in general, than the HP 2810 would have been. I’m ashamed to say that we have dozens of original 2960 switches in use in some small warehouses and such where they just keep working. They usually get replaced when we redo a whole building with new wireless that needs new POE.

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