16 port switch - daft question

hc25036

I'm trying to tidy up my home/home office network by putting in a 16 port switch to replace the 2 or 3 smaller ones (plus loads of cables) dotted around my "office". It's a D-Link 1016D which is designed for desktop or rack-mounting. I'm tight for space - is there any reason why I can't stand it on one end? Not used one of these before so not sure!

timbim_2

If you can find a way of making it stable, and you don't block any vents, then it should be OK. You'd have to remove the rack bracket first, surely?

Knub

It shouldn't matter as long as it is fully supported and as above, you make sure all the air vents are not covered, etc.

Ideally if you can place it the correct side up though!

hc25036

Thanks guys! I might try to squeeze a shelf in, but it's good to know I have options!

isofa

You could mount it under the desk or behind the desk on a panel. Some larger hubs/switches can be more noisy as some (not all) have active fan cooling.

timbim_2

If you feel so inclined, you could replace the fans with quieter ones from quietpc.

hc25036

I'm always amazed at the help you get here - under the desk is a great idea. All I need to do now is make some cables the right lengths! I'll check out the fan noise too...

timbim_2

How old is said switch? I'd be tempted to open it up, give it a good blast of compressed air and replace the fans with new, quiet ones on anti-vibration rubber mounts. But then maybe I'm taking it a little too far.

warehouse

Here in our office we have switches on end AND under a desk. All work perfectly. For patch cables, try ebuyer, very very cheap, all lengths and all colours. We ordered some pink ones recently to stop people stealing them .

hc25036

Timbim - it's brand new (£11.50 on ebay!) and seems to be silent. I'll open it up and look for fans just in case! I'm actually going to make my cables (I know it's a pain but I prefer to have less mess).

timbim_2

If it's brand new, I wouldn't bother. Just make sure that the airflow is good, so don't block any vents.