Cheap network switches from allbids in ACT

[qpit3a]

Recently (due to being on Long Service Leave) I have been looking at the Allbids auction site. I have bought a couple of lcd screens for about $15 / each and also 2 network switches for $1 each - (only picked one up so far).  I thought I'd mention the switches in particular as these are rack mountable so the cases are good quality and for $1 that isn't bad for a case that might cost $100.  The first one I bought works fine as a network switch (which I don't really need).   Might be worth it for people to watch out for more of that kind of stuff (I suspect network hardware that is not IPV6 capable will be gradually sold of for almost nothing? 

[qpit3a]

The newer switch also works.  Massive amount of electronics inside for $1.12.... Many, broadcom chips, switching regulators (which I noted in particular because they might actually be re-usable) and other stuff very good quality and all run by an Intel i960 card. It seems to me that all the cards plug into what looks like a PCI backplane.  Each card has the same HP branded chip which I suspect is the bus interface. Btw the switch is a Procurve 4000M.  All card slots populated.  What a waste.

[Stonent]

The newer switch also works.  Massive amount of electronics inside for $1.12.... Many switching regulators and all run by an Intel i960. It seems to me that all the cards plug into what looks like a PCI backplane.  Btw the switch is a Procurve 400M.  All car slots populated.  What a waste.

ProCurve was HP's brand of switches before they stopped selling thing (At least I think they stopped selling them)

[Fsck]

The newer switch also works.  Massive amount of electronics inside for $1.12.... Many switching regulators and all run by an Intel i960. It seems to me that all the cards plug into what looks like a PCI backplane.  Btw the switch is a Procurve 400M.  All car slots populated.  What a waste.

ProCurve was HP's brand of switches before they stopped selling thing (At least I think they stopped selling them)

procurves are still sold. they even ate 3com to beef up their line.

[vk2hmc]

Have you seen the new H3C switches and routers?
http://www.h3c.com/portal/Products___Solutions/Products/

H3C is actually Huwai and 3com (read HP backing) and is a brand made to enter the China marketplace.

Having played with a bit of enterprise H3C hardware, it seems to be better made than Cisco,
perform better abd a lot more innovative.
And according to purchasing a lot cheaper.

Software wise, an old cisco head like myself had no problem.

BAckk west, looking at HPN product line, I think Cisco may have finally met its match.
Like I said, HPN/H3C is better designed from the ground up.

The only switch to stay away from are GBe2c.
It you are silly enough to purchase one and it won't work, most support folk will hang up in your ear.
Well the experienced ones anyway (: