Spanning Tree and Switches

Hi folks, so you are on a new network project and you need to spec out some switches. How many ports do you need?

Well you need to think about how many ports you need not just for computers or other devices, but for uplinks and spanning tree as well.

One of the most common issues is people forget to remember the extra ports they need. Also if you are creating  etherchannel ports between two switches you will need more ports for that too.

In my experience, take how many ports you need, and then if budget allows account for a few more ports for padding and then spec that switch. That might save your butt in the long run!

-RP