We are going to deploy customer access switches. We can chose between two switch solutions: 1) CISCO 2960S 2) line card WS-X4648 in CISCO 4507R+E (Sup7L-E). Our customers will work with video software and will upload/download media files through the network.
I found information about 2960S that ports have 4 queues with 2Mb buffers, but I can't find information about those capabilities for WS-X4648.
2960s is cheaper than line card to chassis and we don't realy want insert such card in our chassis, but we worry about possible future problems. 2960s is rather weak switch.
Best Answer
The selection criteria between the two choices needs to be refined further in your question. If all you care about the throughput on the switch and ignore all other things, you can go with the device that provides more throughput. 4500 switch is a layer 3 switch used for access or distribution (even core for small networks) with huge capabilities and flexibility. It is a modular switch meaning that you add modules based on your needs. For sure it will be more expensive and might be an over kill for your needs if all you need is to add a few servers to your network.
Buying the 2960S stackable switch on the other hand will be cheaper as it is a layer 2 switch used only for access layer. You can always always buy more switches add stack them together if you need to add more servers.
Please keep in mind that your server performance is not only governed by the access layer switch you will buying. It will depend on the complete path your user data traverses before reaching your servers.