networking 10GbE and 10/100/1000

[2Tequilas]

Inspired by the videos Linus has produced, I'm looking for a simpler way to have all devices in my house plugged into one switch but still have 10GbE to my workstation and my server.  What I'm trying to figure out: Is it possible for me to pickup a switch like this http://www.netgear.com/business/products/switches/managed/M5300-52G.aspx#tab-techspecs  that has (2) 10GbE ports on the front and the expansion of an additional 2 on the back, instead of linking my current switches together and adding a small 8 port 10GbE switch to the pile. Except for my poe+ switch, that would bring me down to one switch with the capability of 10 GbE for my server and workstation but still allow all other devices to function like normal. In my current setup I have 3 switches, (2)24 port gigabit switches and third that is a 24 port PoE+. I'd rather consolidate down to 2 instead of adding another for the 3 devices that I will have connected to it for 10 GbE in the near future. Thoughts?

[RedWulf]

I wan that switch! I've occasionally seen switches with data transfer limits less than the sum of their ports but I didn't read a specific limit anywhere on that switch so as long as the other switch can keep up everything looks like it should work. 

[brwainer]

Looks like a very capable switch. I'm more partial to HP gear but at the pro/enterprise level everyone has equally capable products just about.

 

Edit: before you make your decision though, I would look into how expensive the modules for the rear ports are. If you know you will need to use those ports, it's probably cheaper to find an equivalent switch with 4 10Gbe ports builtin.

[2Tequilas]

I have the chance to pick one of these up for $450, the modules are $241. Cheapest 8 port copper I've seen is around 1k. Still wondering if this will work or the 10GbE ports on a switch like this are intended for something else.

[.:MARK:.]

Look on ebay for cheap arista switches, they are very cheap second hand and amazingly good. They can run VMs!