RE: fs.com Ethernet switches

[Adam Thompson <athompson () merlin mb ca>]

One of my clients deployed S3900s, both 24- and 48-port copper models, across half a dozen sites, and I did 99% of the 
config.
Theoretically the 5800s are just a faster/beefier version but haven’t seen them in person.
They… work, more or less.  Some of the hardcoded limits are just stupid, like max 32 DHCP-relayed devices per L3 
interface/VLAN and the 33rd client just doesn’t get DHCP.
Either the intermediate carrier out there is stripping VLAN tags, or there’s something really weird with their 
trunking, not sure which yet.
Both the GUI and CLI are required to configure a switch in practice – perhaps you can use the CLI exclusively if you’re 
an expert, but holy cow some of the config language is radically unintuitive.
OTOH, even basic models have some advanced features like EAPS/ERPS in the base system.
It’s very clear to me from the capabilities and language used in the original OS release that this model, at least, was 
originally targeting ILECs almost exclusively (e.g. console port == craft interface).  Newer software releases have 
made them a little less obscure or difficult to work work.
I can’t quite say “don’t buy them” but I sure wouldn’t recommend them, either.
Broadly put: you get what you pay for!
-Adam


Adam Thompson
Consultant, Infrastructure Services
[MERLIN]
100 - 135 Innovation Drive
Winnipeg, MB, R3T 6A8
(204) 977-6824 or 1-800-430-6404 (MB only)
athompson () merlin mb ca<mailto:athompson () merlin mb ca>
www.merlin.mb.ca<http://www.merlin.mb.ca/>

From: NANOG <nanog-bounces+athompson=merlin.mb.ca () nanog org> On Behalf Of Richard Angeletti
Sent: Wednesday, April 13, 2022 2:11 PM
To: nanog () nanog org
Subject: fs.com Ethernet switches

Wondering if anyone on the list has any experiences with fs.com<http://fs.com> Ethernet switches that they are willing 
to share (good or bad)?

We're looking for some cost effective L2 only 10Gb-T switches and their S58XX switches have come up as a potential 
option.

Thanks,
Rich