I'm in charge of upgrading my company's network infrastructure, and I've been struggling to find a trustworthy supplier, especially for 100G (or greater) network interface cards (NICs). Is it a good idea to rely on highly-rated eBay sellers, or are there reputable companies I should reach out to for quotes?
4 Answers
Definitely steer clear of eBay for high-end datacenter gear. It might seem tempting, but you’ll want something reliable. Instead, have a look at suppliers like fs.com or IT Savvy; they have a good track record for quality NICs and switches.
CDW is also a solid choice for sourcing network equipment; I've had good experiences with them in the past.
I've got a few suggestions for you! It's best to check out a Value Added Reseller (VAR). They can help source the right equipment for you, probably at better prices than going retail. You might want to browse some threads like 'Am I Getting Fucked?' on Fridays, where folks share good VAR recommendations.
If you're looking for performance, Mellanox is a great option for 25GBASE and up. Intel’s quality has slipped over the years, so it's best to avoid them. Check out places like Amazon for easier accessibility, too. We’ve had good luck with third-tier suppliers for cables and transceivers as well.
Yeah, I've used fs.com and their stuff has been solid, especially the switches. I haven't tested their NICs much though.