switch connection

Pretty happy as I got 50Mb from Virgin on Saturday but getting +100Mb on speed tests; http://www.speedtest.net/result/996953454.png anyway I am looking to purchasing a decent switch (must be cisco) with Gbit connections - 24 port or 48 port will do. Questions are:

1. Any suggestions on a decent model. I want to be able to use the cisco IOS and not the nambypamby gui

2. My connection came with a free dlink router which i am using with a wired connection at present. When i get the switch will i run from modem - dlink - switch OR modem - switch - dlink OR can I bin the dlink. I won't be using wifi

Edited by deleted (Wed 20-Oct-10 15:34:09)

Played with a few Cisco 3560's (24 port variety) and although they can act as a layer 3 device but don't think it can do NAT. Would sort of dent the need for a full blown router if it could. So the D Link would need to remain.

Post deleted by shtu

3560 is a good workhorse if you want layer 3 (you're correct about no NAT). I installed 22 of them today!

2960 range is good for layer 2 and there are full gigabit versions (2960S) now.

Can't really see the point of having just one Cisco switch though - there are many more that will do the same for a lot less.