I am in the design stages for a new system, and I am thinking of using 6 24-port POE switches from Arraknis. It's going to be 22 zones of Sonos, all run off the Sonance DSP amps, JAP, AppleTV's, Aruba IAP220's, IP Cams, etc.

I am thinking of using the new 300 series switches in the racks. There are going to be multiple VLANS, a switch for Sonos, a Switch for the Sonance Amps, a Switch for HVAC Controllers, Lights, Total Control, automation, etc, a switch for Surveillance, a switch for WAPS and NAS.

I will use the Ubiquiti ER8. I will use one 24-port POE Switch for my main output of the router, then use this switch to feed my 5 other switches.

Typically, I would put an SG300-52/52p at the top of each rack and call it a day. What has intrigued me is the OVRC app, and being able to reboot devices remotely.

I have never had a single failure on either Cisco or Araknis switches. Would you guys switch to the Araknis for OVRC or stay with Cisco?

Im a huge proponet of OvrC and I too havent had any issue with Araknis. However, JAP is a different animal and Im not sure I would stray from the list of APPROVED switches for JAP use.

Not saying Araknis couldnt handle it or do the job, but would you want to risk straying from what JAP says to use?

Mabye behind the scenes there is a process taking place to get Araknis certified for JAP. I'd say until then, I'd probably stick with the proper Cisco.

Otherwise, if JAP was not in the mix, I would say go Araknis. No problem.

If you have the time and skills to write your own video switching driver, then the Araknis will probably be OK. Regardless, the SG300 are NOT the switches to use for such a big Just Add Power install (unless you are able to keep all the Just Add Power devices on a single SG300). If you want a supported switch for a multi-switch installation, go with the Cisco SG500's or the new Luxul stackable switches. Between Luxul and SG500, the Luxul switches will be better performers from a video switching perspective, not to mention that you will probably make more $$ with the Luxul switches.

Luxul......yikes

The big advantage for the SG300 is that they are L3 vs L2 for the Araknis. Unless you're planning to handle all your inter-VLAN routing within the ER8 (a mistake given your proposed topology) I'd stick with the Ciscos.

If you go off the reservation, and have a problem, I suspect that JAP is going to limit their support. If you have a problem, do you want to be told, "we don't support those switches"?

I have also had some dead ports on the Araknis switches. Usually not a problem since I don't usually fill up the switch, but is a concern sometimes.

Ha. You too?
Thats why I gave them up and havent looked back.

Plenty dead ports recently...Service is fast with Snap but still a problem overall.

just curious.... why 22 Sonos's?

Doesnt sound like a budget problem... and since your using DSP Sonance amps, you have or can run speaker wire....

I run into systems like this and just dont understand.

No shit? So they still have that issue?

I really like their rear port switches. Any one come across any other they use?

Zohan and Booger,

Since last year, we have had very low return rate for the switches (less than 1%). If you're still seeing some issues, please contact tech support since we're tracking old units in the field.

For audio only systems I haven't found anything I like better. Sure, if integrating control there are better options, but for audio alone it is fantastic. The interface is incredibly easy to use, grouping is easier than any other system I have used for large installs, and the product is essentially bulletproof.

Add Sonance, Crown, AudioControl, etc and you have a fantastic sounding and incredibly easy to use system.

If you are doing JAP you should to stick to the Luxul or Cisco. As ED said if the JAP system is above 51 total ports you need to use the SG500 series as they are stackable.

The Luxul AMS4424P is really popular for dealers doing JAP installs. The 10G stack link works great and lets you build a huge system really quick. Its also nice because the ports are all on the back.