Grandstream GWN7800 series managed network switches

Product Review

Grandstream is well known for its groundbreaking IP phones, but its innovation extends into other areas, including network infrastructure equipment and components. The new GWN7800 series of fully managed network switches is a prime example of the company’s leadership in this area.

This article showcases these switches and some advanced capabilities that allow network administrators to maintain comprehensive network control and security.

GWN7800 series network switches overview

Grandstream’s GWN8700 series of network switches offers six models, with 8, 16, or 24 Gigabit Ethernet RJ-45 ports, two or four Gigabit Ethernet SFP ports, and a full range of support for intelligent, dynamic Power over Ethernet (PoE) capabilities. 

Internal switching capabilities range from 20 Gbps to a phenomenal 56 Gbps. All devices support a wide variety of security features, including IEEE 802.1X port authentication, AAA capabilities supporting RADIUS and TACACS+, and port security, to name just a few.

All but the smallest devices are rack-mountable for convenient deployment, and all switches support GWN Cloud and GWN Manager, Grandstream’s cloud and on-premises Wi-Fi management platforms, respectively.

GWN7800 switch series offerings

Enterprise networks come in all shapes and sizes, which is why the GWN7800 series delivers models with a wide range of capabilities. The GWN7800 series includes three primary models, each of which has PoE and non-PoE versions.

GWN7801 and GWN7801P

The GWN7801 entry-level model sports eight standard UTP Gigabit Ethernet RJ-45 ports and two Gigabit SFP ports for fiber optic connections. Switches need to have two fiber connections to ensure redundancy at the network's physical layer, which is a feature rarely seen on such a small switch.

As can be seen from the model numbers, the switch comes in both non-PoE and PoE versions, so you can choose which best matches your network requirements. Some of the key features of both of these models include the following:

• 10 Gbps total non-blocking throughput
• 20 Gbps internal switching capability
• 88 million packets per second forwarding rate
• Desktop or wall-mounted setup

The PoE model has the following additional features:

• 30 W maximum power per PoE port
• 120 W total maximum PoE output power
• 150 W integrated power supply
• Support for the dynamic PoE+ standard (IEEE 802.3af/at)

GWN7802 and GWN7802P

The GWN7802 model delivers 16 Gigabit Ethernet RJ-45 ports and four Gigabit Ethernet SFP ports for fiber optic connections. With more fiber optic terminations, it is possible to deliver a higher level of redundancy and scale the network design.

As with its smaller sibling, the switch comes in PoE and non-PoE versions. Some of the key features of both models include the following:

• 20 Gbps total non-blocking throughput
• 40 Gbps internal switching capability
• 76 million packets per second forwarding rate
• Desktop, wall-mountable, or rack-mountable configurations

The PoE model also features the following:

• 30 W maximum power per PoE port
• 240 W total maximum PoE output power
• 270 W integrated power supply
• Support for the dynamic PoE+ standard (IEEE 802.3af/at)

GWN7803 and GWN7803P

The GWN7803 model features 24 Gigabit Ethernet RJ-45 ports and four Gigabit Ethernet SFP ports for fiber optic connections. This is the best switch for high-density workstation deployments and is ideal for installation in telecom closets and distribution frames.

Once again, this switch comes in PoE and non-PoE versions. Some of the key features of both models include the following:

• 28 Gbps total non-blocking throughput
• 56 Gbps internal switching capability
• 66 million packets per second forwarding rate
• Desktop, wall-mountable, or rack-mountable setup

PoE model features include the following:

• 30 W maximum power per PoE port
• 360 W total maximum PoE output power
• 400 W integrated power supply
• Support for the dynamic PoE+ standard (IEEE 802.3af/at)

Additional key features common to all models

Beyond the specifics of each model, all GWN7800 series switches share a rich set of features that makes them ideal for virtually any small to medium-sized business network deployment. The most significant of these features include the following:

• Support for both IPv4 and IPv6
• Multicast capabilities, including IGMP snooping, MLD snooping, and MVR
• Support for DHCP, including server, relay, and multiple DHCP options for use with IP phones
• Switching capabilities that include:
  • Up to 8,000 MAC address table entries
  • Up to 4,000 VLANs
  • Voice VLAN
  • Link aggregation of up to 8 links
  • Up to 64 spanning tree instances (STP/RSTP/MSTP)
• Quality of service (QoS) capabilities, including:
  • Port priority
  • Priority mapping
  • Queue scheduling
  • Traffic shaping
  • Rate limiting
  • Up to 1,500 access lists
• Security features, including:
  • 1x authentication
  • AAA with use of RADIUS and TACACS+
  • Storm control
  • Port security
  • IPv6 source guard
  • ARP inspection
  • DHCP snooping

The GWN7800 series is an integral part of a modern network

Grandstream delivers all the necessary components to build a fully converged network, offering innovative network applications and services.

These include its innovative IP phones and videoconferencing devices, a wide range of Wave2 Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi 6 access points, on-premises IP PBXs, cloud-based services, business security devices, and facility management solutions. Supporting these are many accessories that make communications services more accessible and easy to use.

The GWN7800 series of switches is the foundation upon which a competent network is built. The GWN7800 switches deliver the PoE required by phones, cameras, and access points, the QoS needed for voice and video applications, and the security features to ensure that all communications remain confidential.

Deploying an all-Grandstream solution for your network and communications needs ensures the highest interoperability among your devices and services. You also guarantee that your investment in your communications network will have a significant ROI over the years.

Conclusion

The GWN7800 series of switches is a solid base upon which to build your communications network. Whether you’re a small but growing business or a mature, medium-sized enterprise, these switches deliver what your network needs.

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