@BLinux
How are your T1700G-28TQ's working out? Any issue with being picky on cables?
It's still about the only thing I can justify for my setup, although if I could find a fanless 48port managed switch around the same price (without 10GB) I'd consider that. Keeping my existing dedicated 10gb over ethernet link wouldn't be a big deal. But man, I need a switch that doesn't sound like an airplane. I don't even use the POE on my 48 port.
I've been so busy with work, the solar panel project, and collecting parts for my next server build, i haven't had time to check out the T1700-28TQs yet; still sitting in box. Although, while I was ordering some other stuff from fiberstore folks, I asked about TP-LINK switches and they said it's no problem for them to get me SFP+ modules that will work just fine; they seem to hint that TP-LINK can use generics and don't require anything special. They have lifetime warranty, so I'm not too concerned if i got a DOA unit; so it's low on the priority list - i bought them for the 10G link I want to establish between the "shed" and my house, which comes after the solar panels are done.
Regarding 48-port manage gigabit, go back to that deal I posted about TP-LINK switches on Amazon. The T1600G-52TS is a 48-port 1Gbase-T + 4-SFP (not SFP+) and FANLESS. I've deployed 3 of those switches for some SMB clients and they have worked great for the feature set they provide and price. They do get a bit warm on the bottom, so I would leave an air gap underneath them, but I've got 2 of them fully populated (even the SFP ports) and have had no issues with performance, VLANs, LAGs, and a few of their port security features. It's still $300 right now.