Selecting the right gigabit switch often feels like navigating a maze of technical specifications and conflicting requirements. For network administrators managing small to medium-sized business networks, branch offices, or enterprise edge deployments, the choice between copper and fiber connectivity can significantly impact both performance and long-term scalability. The Telecomate S3900 series presents two compelling options: the S3900-24T4S-R with its 24 copper RJ45 ports, and the S3900-24F4S-R which offers a hybrid approach with fiber SFP ports and combo connections. While both switches share the same underlying architecture and Layer 2+ capabilities, their port configurations target distinctly different deployment scenarios. Understanding these differences is crucial for making an informed investment that aligns with your current infrastructure while accommodating future growth. This analysis breaks down the practical considerations between these two models, examining how their design choices affect real-world implementation in various environments.
Core Specifications and Shared Architecture
Before diving into their differences, it’s important to recognize what these switches have in common. Both the S3900-24T4S-R and S3900-24F4S-R deliver 128 Gbps of switching capacity with a forwarding rate of 96 Mpps, ensuring neither model becomes a bottleneck in gigabit access layer deployments. They support stacking of up to eight units, allowing networks to scale efficiently without complex management overhead. Each switch includes dual redundant power supplies for enhanced reliability, and both operate at the Layer 2+ level with support for static routing, QoS policies, and comprehensive security features like ACLs and authentication protocols. These shared characteristics make them equally capable for handling demanding network traffic—the choice ultimately comes down to connectivity requirements and environmental factors.
Port Configuration: Copper Versus Fiber Flexibility
The All-Copper Advantage of S3900-24T4S-R
This model features 24×10/100/1000BASE-T RJ45 ports alongside 4×10Gb SFP+ uplinks. This configuration makes it ideal for environments where the majority of connected devices—such as desktop computers, VoIP phones, wireless access points, and printers—standardly feature RJ45 interfaces. Offices with existing Category 5e or Category 6 cabling can deploy this switch without additional transceivers, minimizing initial hardware costs. The auto-negotiation capability on each port ensures compatibility with various device speeds, while the 10G SFP+ uplinks provide ample bandwidth for aggregation connections to core switches or servers.
Hybrid Connectivity with S3900-24F4S-R
In contrast, the S3900-24F4S-R offers 16 dedicated 1G SFP ports, 8×1G RJ45/SFP combo ports, and the same 4×10Gb SFP+ uplinks. The combo ports provide particular flexibility—each can accept either an RJ45 connection or an SFP transceiver, but not simultaneously. This design allows network managers to adapt the switch to mixed environments where some connections require fiber’s longer distances or electrical isolation, while others can use cost-effective copper. The dedicated SFP ports make this model well-suited for fiber-rich environments like data center edges, industrial settings, or connections between buildings where fiber’s immunity to electromagnetic interference is essential.
Practical Deployment Scenarios
For a typical office floor with mostly desktop connections, the S3900-24T4S-R represents the most straightforward solution. However, in a manufacturing facility where some connections span long distances between production areas and control rooms, the S3900-24F4S-R’s fiber capabilities would prevent signal degradation. Similarly, campus environments connecting multiple buildings would benefit from the fiber options in the 24F4S-R model for the longer backbone runs between structures.
Hardware Design and Environmental Considerations
Cooling Systems and Acoustic Performance
One of the most noticeable differences between these switches lies in their thermal management. The S3900-24T4S-R operates with a completely fanless design, making it virtually silent during operation. This characteristic makes it particularly well-suited for noise-sensitive environments like open-plan offices, conference rooms, classrooms, or healthcare settings where equipment noise can be disruptive. The absence of moving parts also translates to higher reliability and reduced maintenance concerns over the switch’s lifespan.
The S3900-24F4S-R, meanwhile, incorporates two built-in fans with a left-to-right airflow design. While these fans do generate audible noise, they enable the switch to operate reliably in warmer environments or under sustained high loads that might challenge a fanless design. The fans provide necessary cooling for the additional heat generated by SFP transceivers, particularly when multiple fiber connections are in use. For installations in dedicated equipment rooms, wiring closets, or data centers where noise is less concerning, the fan-cooled design offers robust thermal management.
Power Consumption Differences
The S3900-24T4S-R has a maximum power consumption of 25W, while the S3900-24F4S-R reaches approximately 41W under full load. This difference stems primarily from the additional circuitry required for the SFP ports and the power needed to operate the cooling fans. In deployments where energy efficiency is a priority or where numerous switches will be deployed, the lower power draw of the 24T4S-R model may contribute to meaningful operational cost savings over time.
Security and Management Capabilities
Both switches offer identical software features when it comes to network security and management. They support comprehensive access control lists (ACLs) for IPv4, IPv6, MAC addresses, and ARP traffic, allowing administrators to create granular security policies. Multiple authentication methods—including local, RADIUS, and TACACS+—ensure that only authorized users can access network resources. Port security features like MAC address limiting and 802.1X authentication help prevent unauthorized devices from connecting to the network.
From a management perspective, both switches support web-based GUI interfaces, command-line access via Telnet or SSH, and SNMP for integration with network management systems. The inclusion of LLDP (Link Layer Discovery Protocol) enables automatic topology discovery, simplifying network documentation and troubleshooting. These consistent management interfaces mean that network teams don’t need to learn different systems when deploying both models within the same organization.
Making the Right Choice for Your Environment
The decision between the S3900-24T4S-R and S3900-24F4S-R ultimately hinges on your specific connectivity requirements and deployment environment. If your network primarily consists of devices with RJ45 connections and you’re operating in a noise-sensitive space like an office or classroom, the 24T4S-R model likely represents the better fit. Its fanless operation and straightforward copper connectivity simplify deployment while minimizing acoustic disruption.
Conversely, if your infrastructure requires fiber connectivity for longer distances, electrical isolation, or higher density connections, the 24F4S-R offers the necessary flexibility. Its combo ports provide a migration path from copper to fiber as needs evolve, making it a more future-proof option for environments anticipating technology upgrades. The slightly higher power consumption and audible fan noise are reasonable trade-offs for these enhanced connectivity options.
For organizations with mixed requirements, a blended approach might be most effective—deploying the 24T4S-R in office areas where quiet operation matters, while using the 24F4S-R in equipment rooms or for backbone connections where fiber’s advantages are essential. Both switches are available through Telecomate.com, whose technical team can provide specific guidance based on your network diagrams and performance requirements. Their experts can help you model different deployment scenarios to ensure you select the switch that delivers optimal performance for your specific application needs and budget constraints.
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