What type of switch should I be looking for

Hi there.

I am confused with what I should be looking at buying to upgrade out network structure

Currently we have a 3COM 3C16471-UK Superstack 3 24-Port Switch. I have 22 ports in use. In the new year we are getting more staff.

Our office is located on two floors. Unfortunately, when the network cable was put in the two floors were kept seperate. We have a patch panel on the ground floor and one of the first floor. We work on the first floor, but in the new year we need to occupy the ground floor.

What is the best way that I can connect to the two floors together?

One thought was to get two managed switches, one for each floor, and connect them using the fibre SFP modules.

Another one was to put an additional patch panel on first floor with 24 cables going to the ground floor connecting to the front of the patch panel there. With an addition switch to connect the first floor patches to the network as required.

I thought that you had to have managed switches if you wanted to connect two (or more) together. Just read that you don't.

If I purchased another 3COM 3C16471-UK Superstack 3 24-Port Switch, do you just use one port on each to connect them? If not, how is this done.

We don't have a big turn over, so I would soon spend £90 get another 3COM than spending £400 getting two managed switches.

Any help or advice greatfully received.

James