Multi-Gb switches.

Snapshot · 19 Nov 2019 at 11:01

I currently have a Netgear GS110EMX which gives me two 10Gb/E but would like another couple of ports that can handle 2.5Gb. My ideal would be the Netgear XS512EM but the price of almost £700 puts me off a little. I could just about get by with a Netgear MS510TX at under £250 but wondered if anyone out there knows if there are any similar products from other manufacturers?

ChrisD. · 19 Nov 2019 at 11:08

The MikroTik CRS305-1G-4S+IN has 4x10 Gbps SFP+ ports and 1x1 Gbps port and is around £125. SFP modules can be bought from fs.com for £57.60 each which are compatible.

Snapshot · 19 Nov 2019 at 13:33

So that's £125 + 4 x 57.60 = £355 for just four fixed 10Gb ports? Oh, and one 1Gb port, of course.

ChrisD. · 19 Nov 2019 at 13:34

You may be able to get the SFP+ modules cheaper elsewhere, or second hand etc.

Snapshot · 19 Nov 2019 at 13:39

But, unless I'm very much mistaken, they don't offer the flexibility of Netgear's Multi-Gb ports so aren't what I need.

ChrisD. · 19 Nov 2019 at 14:02

What do you mean multi-Gb? They run at whatever speed SFP module you use. If you have a capable device you can use a DAC direct connect cable without the need for an SFP module.

Snapshot · 19 Nov 2019 at 16:05

I mean the ability to handle clients at 2.5Gb and 5Gb as well as 10Gb. These are becoming more common as they'll run happily over Cat5e cable.

ChrisD. · 19 Nov 2019 at 16:12

Snapshot said:
I mean the ability to handle clients at 2.5Gb and 5Gb as well as 10Gb. These are becoming more common as they'll run happily over Cat5e cable.

They’ll run at whatever speed the client is capable of running at.

bremen1874 · 19 Nov 2019 at 16:49

ChrisD. said:
They’ll run at whatever speed the client is capable of running at.

Will every 10Gb switch handle clients connecting using 2.5Gb or 5Gb NICs?

The whole 2.5Gb/5Gb Multi-Gig/5-speed thing is relatively recent and a lot of the 10Gb kit will predate it.

ChrisD. · 19 Nov 2019 at 17:12

bremen1874 said:
Will every 10Gb switch handle clients connecting using 2.5Gb or 5Gb NICs?

The whole 2.5Gb/5Gb Multi-Gig/5-speed thing is relatively recent and a lot of the 10Gb kit will predate it.

It depends on the SFP, most support 2.5 and 5 Gbit.

killari · 19 Nov 2019 at 17:28

I managed to get a Buffalo 8 port rj-45 Multigig for £300 when that auction site has its fairly frequent voucher codes. You could keep an eye out for Black Friday.