10 GB network configuration for VR lab at University College
10 GB network configuration for VR lab at University College
Hello everyone, I'm working on a solution for a VR/MEDIA/Computational Thinking lab at our university college. The setup includes several devices connected as follows: - Two workstations for VR content creation, each with an ASUS XG-C100C 10 Gigabit Ethernet card and a built-in 1 gigabit Ethernet. - One file server running OpenMediaVault (due to driver issues with the XC-C100C card on FreeNAS) for SMB FileShare over the local network in the lab, plus an FTP share accessible outside the lab. - Three VR test setups equipped with built-in gigabit Ethernet. - Four Cisco Aironet 2600 access points (if possible, they can operate independently without a controller). - Four laptops connected via Wi-Fi 3. - About 30 Oculus Quest headsets and five Oculus Go headsets, with several unused ports for additional setups. - The building's network is a large Cisco router/switch with a 40Gbps backplane and only a single 10 Gigabit Fiber port. We can't modify it directly because it's managed by an external firm. Currently, we have six gigabit Ethernet connections going into the lab, each assigned a unique VLAN for unrestricted internet access. We have roughly a 1500 Euro budget excluding cables. My goals are: - Implement load balancing using at least two of the incoming gigabit lines. - If possible, use all four gigabit lines perfectly. - If not, connect one incoming line to the file server's built-in gigabit card for FTP access only. - Establish a 10 Gigabit link between workstations and the file server. - Create a 10 Gigabit connection to at least four unused Cat6a wall plates. - Connect all remaining unused Cat6a plates to a gigabit PoE port. - Link the Wi-Fi access point to a gigabit connection. - Ensure no bottleneck between wireless networks and the high-speed links, using workstations as streaming servers for the 30 Oculus Quest devices at maximum bitrate. The key is optimizing the internal network for file server editing and streaming to the headsets. If we can secure higher external connections later, that would be ideal. Basic security measures would also be appreciated since we're before firewalls.
The 1500 euro budget covers the asus 10Gb cards? Or do you already possess them? To clarify your request (please verify if incorrect): a router needing a basic firewall with: at least one 1Gb WAN connection, preferably load balancing between 2x to 6x 1Gb links either via a 10Gb LAN port or LACP across several 1Gb LAN ports. A switch should provide connections to the router including three 10Gb LAN ports, four 1Gb POE ports, and three regular 1Gb non-PoE ports, plus extra space for other devices. On tighter budgets, sometimes brands like Mikrotik are worth considering despite a steep learning curve—they often deliver great value. That said, I’ll offer some alternatives that may not fit your budget exactly. Based on my experience, knowing available options can be helpful if you manage to increase the spend slightly.
Option #1: All Unifi devices (prices from Ubiquiti’s European store without shipping, including VAT. You might get better rates by contacting a distributor, especially since education pricing could apply). Router - UDM Pro, €421.08
This model has two WAN ports but currently only supports failover, not load balancing. Future updates may include load balancing; you can use a 1Gb copper SFP in the SFP+ port to create two connections. Alternatively, you could ask your school’s IT department for a 10Gb Ethernet or fiber connection.
Option #2: US-WX Pro 48-PoE Gen2, €1.20
This switch offers 40x 1Gb POE and 8x 1Gb ports, but shares a single 1Gb link to the CPU for WAN and LAN. You can use it for low-speed tasks or keep one port for full 10Gb LAN. For computers and NAS, you’ll need SFP+ modules and a suitable cable. A guide with recommended models is available online.
Option #3: US-16-XG Gen2, €652.19
Provides 16 ports with 1Gb POE, suitable for multiple devices. It’s better to use it for non-PoE tasks or leave the extra ports unused. You’d still need a SFP+ DAC to link to the router.
I’ll explore more choices later, focusing on Mikrotik models from brands like Linksys for small businesses, mixing different options.
These choices might restrict bandwidth within the PoE bottleneck to the connected access points, which are limited to around 1Gbps on the 16-port setup. Since I haven’t found a model with SFP+ offering 10Gbps connections, I’m considering alternatives. The XS712T or XS716T paired with an MS510TXPP could work for the access points. Regarding mixing brands, it’s generally not recommended unless necessary; consistency in hardware helps with management. Your plan to request 10Gbps fiber or copper is noted, but such upgrades are likely delayed until late 2021. I hope you find more details soon—there might be updates on the UDM Pro and CCTV system replacements. The 16-port 10Gbps switch on RJ45 copper would complement your existing setup nicely. Thanks!
The U SW -Pro-24-PO E model includes two SFP+ ports, but pairing it with other requirements may push costs beyond your budget. This is why I’m revisiting the options to explore more affordable alternatives. Previously, my role involved designing network setups and analyses for budgets ranging from $20k to $500k per building. I’m looking into lower-cost choices aside from Unifi and Mikrotik, which I already know well. Ubiquiti has released a device called the UXG-Pro. It appears to be an upgraded version of the UDM Pro with eight LAN ports and an HDD bay removed, plus a smart plug integrated at the rear. The announcement came with a community voting process, where users could submit requests and vote for their favorites. One prominent suggestion was load balancing. It’s confirmed that the UXG-Pro will use the same operating system as the UDM Pro, so improvements made for one should benefit the other.
The setup includes the UDM Pro plus additional components, and it comes with 2 SFP+ cables. Are you sure the built-in controller allows you to manage APs without using the Cisco models in standalone mode?
I've worked with the company that supplied most of the lab's computer equipment. In simple terms, they recommended avoiding 1/10G components and focusing on Multi-Gigabit switches. They mentioned that new consumer-grade devices will often include 2.5G or 5G network adapters. Using Ubiquiti 10gb switches (16XG with RJ45 10G converters), the network would shift to 1G because SFP+ switches can't handle 2.5 or 5G. Since your network runs locally and cloud management isn't required, we’d choose a premium business router, one unmanaged or basic managed multi-gigabit switch, and another unmanaged or basic managed gigabit switch—all supporting 10G SFP+ or copper uplinks. We advise the following configuration: DrayTek Vigor 3910 10gigabit compatible router (around €800). This device allows load balancing between either 10G SFP+ (not ideal here) or two 2.5G connections, and you can switch existing 1G lines to 10G WAN via SFP+ if needed. They recommend this setup because it meets all your requirements at the moment, especially since the UDM Pro doesn’t support load balancing yet. They also advise sticking to a single brand or choosing alternatives rather than mixing products. For switches, two main options stand out: Option 1 (around €900) is the Netgear XS512EM or XS712T multi-gigabit switch with dual SFP+ uplinks—offers flexibility and future-proofing; Option 2 (around €900) is the Netgear MS510TXPP, which supports daisy-chaining and POE ports for up to 8 devices. Both can be upgraded later. They suggest avoiding mixing brands and recommend either sticking fully with Ubiquiti or exploring other options. Overall, this plan covers your needs well and should serve you for several years."
Hey there, I’ve been swamped lately but kept that page running and planned to return with more details. Connecting with a local authorized distributor is the smart move for getting accurate pricing. Even if they propose something different, a budget of “exactly X and no more” usually lets them adjust the cost to secure the deal. Around €44 out of €1500 fits their capacity when you negotiate. I’m also wondering if current prices are higher because of supply constraints; waiting a month or two might help rates stabilize. I think multigigabit will soon be standard on consumer devices, and Netgear stands out for offering good value, performance, and features. I’m hesitant about unmanaged switches in environments where troubleshooting is open to anyone—especially when network issues can affect anyone in the lab. Setting up RSTP on the switches is crucial to avoid loops. Personally, I’d prefer using the US-16-XG and letting users bring their own SFP+ RJ45 modules for connections over 1Gb. As mentioned in the linked article, many of these modules support speeds up to 2.5Gb and beyond. This works because each SFP/SFP+ module acts as a two-port switch, allowing links at 10Gb with the switch and 5Gb or less with the computer.