Discussion about 10G LAN technology
Discussion about 10G LAN technology
I plan to operate two devices—a server and a gaming/rendering machine—both running Windows 10 Pro, later upgraded to Windows 11 Pro. If I have two 10G NICs available, would it be feasible to connect them via a Cat6 cable, keeping internet traffic through the existing gigabit link to my router? I'm avoiding purchasing a large, costly switch with many unused ports, which could strain my UPS and waste space.
Yes, it's possible. Assign unique local IPs to each device, such as 192.168.0.201 and 192.168.0.202, using the same subnet mask like 255.255.255.0. It's advisable to use fiber network cards if the computers are near each other—about 3 to 5 meters—and you can find a passive DAC cable for roughly 10 to 20 dollars. Additionally, these cards tend to be more affordable on the used market.
I handle this personally. The entire apartment runs on a 1Gig network with internet access, enabling full communication between any PCs. The primary desktop and main UnRAID server each include an extra 10Gig NIC, connected via a CAT6A cable. You must manually assign their IP addresses. In Windows, setting the HOST file to point to your preferred IP can help, or sometimes the system randomly chooses which NIC resolves the name, and you’d like it consistently to use the 10Gig connection for those two devices.
You can purchase dual 10g fiber cards ranging from $25 to $50 each. For instance, this model costs $35: https://unixsurplus.com/solarflare-sfn61...pter-card/ DAC cables are affordable, priced between $15 and $40 for three-meter versions. The 3M SFP+ 10GbE Direct Attach Cable Twinax is available at various retailers, including fs.com, which offers numerous options such as 10Gb SFP+ cables and SFP+ Twinax DAC cables. The site selling the $35 cards also provides a bundle deal with two Intel cards and a DAC cable for $170: https://unixsurplus.com/bundle-x520da2-i...-included/. While not an excellent deal, it remains a budget-friendly choice.
Alright, I see your concerns. This option seems limited in the long run. You're paying about USD$170 for what appears to be a basic kit, while you could easily obtain two 10gig cards for around USD$90 each plus some CAT6A cabling. That way, you could later upgrade with 10-gig copper switches as costs drop. It also works with 2.5 or 5-gig switches even if it means a slight slowdown. In short, you're saving only a small amount now but giving up much more flexibility and scalability. The price you mention is minimal compared to the restrictions it imposes.
The Solarflare cards linked are priced at $35 each, offering dual 10gbps capabilities. They work with Windows, Linux, and various operating systems. If your connection is under 30 meters, you can connect a 10G Ethernet cable directly to an SFP+ transceiver using the appropriate adapter for your switch. This method is cost-effective when you have multiple devices in one room—you receive two cards for what feels like one 10G Ethernet card. Other advantages include the availability of more affordable SFP+ switches, such as 16-port or higher models at similar prices. You might also consider QSFP or QSFP28 switches for scalability, along with transceivers that convert standard RJ45 cables to SFP+ if needed. You can purchase transceivers and fiber cables at reasonable rates, and there are options like 48 SFP+ ports for the same cost. Additionally, you can repurpose existing fiber infrastructure for future upgrades. Prices for compatible Ethernet adapters and switches are generally lower on platforms like eBay, with many listings offering discounts of $6 or less each.