Getting started with a small business on a 10GB NAS is easy!
Getting started with a small business on a 10GB NAS is easy!
I manage a modest computer shop and have handled numerous network installations in the past. Right now I'm facing a challenge I've never tackled before, so I'm reaching out for assistance. A client purchased a Synology NAS, HDDs, and an E10G17-F2 10Gb SFP+ Duel link card. He wants us to install a 10Gbe switch and connect it to his laptop. While I can research suitable switches, I'm unsure which would be optimal for this situation. His laptop requires a Thunderbolt 3 upgrade just to support 10Gb speeds. We've assembled desktops that might need upgrades later, but he's currently using a laptop. Essentially, all his systems are running on 1Gbe, and the large data volumes—especially in geological surveying—demand more than we have available. We could consider a SFP+ to 10Gb adapter for the switch, or run all Cat6/7 over Cat6/7 using a DAC cable. The switch would need multiple 10Gbe ports because other workstations may also upgrade to 10Gb. At the moment, everything relies on 1Gbe, which isn't sufficient for his workloads. We might explore a SFP+ to 10Gb adapter to handle the Cat6/7 traffic, but weighing the cost of adapters against running dedicated cables would be important. The switch would serve as access point to the NAS and also support the existing 1Gbe port, avoiding the need for a massive upgrade. Ideally, we'd have between 4 to 8 10Gb connections, with at least one SFP+ connection.
Well, the cost varies based on your spending range. Here are some options:
600$ – Ubiquity US-16-XG (12 SFP+ ports, 4 RJ45 10G ports): [link](https://amzn.to/30VkX41)
725$ – Newegg offers a deal for D-Link DXS-1100-10TS (8 RJ45 10G + 2 SFP+): [link](https://www.newegg.com/p/N82E16833127710)
700$ – NETGEAR XS708E (8 RJ45 10G ports, 1 shared with 1 SFP+): [link](https://www.newegg.com/p/N82E16833122848)
269$ – Microtik CRS309-1G-8S+IN (8 SFP+, 1 RJ45 1Gbps): [link](https://amzn.to/2WgATPD)
You can pair this with a switch that has many RJ45 10G ports and at least one SFP+ port if you prefer a refurbished unit. Examples include:
- Quanta LB6M 24-Port 10GbE SFP+ (4x1GbE): [link](https://www.unixplus.com/collections/net...-l3-switch) – 300$ new
- Refurbished Cisco SG350XG-2F10-K9 (12 RJ45 10G + 2 SFP+): [link](https://www.unixplus.com/collections/net...ble-switch) – 955$
- Arista DCS-7050T (48 RJ45 10G + 4 QSFP+ 40GB): [link](https://www.ebay.com/itm/Arista-DCS-7050...3370198324)
If you're okay with used gear, Unixplus has solid options (online store and eBay). Their 300$ Quanta switch is a good starting point.
The discussion also covers whether 10Gbit is truly necessary or if 1Gbit suffices. It suggests that 2.5Gbit or even 5Gbit might already cover the requirements. In such scenarios, a single 10Gbit SFP link connected to a straightforward 10Gbit switch would be sufficient. A Netgear ProSAFE XS500M would work well in this case. Another consideration is whether a managed switch is required.