Optimal 10Gbe Network Setup Guidelines/Considerations
Optimal 10Gbe Network Setup Guidelines/Considerations
Hello, We have two houses positioned near each other about 30 meters apart. A 6A cable (category 6a) is planned for future connections between them, with a 10GbE network cable spanning approximately 46 meters. I purchased two MikroTik CRS326-24G-2S+RM units, which include an SFPD+ port. The SFPD+ adapters only support 10GbE up to 30 meters, but my setup is 46 meters away. Can I connect the CRS312-4C+8XG-RM RJ45 10GbE port from one side and the CRS326-24G-2S+RM with an SFPD+ adapter from the other side to resolve this? Also, I need to use the 6A cable. Thank you ahead of time.
I choose CAT 7 cable because it offers superior shielding against various interference. Your Switch logic seems a bit confusing—each home needs an RJ45 switch that supports 10Gbps. The second option you mentioned only works with SFP+ 10Gbps, which won’t fit. I’d recommend a standard RJ45 setup for networking, as it’s much easier to manage. Network cards are becoming more affordable. You might also consider two Asus XG-U2008 units, which can be found used for around 130€.
Do you HAVE TO use cat6a cable? You can buy ready made fiber cable with connectors preinstalled on both ends and then all you need is a couple sfp+ transceivers which are cheap, around 20$ each. Examples: Amazon.com: 10GBase-SR SFP+ Transceiver, 10G 850nm MMF, up to 300 Meters, Compatible with Cisco SFP-10G-SR, Meraki MA-SFP-10GB-SR, Ubiquiti UF-MM-10G, Mikrotik, Netgear, D-Link, Supermicro, TP-Link and More.: Computers & Accessories Amazon.com: 10 GBASE-SR SFP+ Module for Cisco SFP-10G-SR, 10Gb/s Multi-Mode LC Transceiver, Up to 300m: Electronics The two above are both duplex lc , so a cable like this would work: Customised Length LC-LC UPC Duplex OM4 Multimode Fibre Patch Lead 2.0mm PVC (OFNR) - FS Germany Customised Length LC-LC UPC Duplex OM3 Multimode Fibre Patch Lead 2.0mm PVC (OFNR) - FS Germany 2 pairs, 50 meters length in sleeve for exterior for around 100$ : Customised 2 Fibres Indoor/Outdoor SM Pre-terminated Fibre Cable - FS Germany
Another choice could be media converters... they tend to cost a bit more, roughly 100-150 dollars each. An unmanaged model supports 1x 100M/1G/2.5G/5G/10GBASE-T to 1x 10GBASE-X SFP+ slot at 10GbE. European plug standard - FS Germany. An unmanaged version with a pair of affordable 1m DAC cables for linking the converters to switches.
They transform fiber signals into 10G base t (up to 100 meters on cat6a) and back, working both ways. Typically, they change Ethernet to fiber for longer distances—over 100 meters with fiber can reach up to 40km, though 300m–2km is more typical. They also function in reverse without issue. A 1-meter DAC cable would likely be the most economical option for connecting to existing switches or routers, since both ends have SPF+ connectors. An alternative would involve using two transceivers plus separate fiber patch cords on each end.
I discovered these adapters claiming 80m range would be ideal for my situation.