Searching for alternatives at 2.5Gb and 10Gb speeds. Anyone have tips on lesser-known options? 48port mentioned.
Searching for alternatives at 2.5Gb and 10Gb speeds. Anyone have tips on lesser-known options? 48port mentioned.
I'm looking at upgrading from a single D-Link switch to something more capable with extra ports and higher speeds. I'm considering stacking devices or moving traffic to a dedicated uplink, but I'm concerned about losing the benefits of my current 48GB backplane setup for NAS/SAN and iSCSI. I'm thinking about getting 2.5G or 10G ports and planning for future growth. Do you know any good switches that fit this need?
Budget? For my needs Ubiquiti offers some solid options. I’m not sure about 2.5Gbe/10Gbe RJ-45, but the Unifi US‑16‑XG works well for switching if you’re focused on that. I wouldn’t suggest it for routing—it needs an app installed on your computer to manage it remotely. If you prefer a WebUI, the EdgeSwitch ES‑16‑XG has that feature and is great for switching too. For additional 10G ports they also provide the USW-Pro-Aggregation.
What's your spending range? You might consider a Quanta LB6M for about $230, equipped with 24 x 10g SFP+ and four 1 Gbps ethernet ports: https://unixsurplus.com/quanta-lb6m/ You could attempt a Celestica Redstone switch, featuring 48 x 10g ethernet ports plus four QSFP (40G) ports for $440: https://www.ebay.com/itm/144108570416 Alternatively, you could invest around $600 in a 32 x QSFP+ Arista switch, with more than ten units in stock and a one-year warranty: https://www.ebay.com/itm/112619956491 However, you'd need to purchase additional breakout cables (40g to 4x10g, roughly 30 euros or higher) or upgrade to 40Gbps network cards.
Right now I don’t need PoE. I’ve mastered CLI on IOS and realized the GUI version is much worse than using the command line.
Interesting point! You mentioned noise too, and I was wondering if it’s worth considering. A lot of suggestions focus on data center switches, which can be quite loud, but if you place them in a less noticeable spot like a closet near a bedroom, it might be more comfortable.
Noise levels can be a problem, but I don’t need a loud switch. I’d prefer around 50 or 60 decibels at most. Still, I have to stay in this house. There’s an HP server that keeps spinning up to about 80 decibels during the night.
In such situations, I tend to steer clear of Cisco Nexus or Arista equipment because they prioritize performance and cooling rather than low noise levels. I discovered some Celestica switches, but my findings suggest they are just as noisy—often comparable to Cisco or Arista models—or even louder, typically ranging between 60 to 70 dBA. For mGig speeds (1/2.5/5/10), you’d likely need a system costing over $1,000 unless there’s something overlooked in my search. This, though a bit above that threshold, could be the most suitable choice: https://www.ebay.com/itm/124967341590. I also came across a Dell switch that appears quieter, possibly around 65dBA at around 26°C: https://www.ebay.com/itm/384477467878. Unfortunately, many 10G Base-T switches are still new or focused on DC, and using SFP+ modules introduces additional challenges—more heat, potential port limitations, and higher noise levels. I didn’t explore Junipers or Extreme models extensively because most options were outdated, too expensive, or didn’t align with the needs.
In theory, you could simply access the network switch case and relocate its components into a larger 2U or 3U enclosure. This would let you swap out the loud 40mm fans for quieter 80-92mm models. Alternatively, you might modify the top cover by cutting off the steel lid and installing a taller cover with larger fans mounted on it. A potential approach involves using 120-140mm fans to circulate air beneath the circuit board and front SFPs+ ports. These fans would help maintain pressure and expel air through the small openings around the ports or along the sides. Depending on the model, the switch’s firmware may include low-speed fan safeguards that halt operation if the original fans aren’t spinning—some high-end units run 3-4 ticks per rotation, whereas standard desktop fans typically spin at 2 ticks, which could cause replacement fans to appear running at half speed.