Setting up 5G Base-T on a laptop involves configuring wireless settings for optimal connectivity.
Setting up 5G Base-T on a laptop involves configuring wireless settings for optimal connectivity.
Hey there! I'm exploring ways to boost performance on my FreeNAS setup. My development machine runs two Xeons with 144GB RAM and 256GB NVMe storage, plus a Z1 My client featuring a 3x3TB SSD. The laptop is a 2014 MacBook Pro with Retina display, DGPU support, and dual Thunderbolt 2 and USB 3.0 ports. I'm considering using the USB ports for networking instead of the more costly Thunderbolt 2 connections. With 802.3BZ enabling higher speeds, I’m thinking about connecting the server via SFP+ to a CRS305 switch, then bridging to my cat6A cables and finally linking it to the laptop through a 5G Ethernet to USB3.0 adapter. I’m curious if the CRS305 supports 802.3BZ for 5G/2.5G speeds. If not, should I worry about compatibility with an adaptor that auto-negotiates? Let me know if you have any insights, Felix CLC
The CRS30x line works with 2.5/5 using their S+RJ10 series connectors. These are RJ45 SFP+ devices. The main challenge is locating a USB adapter compatible with 2.5/5. Finding 10G adapters is difficult, especially at this price point. It’s usually cheaper to invest an additional $1–200 in a TB 10G adapter.
The question asks whether the MikroTik RJ45 must connect directly to the SFP+ adapters or if generic solutions can work instead.
I’m not too concerned about the freenas side; my main worry is whether the CRS can secure a link at 5G. If that’s possible, I’ll likely proceed with the purchase around the holidays. I’ve emailed mikrotik and shared the news on their subreddit, so I’ll keep an eye on their response from FS.com regarding SFP+ → Rj45.
Update from Mikrotik support: The CRS305-1G-4S+IN only handles 10G and 1G connections on the host side of SFP+ interfaces. However, if the 10G copper SFP+ module can support 802.3bz 5GBASE-T and 2.5GBASE-T—similar to the MikroTik S+RJ10—it should be feasible to establish these links. For more details, see the product page and compatibility table on MikroTik's website.
I discovered a 5 Gigabit USB adapter, though it's a USB C type. It comes with an article from Adapter article: https://www.anandtech.com/show/14381/qna...be-adapter and is available on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RKLQPLP?tag=hawk-future-20