QNAP Introduces USB4 Type-C to 10GbE Network Adapters for Mac / Windows

[TheLostSwede]

QNAP Systems, Inc. has introduced the new QNA series USB4 Type-C to 10GbE network adapters, specifically designed for Mac and Windows PCs equipped with USB4 or Thunderbolt 3/4 ports. These adapters enable connecting to 10GbE high-speed networks, significantly improving user convenience and work efficiency.

QNAP Product Manager Andy Chuang stated, "The compact and low-noise QNA USB4 adapters allow computers without network ports to establish a high-speed network environment with other devices. Users can enjoy efficient large file transfers and smooth 10GbE collaborative workflows without complicated setup."




Product highlights

• Ultra-Fast Transfer: Supports transfer speeds up to 10 Gbps, making it easy to handle large data backups, file transfers, and efficient video editing tasks.
• Wide Compatibility: Compatible with multiple operating systems including Windows, macOS, and Linux, providing fast and stable network connections for professional users, business environments, and home use.
• Easy Installation: Simply plug the adapter into a USB4 Type-C port and quickly connect to a 10GbE network through a simple driver setup.
• Fanless and Portable Design: The compact, lightweight, and fanless design makes it easy to carry, ensuring quiet and high-speed connectivity anywhere—whether at the office, home, or on business trips.

Key specifications

• QNA-UC10G1T: 1x USB4 Type-C port; 1 x 10GbE NBASE-T port; AQC113 network controller; includes 1-meter USB4 cable
• QNA-UC10G1SF: 1x USB4 Type-C port; 1 x 10GbE SFP+ port; AQC100S network controller; includes 1-meter USB4 cable

The QNA USB4 series will introduce dual-port 10GbE models, providing users with more adapter options:

• QNA-UC10G2T: USB4 Type-C to 10GbE BASE-T (dual port) adapter (Coming Soon)
• QNA-UC10G2SF: USB4 Type-C to 10GbE SFP+ (dual port) adapter (Coming Soon)

[Editor's note: Both models are priced at US$249]

View at TechPowerUp Main Site | Source

 

[Wirko]

I'd expect the SFP version to be significantly cheaper. Does the price include the 10Gbit Ethernet transceiver?

 

[Tigerfox]

These actually offer little benefit over the existing TB3-adaptors and use the same or nearly the NICs (Marvell Aquantia AQC113C in the QNA-UC10G1T vs. AQC107S in QNA-T310G1T, ancient AQC100S in both QNA-UC10G1SF and QNA-T310G1S) and will only be more interesting if they are cheaper. Wether the interface is USB4 or TB3, both should work the same on USB4- or TB3/4-Ports.

The dual-port variants will be much more interesting. 1x10GbE is kind of a waste for USB4 or TB3/4. While AQC100S and AQC107S are Gen3x4, AQC113C is either Gen3x2 or Gen4x1, which both is more than enough for 1x10GbE. Since most USB4- and TB3/4-controllers offer Gen3x4 or Gen4x4, there are enough lanes for two NICs or one NIC with two ports. QNA-UC10G2T will surely use Intel X550, but I wonder what NIC QNA-UC10G2SF will use, since most NICs that offer more than one SFP+ports are really old and have been replaced. Candidates would be Intel X710 and Broadcom BMC57412 or tow AQC100S with a PCIe-switch.

On Computex, a QNA-UC25G2SF was also mentioned, which would be great, even though 40Gb/s USB4 isn't enough for 2x25GbE.

EDIT: The MSRP is above what the TB3-NICs cost here in Germany...

 

[DaemonForce]

Maybe not a complete waste of time. It reminded me of the guy that networked everything over USB.
When I depend on a 10GbE SFP+ link it's usually a direct link and a fixed component of a board/card.
This might be okay for diagnosing this and that but I wouldn't depend on it for full time duty.

 

[Octavean]

Maybe not a complete waste of time. It reminded me of the guy that networked everything over USB.
When I depend on a 10GbE SFP+ link it's usually a direct link and a fixed component of a board/card.
This might be okay for diagnosing this and that but I wouldn't depend on it for full time duty.

Fair point, I would tend to agree but Mac users may have fewer options in this respect. It's not as if they can just pop the hood and install any NIC they want.

 

[Alan Smithee]

The $249 price is outrageous, the IOCREST USB4 AQC113C on Aliexpress is $97. That $97 price makes sense because PCIe AQC113C cards (e.g. NICGIGA) are $67-$75 so a ~25% premium to add a Thunderbolt interface and put it in an enclosure is quite reasonable. Heck, even the name brand Asus card is only $98. So QNAP should be charging at most $125, this is double the price it should be.