Year 2023: 8-Port 2.5GbE Unmanaged Switch - looking for the best

[kiriakost]

I also have a degree of experience configuring these sorts of things for networks and labs (though have always worked with a more experienced network admin). I wouldn't say I'm "senior" in this kind of role, but I'm no dumbass as you seem to imply.

Stories coming from real life, these are what I appreciate the most!

At 2020 one close friend of my, certified networks engineer, told me to help him out at a project as LAN cables installer, 60 workstation LAN.
Five local factory joined forces to sponsor a single R&D center, that all will have access to.
At that rare opportunity, I did have the chance to do training and improve skills, along to see for a first time 3D printer using wax.
Working at significant projects next to first class experts, this is the greatest gift for a person that he is determined to advance.

According to recent HDD offerings, I am now convinced that WD Gold 1 TB, this is first of all requirements.
So two workstations to be able to exchange data at snappy rate with 2.5 GbE connection.

 

[1freedude]

We're not sure two NICs in teaming mode will give the data rates you think you will get. Not in a peer to peer scenario. In a one to many situation, possibly.

 

[zlobby]

There are so many types of bonding, even without considering the propriatary ones. They are all used for different purposes.

Also, bonding implies peer-to-peer connection. Not sure what 'one-to-many' even means here. Do you mean multicast?

 

[1freedude]

More like multi request. As in, I have something, anyone who wants it, come get it.

 

[zlobby]

More like multi request. As in, I have something, anyone who wants it, come get it.

I'd like to read the RFC of this one.

 

[1freedude]

The thread is about creating a network to sync the files of two computers. Is that multicasting?

What I was saying was...he wants to do peer to peer. He wants to gang two nics to speed up the sync process. He wants to get an unmanaged switch that will support one PC that has 2.5Gb on one end and teamed 1Gb nics on the other.

I am still learning, but I don't think that is multi at all. I think multi would be a file server or web server or live stream from a capture device.

 

[zlobby]

He wants to get an unmanaged switch that will support one PC that has 2.5Gb on one end and teamed 1Gb nics on the other.

I see. The problem here is the 'unmanaged' part. Actually the switch needs to support bonding as well i.e., it must be manageable. Also, make sure it has hardware offload for the bonding.

 

[1freedude]

I see. The problem here is the 'unmanaged' part. Actually the switch needs to support bonding as well i.e., it must be manageable. Also, make sure it has hardware offload for the bonding.

I am still learning, but I see a couple things:

Does the other PC have two NICs that will get the same treatment?

And, the switch must be managed. It has to negotiate a single MAC for both of the NICs, on specific ports of that switch.

 

[kiriakost]

He wants to gang two nics to speed up the sync process. He wants to get an unmanaged switch that will support one PC that has 2.5Gb on one end and teamed 1Gb nics on the other.

Mr. Kiriakos wants what INTEL engineers tested at their lab, this to also work at my workshop and office.

An quick Google search shown that at NIC with multiple RJ45, all the work this is made due INTEL driver.
The INTEL driver support's up to four NIC-Chip Teaming.
Then, they are configuration options also at Driver level.

In my case, i210AT (most expensive), I am sensing this will act as VIP RJ45, and Teaming with i217V (less expensive) this will assist at load-balancing.
I am after to test if these benefits are present, at upload or download or at both.

So this is the setup: i210AT & i217V (INTEL Teaming) ------------> 2.5GbE switch -----------> 2.5GbE NIC

And my only logical thought at the moment this tells me, that only if INTEL Teaming this is a poorly implemented toy, only then a managed switch this should take over.

 

[kiriakost]

And now its the time for you to deliver, your own real experiences if any with 2.5GbE Unmanaged Switch.

I did not receive yet any feedback relative to the Primary question.

It would be also of interest if someone has to share 2.5GbE switch (take apart photographs) having a look of the PCB and other components.

One last bit of information, I did found proofs that 10G switch are the ones heat-up the most, and produce some sort of high frequency switching noise.

2.5GbE switch + PoE , this is the combination that puzzle my head, mostly because this switch accepts 52V DC input, and use this energy to power it self, in other words one PoE switch this is a PoE powered device too, other than delivering PoE DC power at connected devices.

And so it is expected one 2.5GbE switch + PoE, this to be always a bit warmer than identical Non-PoE switch.

 

[zlobby]

One last bit of information, I did found proofs that 10G switch are the ones heat-up the most, and produce some sort of high frequency switching noise.

At best that's a wild generalization! I can assure you that I have hearing that goes well beyond 20kHz and quite a few all-10GbE-port switches, and I hear to whine or switching noise.

This thread has become an X-file... I request moderation in order to stop the spread of FUD.

 

[kiriakost]

At best that's a wild generalization! I can assure you that I have hearing that goes well beyond 20kHz and quite a few all-10GbE-port switches, and I hear to whine or switching noise.

This thread has become an X-file... I request moderation in order to stop the spread of FUD.

Use YouTube so to watch 10G switch, product reviews like everyone else.

I will request moderation to lock this topic, because this ended up as a huge time waste for my self.
It now feels boring, every time that I logon for five minutes, to get the feeling that I am in a barer full of bored snakes.
No productive outcome, poor criticism and snakebites.

 

[lemonadesoda]

I'm with Solaris17. Do it properly 10G or don't do it. If you are worried about power and heat, wait until the next series of 10G.

2.5G is faster than 1G, but time is better spent getting your 1G working optimally, than the problems you'll have mixing and matching 1G with 2.5G and teaming etc. What a nightmare. You've probably spent more time reading this thread than you'll ever save with batched 2.5G backups.

KISS.

 

[TumbleGeorge]

Link aggregation. Easily (?) with cheap external adapter.

 

[claes]

Use YouTube so to watch 10G switch, product reviews like everyone else.

I will request moderation to lock this topic, because this ended up as a huge time waste for my self.
It now feels boring, every time that I logon for five minutes, to get the feeling that I am in a barer full of bored snakes.
No productive outcome, poor criticism and snakebites.

With all respect, your questions are unclear and often phrased as demands, you seem unwilling to hear from others that 2.5g hardware is just bad, you didn’t tell us until the second page that you plan on teaming two 1g connections (which makes things much more complex), and you’re attempting this all with a HDD that can barely saturate a 1g connection in random read/writes… So yeah, it makes sense that this would be frustrating.

 

[kiriakost]

With all respect, your questions are unclear and often phrased as demands, you seem unwilling to hear from others that 2.5g hardware is just bad, you didn’t tell us until the second page that you plan on teaming two 1g connections (which makes things much more complex), and you’re attempting this all with a HDD that can barely saturate a 1g connection in random read/writes… So yeah, it makes sense that this would be frustrating.

If you are up-to learn of what my motherboard can do? Read the user manual of it.
This is not a troubleshooting topic.

 

[TheinsanegamerN]

So, in 2 pages of screeching about how 2.5GBe is the antichrist, I havent really seen an answer to OPs question. What is the best unmanaged 2.5GBe switch? I'm interested too, I'll be doing 2.5gbe through my house as well.

I know that msi's new wifi 7 routers will ahve 6dx2.5gbe, but thats a full router. I think something like this would be the best bet? 5x2.5gbe for $109.

https://www.amazon.com/TRENDnet-2-5GBASE-T-Compatible-10-100-1000Mbps-TEG-S350/dp/B08XWK4HNT?th=1

 

[claes]

If you are up-to learn of what my motherboard can do? Read the user manual of it.
This is not a troubleshooting topic.

No thanks — every motherboard with multiple NICs can do this (it’s a software feature, not hardware). Just saying that you’ll need a managed switch, as others have, and that you’re unlikely to saturate 1G with a HDD, as others have.

Given the cost of a managed 2.5G switch, idk why you wouldn’t just upgrade to 10G, or try and save some money by buying a 2.5G NIC and using an unmanaged switch. I couldn’t tell you which 2.5G switch is best though.

 

[TumbleGeorge]

One of latest articles for the "best" devices is this. Has not newer for February yet. Read all the details before choosing a device, separately read on the Internet about hardware defects, bad design, or software problems reported by customers with the device you like, before the purchase and if necessary change your choice so that you don't cry later.

 

[kiriakost]

So, in 2 pages of screeching about how 2.5GBe is the antichrist, I havent really seen an answer to OPs question. What is the best unmanaged 2.5GBe switch? I'm interested too, I'll be doing 2.5gbe through my house as well.

I know that msi's new wifi 7 routers will ahve 6dx2.5gbe, but thats a full router. I think something like this would be the best bet? 5x2.5gbe for $109.

https://www.amazon.com/TRENDnet-2-5GBASE-T-Compatible-10-100-1000Mbps-TEG-S350/dp/B08XWK4HNT?th=1

TEG-S350 this is a sweet and fresh option, but not for me.
TPE-TG380 this become my favorite just by looking at it.

My likes:
a) I will use a single switch about everything and ports availability will never become an issue.
b) The power switch at the front this is another feature at the right place (for IT security purposes).
c) Activity lights also well placed, quality LED with correct luminosity level.

To me, performance and product design, weights the same.

 

[claes]

Hi, sorry for repeating myself but you need a managed switch to configure a bonded connection. The TPE-TG380 is unmanaged and will not work with a bonded connection — it does not have the software needed to bond two ports and treat them as one. I’d recommend reading some more about LACP — you don’t even need a 2.5G switch.

 

[1freedude]

Hi, sorry for repeating myself but you need a managed switch to configure a bonded connection. The TPE-TG380 is unmanaged and will not work with a bonded connection — it does not have the software needed to bond two ports and treat them as one. I’d recommend reading some more about LACP — you don’t even need a 2.5G switch.

We have determined that a managed switch may or may not be required. Certain teaming setups do not require management. I thought managed was necessary as well, but it depends on the NICs.

 

[claes]

Huh? @kiriakost wants an aggregated connection. This requires a managed switch.

It’s true that not all bonded connections need a managed switch, but LACP does. It’s not something we determined as much as the IEEE did.

 

[kiriakost]

Hi, sorry for repeating myself but you need a managed switch to configure a bonded connection. The TPE-TG380 is unmanaged and will not work with a bonded connection — it does not have the software needed to bond two ports and treat them as one. I’d recommend reading some more about LACP — you don’t even need a 2.5G switch.

According to the pack of information's that I am now holding, I did make a new topic and I do share few facts.
INTEL stopped be that generous at W10 and later versions.
At Win 7 everything is functional and Teaming it does the job.

Motherboard with Dual Gigabit INTEL LAN 2.5GbE Teaming (2.0 GbE) Windows 7

Motherboard with Dual Gigabit INTEL LAN 2.5GbE Teaming (2.0 GbE) Windows 7

www.ittsb.eu

 

[claes]

I’m sorry I think our language barrier is complicating things.

Yes, your motherboard supports teaming. It will work.

However, you need a managed switch to share that connection with a network. An unmanaged switch will see them as two devices and get confused. A managed Switch can be programmed to recognize the “teamed” connection and share the “teamed” connection with the rest of the network as if it were a single device.