QNAP Systems, Inc., a leading computing, networking, and storage solutions innovator, has released the QSW-3205-5T, an entry-level, full 10GbE unmanaged switch. With a compact desktop form factor and ultra-quiet cooling, the QSW-3205-5T provides five 10GbE RJ45 ports and automatic network optimization features such as Jumbo Frame and loop detection. Whether for small businesses, video production teams, or homes, the QSW-3205-5T allows users to quickly achieve smooth high-speed data transmission, quick file sharing, and multi-user collaboration and editing of 4K/8K video files.

"The QSW-3205-5T is a high-performance, cost-effective 10GbE switch that requires no complicated setup or additional investment. By using existing network cables, upgrading to a 10G network is as simple as replacing your switch," said Ronald Hsu, Product Manager of QNAP, adding "Users, such as offices or video studios, can connect the QSW-3205-5T to 10GbE NAS and multiple workstations to boost work and collaboration efficiency. It can also be paired with Wi-Fi 6/6E/7 routers, and APs to efficiently deploy high-speed wireless LAN."

Nubis Communications, Inc., provider of low-latency high-density optical inter-connect (HDI/O), and Alphawave Semi (LN: AWE), a global leader in high-speed connectivity and compute silicon for the world's technology infrastructure, today announced their upcoming demonstration of PCI Express 6.0 technology driving over an optical link at 64GT/s per lane. Data Center providers are exploring the use of PCIe over Optics to greatly expand the reach and flexibility of the interconnect for memory, CPUs, GPUs, and custom silicon accelerators to enable more scalable and energy-efficient clusters for Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (ML/AI) architectures.

Nubis Communications and Alphawave Semi will be showing a live demonstration in the Tektronix booth at DesignCon, the leading conference for advanced chip, board, and system design technologies. An Alphawave Semi PCIe Subsystem with PiCORE Controller IP and PipeCORE PHY will directly drive and receive PCIe 6.0 traffic through a Nubis XT1600 linear optical engine to demonstrate a PCIe 6.0 optical link at 64GT/s per fiber, with optical output waveform measured on a Tektronix sampling scope with a high-speed optical probe.

Somewhat unexpectedly, QNAP has entered the high-end video production market with a couple of products that the company was demoing at Computex. First up is the TBS-574TX, which is a high-end, yet compact NAS with 10 Gbps Ethernet and Thunderbolt 4 support. However, what makes this device so unique, is that it features five hot-swappable E1.S drives, which means that video production companies can easily swap between different projects which can be put in cold storage when not worked on. The TBS-574TX is based around a 12th gen, 12 core Intel Core i5 CPU, although QNAP didn't specify the exact model, but it's likely to be a mobile part with native Thunderbolt 4 support. The CPU is paired with 16 GB of RAM, which should make this a fairly snappy NAS overall. QNAP will also offer E1.S to M.2 adapters, but the company is still working on how to implement these with a suitable cooling solution.

For companies that need something faster than 10 Gbps or even 25 Gbps networking to shuffle files around, QNAP also demoed the QSW-M7308R-4X—a model name that just rolls off your tongue—which features no less than four 100 Gbps ports and eight 25 Gbps ports. The key selling point of this fibre based switch is that it doesn't require any user configuration before it can be deployed in a network, even though it can be managed when needed. It also features quieter cooling fans than your average enterprise switch, plus it comes in a much more compact half width 1U form factor. QNAP will also launch the QSW-M3216R-8S8T later this year, which will be an updated version of its current 10 Gbps managed switches, but with around a US$100 lower price tag.