2.5 Gbit switches from ebay/ali express

[npelov]

I watched few videos about cheap Chinese switches. So I bought 4x2.5G 2xSPF+ switch Davuaz. It was working quite well. I tested optics and DAC for the SFP+. So I decided to get one 8 port:

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005007928814007.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.82.4f651802e6hfPm

It is complete garbage! DAC cables don't work - the switch restarts constantly. the 2.5 Gbit ports randomly drop packets every 20-30 minutes. I figured that by having an ssh connection to a local computer and it gets disconnected. I'm not sure what's causing that but with another switch I don't have that problem.
So I decided that I want one with the Davuaz brand on it. so I bought this:

SFP Davuaz 2.5G Unmanaged Ethernet Switch with 8 x 2.5G Base-T Ports and1 x 10G | eBay

Your kindly understanding and great patience would be highly appreciated!

www.ebay.com

I was skeptical because in servethehome video there was no S/V switch on the Davuaz. When it came it was totally different box and the switch was identical with the one that I ordered from aliexpress. Same disconnect problem. Also no label with model number on the bottom.

Does anyone have an idea how to recognize a good working 2.5G switch?

Also if someone from servethehome is reading - please test long term idle ssh connection (few hours) on all Chinese switches and DAC cable. I'm curious how many of them have this problem. Maybe also do long term ping to see if there will be losses

 

[blunden]

Davuaz is just rebranding switches manufactured by someone else and selling them on Amazon with a sizable markup (just like Mokerlink and YuanLey), so I'm not surprised that it behaved exactly the same as the AliExpress switch. However, the first one could of course have been faulty.

I've had an overall good experience with my RTL9301 based managed PoE switch from Hasivo so far (since late 2023). Haven't noticed any issues once they fixed DAC support in a firmware update. You have to specify the DAC cable length manually though, but that's fine.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004822341537.html

It has fewer ports than the switch you bought though, and a higher end switch chip that has a higher power consumption. It should be possible to find a properly working unmanaged unit too.

What about that model being sold by Horaco and some other brands etc.? There is a long thread about it on this forum. I guess it depends on your requirements though?

 

[npelov]

For me POE is unnecessary expense and power consumption. Also I prefer 12V inputs because I have low voltage UPS which is much more efficient.
Also I don't need management. if it doesn't add much to the cost it's ok but now that I have working switch for about $40 I find it hard to spend that much.
But thanks I'll look for that thread. If anyone can provide a link I'll be grateful .

 

[bugacha]

Does anyone have an idea how to recognize a good working 2.5G switch?

Are you watching STH YouTube videos at all?

Or reading their website?

They have a compilation of gazillion 2.5gbe switches

 

[blunden]

For me POE is unnecessary expense and power consumption. Also I prefer 12V inputs because I have low voltage UPS which is much more efficient.
Also I don't need management. if it doesn't add much to the cost it's ok but now that I have working switch for about $40 I find it hard to spend that much.
But thanks I'll look for that thread. If anyone can provide a link I'll be grateful .

Most PoE switches from Hasivo have a non-PoE model. It was just an example. Personally, I need PoE for WiFi APs. If you don't, there is obviously no need to pay extra for that.

The Horaco switch I talked about is not a PoE switch and should be cheaper since it's using a less expensive switch chip. I don't have any personal experience with that one though.

There is an entire round up of 2.5 Gbps switches on the main site if you haven't seen it.

 

[npelov]

@bugacha I watched the videos. That's where I got the idea. The problem is that in the video they tested the speed and stuff but they didn't test longterm. Patrik said there were reports that some of the switches don't work with DAC cables. I figured out these are not the only problems. Videos were helpful, but I thought to ask people that were using them for longer period.

Well I think I found Ubiquiti USW-Flex-2.5G-5 5 port 2.5G switch for about $57. That should do it for my office - nas there is two HDD in mirror so I won't benefit from 10G.

The Chinese switches are only worth it if they are way less expensive and they mostly work. Dropping connections, restarting ... that doesn't count as working condition. I'm happy I got lucky with the Davuaz switch and it works fine fully populated with 1DAC, 1 optic and 4x 2.5G LAN

(ps. I can't buy the same Davuaz switch because it was 1 pcs only from a person. )