First foray into inexpensive 10GbE SFP+ Looking for NICs recommendation

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Halken

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Mar 11, 2024
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I'd like move the backbone to 10gb so I am looking for a inexpensive 8 port SFP+, and I am considering between these 2. They are close in price.
I'd not going to maks this out, but need a 10 gb between the server and HTPC. I am leaning to the Moker.

Both advertise 10/2,5 and 1/100 has to be set manually. Can that be done for individual ports?
I plan to use DAC or fiber as it is very short cable runs.
It could be practical being able to use a 2,5gb/rj45 transceiver or two.
I plan on getting a Intel 520-dx or similar for the windows server.

Anything I should be obs on or recommendations, or experience?

www.mokerlink.com

MokerLink Store - MokerLink 8 Port 10G SFP+ Web Management Ethernet Switch

8 x 10Gbps open SFP+ slots, support 1G/2.5G/10G sfp modules,160Gbps Bandwidth. Support web managed and various L2 configurations: such as VLAN, QoS, security, multicast, MAC address table, diagnosis, etc. Suitable for high-speed and long-distance fiber tr
www.mokerlink.com www.mokerlink.com

Or.

 
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blunden

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Nov 29, 2019
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Both of those brands just put their brands on switches made by someone else. It's most likely the exact same switch. :)
 
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Halken

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Mar 11, 2024
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I think I have managed to compile a shopping list for my first foray into 10GbE. It will be the Mokerlink above as the core switch linking the server, a 4x2,5/2x10SFP+ for the HTPC. Both will get used server dual SFP+ NICs and later a router as well. Connections will be with DACs.
The server is win pro box with full cards.
The HTPC is also win box but low-profile card.
Finally I will make a router likely with Lenovo Tiny and likely a full-height card, running one of the flavors of router OS.

The NICs in question I am looking at are Solarflare SFN8522, as they are low power, should be unproblematic and available at 50€/pcs here in EU.

Any advice on these, or others I should look into before I pull the trigger?


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@blunden Agree. I have decided on the Mokerlink, as it is smaller and will be using it exclusively with DACs which uses even less energy than fiber. :)
 
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blunden

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Halken said:
@blunden Agree. I have decided on the Mokerlink, as it is smaller and will be using it exclusively with DACs which uses even less energy than fiber. :)
Click to expand...
Oh, if the chassi dimensions are different they might not be the same switch. I only took a quick glance at them. Might be worth investigating them more and try to figure out what the differences are. :)

DACs are a good choice as long as you only have relatively short runs. Besides lower power, passive DACs also have a very slight latency advantage as well because it doesn't need to do any signaling conversion on either end.
 
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Halken

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Mar 11, 2024
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DK
I've ordered 2 used inexpensive x520-da2 to get it going with 10gb sfp+ and some China switches and DACs from Amz.

I'll likely get a new HPE x710-da2 for the server, and later it can be moved to a (Tiny) router box, as it will never benefit from 25gb, but will save me power. The ordeal is that the HPE E810XXV-DA2 is 150€ and the likewise HPE X710-DA2 is 210€, and the latter uses less power, so much less here, that it will pay for the higher price in 3 years.

I am looking for a Tiny for the router box, but hold it off till the used P360s have come down in price. Then I can use that with one of the 520s or the 710, and/or get a new for the server eg 710/810.

220€ for 710
370€ for switches +
70€ for the 520s

440€ for the 10gb upgrade.
660€ with a 710.
 

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