How to test a poor mans 24x2.5g+2x10g not managed network switch?

[mroz]

Hi, I've bought a really cheap (~170usd) switch in not mint condition - its marked as a store display unit.

product page: https://www.sodola-network.com/prod...plug-play-multi-gig-unmanaged-ethernet-switch

So, I assume the basic test procedure looks like this:

0. connect the the AC using power meter.
1. connect a pc with iperf3 server to port 1.
2. connect client pc to port 2
3. run iperf3 and note the results.
4. note the power usage
5. disconnect the client PC and connect to the next port.
6. go back to step 3.

I can use up to 4 cheap usb 2.5g lan adapters to perform those tests (just because I have and use them in my current network setup - I know they work well)

I don't have any 10g capable HW at the moment, so unless I find someone in Trójmiasto (Poland), I have to skip testing them ;[

That`s easy, but ... its not only a cheap HW, but also cheap HW in not perfect condition, so I expect it to have some quirks.

So, does anybody have any suggestions on how to look for those quirks? Maybe running 2 pairs of iperf3 client/server just to make sure there is nothing funny about the switching capacity?

Also this is not a new unit, so maybe you can provide me with some general suggestions on how to look for typical problems with used network gear - eg. loose ports, bent pins, etc.

PS As you can probably tell, I am not a networking specialist, so please keep your suggestions plain,simple and make sure you have enough patience to help me. Still, I am a embedded software developer, so I know basic technical jargon does`t scare me ;]

Thanks for your attention!

 

[kapone]

Once again…new poster…Chinese product….Chinese website…

@Patrick WTF IS THIS??

 

[mroz]

Thanks for the warm welcome @kapone . There are at least a few videos and artcles at servethehome yourube/website about similar devices, so i`ve assumed that servethehome forum is a good place to ask.

Still i understand that this forum may be fluded with similar posts, so it would be enough to tell me if this kind of behaviour is either against the rules, or boring and irritating for the community.

 

[kapone]

Seriously??

p.s. Stop using ChatGPT or whatever, for translations. It doesn’t work.

 

[mroz]

ok, just stop being a d... rude person.

Anyone interested in adding anything actually useful to this thread?

 

[blunden]

Once again…new poster…Chinese product….Chinese website…

To be fair, the STH forum is the main place on the internet where these Chinese switches are being discussed and STH is one of the few sites/channels reviewing them. I don't think it's that weird to create an account here to ask these questions.

Could it be stealth marketing? Sure. You're better off just reporting it and letting the moderators make that judgement.

Anyone interested in adding anything actually useful to this thread?

I would start with just testing each port that you can at its rated speed. Your USB dongles should allow you to do that.

Personally I don't think you need to worry too much about testing total throughput, as I think a partial failure like that would probably be much less likely.

For the 10 Gbps ports I don't think there is much you can test unless you have some 10 Gbps or faster hardware. If you had a DAC or two transceivers plus a matching cable you could at least do loop tests where you just connect two ports together and see if it links up. Note that that could cause traffic floods, but a quick test at least gives you an indication of whether the port is likely to work or not.

 

[kapone]

To be fair, the STH forum is the main place on the internet where these Chinese switches are being discussed and STH is one of the few sites/channels reviewing them. I don't think it's that weird to create an account here to ask these questions.

Could it be stealth marketing? Sure. You're better off just reporting it and letting the moderators make that judgement.

I have no problem with discussing Chinese products or new posters talking about them. What's irritating is, when a new poster pops in, posts a link (why? You can just mention the product), and talks about how they either just bought this or are planning to buy and what do people here think about it?

I mean..you want experience, you buy the damn thing and go to town and THEN ask questions.

p.s. It is stealth marketing. 100%.

 

[klui]

I see no such intent. I'm not a fan of these switches but there are many who like them after Patrick did those reviews.

OP you have the right idea; but for these switches, I feel power usage isn't a problem, maintaining switch function is. Look at what STH reviews show: they test all ports concurrently to ensure the switch performs to spec. They don't say how long they run it but you should be able to decide what's a good length.

 

[kapone]

there are many who like them after Patrick did those reviews.

And hence the problem.

 

[mroz]

About the stealth marketing stuff - unless my conclusion ends up being "that's shit, never buy this stuff" there is nothing I can do to prove my innocence. Maybe providing a product link is a bit sus? It might be a lesson for the future me. Anyway, back to the main topic.

So, i assume the best thing i can do for now is making sure that all ports are working and make a test that uses multiple ports in parrarel. Still I will note power usage, just because I am curious.

Next thing - its a Chinese stuff, so I'm a bit concerned about some backdors/phone home functionality. I assume the simplest way to test for it would be to connect this switch to the internet through some router/rpi that would record all traffic going through its WAN port and leave it for some extended time. Do you have any related links/experience to share with me?