Tag: Qnap

  • QNAP Unveils 100 GbE Network Expansion Card with Dual Ports

    QNAP Unveils 100 GbE Network Expansion Card with Dual Ports

    Key Takeaways

    1. QNAP’s QXG-100G2SF-BCM network expansion card features two QSFP28 slots, providing data transfer rates of up to 2 x 100 Gbps.
    2. The card supports RDMA to reduce CPU load and minimize latency during data transfers.
    3. It requires a PCIe 4.0 x16 slot for optimal performance but is compatible with PCIe 3.0 at lower speeds.
    4. QNAP offers a compatible 4.9-ft Direct Attached Cable (DAC) that does not need transceivers.
    5. The card is compatible with NAS systems and Windows 11, priced at $999, with limited initial availability expected to improve soon.

    QNAP has introduced the QXG-100G2SF-BCM network expansion card. This PCIe card, which is actively cooled, provides extremely fast network connections through two QSFP28 slots, achieving data transfer rates of up to 2 x 100 Gbps. It utilizes a Broadcom 57508 controller.

    Enhanced Performance

    To lessen the load on the system, this card supports RDMA (Remote Direct Memory Access). This feature is designed to offload the CPU during data transfers, helping to minimize latency. As per usual practice, users must purchase and install the appropriate SFP modules separately according to their specific needs.

    Additional Accessories

    QNAP also offers a compatible 4.9-ft Direct Attached Cable (DAC) with the model CAB-DAC15M-Q28, which does not require transceivers. The card needs a PCIe 4.0 x16 slot for optimal performance, but it can still function with PCIe 3.0, albeit at lower speeds.

    Compatibility and Availability

    The new QNAP network card comes with both standard and low-profile brackets, which are often essential for NAS systems or rack servers. QNAP also notes that special mounting brackets for certain QNAP NAS models are included. Besides NAS systems like QTS/QuTS hero, this card is also compatible with Windows 11. QNAP states that the QXG-100G2SF-BCM is currently available for an MSRP of $999 in the US. However, it is listed by a limited number of retailers in some areas, but availability is expected to improve in the following weeks.

     

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  • QNAP Compact Top-of-Rack Switch with 10GbE, 25GbE, 100GbE

    QNAP Compact Top-of-Rack Switch with 10GbE, 25GbE, 100GbE

    Key Takeaways

    1. High-Performance L3 Switch: Qnap’s QSW-M7230-2X4F24T is a top-of-the-rack switch designed for managing communication and data within and outside the rack.

    2. Compact Design: The switch’s compact size eliminates the need for a server cabinet, fitting into one rack unit in a 19-inch rack.

    3. Multiple Connectivity Options: It includes two QSFP28 slots for 100GbE and four SFP28 ports for 25GbE, along with RJ45 Ethernet jacks supporting up to 10 Gbps.

    4. Power over Ethernet (PoE) Support: The switch can deliver PoE++ (802.3bt), making it suitable for connecting high-performance PoE cameras.

    5. Release Timeline: The switch is expected to be available no sooner than early 2026, with no pricing details announced yet.

    Qnap has unveiled a new high-performance top-of-the-rack switch (L3), called the QSW-M7230-2X4F24T. This switch plays a crucial role in managing communication outside the rack while also gathering or spreading data within it. To ensure dependable functionality, it includes support for MC lag, which provides redundancy.

    Compact and Efficient Design

    The QSW-M7230-2X4F24T is not only robust, but its compact size eliminates the necessity for a server cabinet. For connectivity to additional racks or external networks, this switch is equipped with two QSFP28 slots that can accommodate 100GbE transceivers or short-range DAC links. Moreover, it features four SFP28 ports that allow for 25GbE connections using compatible SFP28 modules or DAC.

    Versatile Connectivity Options

    The other ports on the switch are RJ45 Ethernet jacks. It supports speeds of up to 10 Gbps (10GbE) and can provide PoE++ (802.3bt) at the same time. This capability makes it ideal for directly connecting high-performance PoE cameras. There’s also a dedicated Ethernet port for managing the switch itself.

    The switch is designed to fit into one rack unit within a 19-inch rack and has a shallow profile. Although it won’t be silent, as it is engineered for data center applications. The model shown was merely a dummy version without any internal electronics.

    Anticipated Release

    As of now, the exact release date for the switch remains uncertain. It is anticipated to be available no sooner than early 2026. QNAP has yet to provide any pricing details.

     

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  • Qnap QNA-UC25G2SF USB4 25GbE Network Adapter (2x SFP28)

    Qnap QNA-UC25G2SF USB4 25GbE Network Adapter (2x SFP28)

    Key Takeaways

    1. Qnap launched the QNA-UC25G2SF USB4 network adapter, succeeding the QNA-UC10G2SF.
    2. The adapter supports 2x 25 GbE with redundancy, achieving actual bandwidth of 25 Gbps, and up to 50 Gbps with specific configurations.
    3. It features a fanless design with a large heatsink and requires USB Type C Power Delivery for operation.
    4. The adapter is compatible with Windows and Linux, with macOS support in development, and is expected to release by the end of the year.
    5. Pricing details are not yet announced, but the previous model is priced at $549.

    During its global tour, Qnap has unveiled an innovative USB4 network adapter that boasts notably high speeds. True to Qnap’s style, this adapter carries a rather lengthy name: QNA-UC25G2SF. It essentially serves as the successor to the QNA-UC10G2SF, which will still be available for the moment.

    Specifications and Features

    The metallic casing contains enough room for two SFP28 transceivers and DACs (direct attached cables), as long as the distance to the switch is relatively short. Qnap states that DACs are generally effective for distances between roughly 10 to 16 feet. Performance may decline if you go beyond that range, where a transceiver with fiber optics might be a better choice. The range will then depend on the module (wavelength) and the type of cable used.

    In spite of that, this new adapter delivers 2x 25 GbE with redundancy, providing 25 Gbps of actual bandwidth. With SMB Multichannel or a well-configured LACP setup, it can even achieve 50 Gbps.

    Cooling and Power Requirements

    The network adapter is designed to operate without fans for cooling. Instead, it features a relatively large heatsink similar to the one found in the UC10 series. The device is likely to get quite warm, as indicated by a caution label. This is further suggested by the notably higher power consumption.

    The QNA-UC25G2SF requires USB Type C Power Delivery. In contrast, the previous model operated with USB Type C Current. Since many laptops do not support USB PD for power output, this adapter includes a second port that can deliver up to 27 watts. The main USB port is exclusively for data transmission.

    Compatibility and Pricing

    Qnap’s latest adapter is compatible with both Windows and Linux operating systems, while support for macOS is still under development. The QNA-UC25G2SF is expected to be available around the end of the year. It won’t be inexpensive, although Qnap has yet to announce an official retail price. For context, the previously mentioned QNA-UC10G2SF is listed for $549 on Amazon.

     

    Qnap QNA-UC25G2SF USB4 25GbE Network Adapter (2x SFP28)Qnap QNA-UC25G2SF USB4 25GbE Network Adapter (2x SFP28)

     

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