Tag: Qnap

  • QNAP Launches Compact NAS with 2.5 HDD, M.2 SSD & E1.S Support

    QNAP Launches Compact NAS with 2.5 HDD, M.2 SSD & E1.S Support

    Key Takeaway

    – QNAP showcased a 10-bay NAS prototype at Computex using a compact chassis that normally fits only three 3.5-inch drives.
    – The system features eight 2.5-inch bays (for HDDs or SSDs) and two smaller bays for M.2 2280 SSDs via E1.S standard adapters.
    – Rear ports include SFF-8088 (mini-SAS), two 10GbE RJ45, USB, and HDMI; powered by an Intel Core Ultra X7 358H with at least 32 GB RAM.
    – E1.S SSDs are expensive and not yet common in the consumer market, limiting immediate utility.
    – Release is planned for Q4 2026; no price has been announced.

    Anyone looking for a NAS system with multiple RAID levels usually has to resort to rack systems or large 3.5-inch hard drive systems. At Computex, however, QNAP demonstrated that another solution is possible. The as-yet-unnamed device houses ten drive bays in a chassis that would normally only accommodate three 3.5-inch drives. QNAP focuses primarily on 2.5-inch bays, of which there are eight. These are capable of holding either hard drives or SSDs. In addition, there are two smaller bays, which are rare in this product class.

    Exploring The Storage Options and Adapters

    According to QNAP, two 2280 SSDs can be added using adapters for M.2 SSDs. 22110 SSDs likely won’t fit. The same applies to smaller SSDs. However, with the common 2280 format, users already have a wide selection. The adapters, however, are not simple adapters. They comply with the E1.S SSD Blade standard, which explains why 22110 SSDs do not fit; the Blade standard is only slightly longer than such SSDs. On the other hand, two high-end server SSDs can be inserted directly.

    The Challange of The E1.S Format

    The E1.S format, while practical, is yet to gain traction in the consumer market, making corresponding SSDs very expensive. This NAS system likely isn’t a perfect fit for that format, but it is at least prepared for an E1.S future.

    Ports, CPU, and Memory Details

    Although information about the system is in short supply, we do know something about the ports. For example, the rear panel features an SFF-8088 connector for connecting mini-SAS cables, allowing for the integration of additional hard drives. Two 10GbE RJ45 ports, several USB ports and an HDMI port are also on board. The CPU is also known: an Intel Core Ultra X7 358H, paired with at least 32 GB of RAM, which can be doubled if needed.

    Pricing and Availibility Information

    QNAP is yet to announce a price for the NAS system, which is planned for release in the fourth quarter of 2026.


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    • 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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