The QNAP QSW-308-TC combo gigabit/10GbE switch is a transitional product that allows SOHO and SMB workgroups to leverage their newer, faster networking devices while maintaining ties with older gigabit equipment. At only $189, it’s affordable, and as you can tell from the images–offers style for miles.
Design and Features
Normally I’d start with the specs, but the QSW-308-TC sports such a unique power connector, I have to begin there. It’s a rotating aqua hockey puck that nestles into its home at the back left, top corner, completing the light, bright visual treat that is the box in general. That description doesn’t really do this design flourish justice, but the image below does. Albeit without showing the actual power cable.
The QSW-308-1C measures 1.67-inches high, by 11.42-inches wide, by 5-inches deep. That’s a bit larger than many switches, but the increased volume of air allows for heat dissipation without unduly involving the case itself. I.e., it doesn’t get hot to the touch. It’s meant to sit on a desktop where the curious might touch, not hide in a rack.
As to the actual pointy end of the hardware… There are eight gigabit RJ45 ports, two dedicated SFP+ 10GbE ports, and one combo SFP+/RJ45 port. The latter is handy if you have an older 10Base-T connected server or workstation.
If there’s one thing about 10GbE that’s a bit of a barrier, it’s the split between two connection technologies–passive 10Base-T (normal cat6a Ethernet cables) and transmit/receive SFP+ which can be copper or fiber optical. The point is, you should give some thought to the type of connections you need.
The QSW-308-1C isn’t managed–there’s no HTML interface you can browse to and no advanced features such as quality of service control, link aggregation, etc. Raw switching capacity is 76Gbps, which is quite good for the price.
Performance
I tested the QSW-308-TC with several computers, two NAS boxes, as well as Sabrent Thunderbolt 3 to 10GbE (RJ-45) and QNAP Thunderbolt 3 to 10GbE (SFP+) adapters. Shown below is the performance when mapping the public folder of a QNAP TS431KX running four SSDs in RAID 0 with SFP+ 10GbE connections.
The thing with switches is that if all goes well, there should be nothing to report. Happily, that’s the case with the QSW-308-TC, although it proved about 10MBps slower than the Zyxel XGS1210-12, another worthy budget 10GbE/gigabit switch. Otherwise, good to go with both gigabit and 10GbE.
Conclusion
The QSW-308-TC is a very good switch with exceptional looks, and it’s inexpensive considering the number and type of ports provided. It will easily fill the needs of small offices or workgroups seeking to connect a 10GbE server to slower desktops. If the port selection meets your needs, and the look meets your fancy, then by all means.
Note that while you should ideally buy a switch that suits your current cabling (10Base-T or SFP+), there are SFP+ to RJ-45/10Base-T adapters available for around $35 so you’re not by any means locked into your decision.
