The 2.5Gbe Switch Buyers Guide

With the increasing demand for network bandwidth, the 2.5G network is gradually becoming a widely recognized focus. Compared to the 10G network, the 2.5G network has the advantage of being directly deployed on cat5e and cat6 wiring, eliminating the need for cumbersome rewiring while still achieving a 2.5-fold increase in network bandwidth. This advantage has propelled the rapid popularity of the 2.5G network, finding extensive applications in scenarios such as esports, video, and WiFi 6. So, among the numerous 2.5G switches available, how do you choose the one that best suits your individual needs? The following article will provide you with a clear answer.

Comparison of 2.5G Switches Parameters

Different Between 2.5Gbe Switch

When selecting a suitable 2.5G switch, it's essential to consider several different aspects. In the following, I will provide examples of these aspects to guide you on how to choose the right 2.5G switch for your needs.

2.5G Switch Ports

When choosing a 2.5G switch, the first consideration is the number of ports needed based on your network environment. The S5300-8TE4X-P features 8 100/1000M/2.5G-T PoE++ ports and 4 10G SFP+ uplink ports. If you have a limited number of terminal devices to connect and require PoE functionality, it is undoubtedly the most cost-effective choice. The S5300-24TE6X-P comes with 16 100/1000M/2.5G-T PoE+ ports, 8 100/1000M/2.5G-T PoE++ ports, and 6 10G SFP+ uplink ports. If you have a greater number of devices needing PoE functionality, this model is your go-to choice. The S7300-48TE4X2Q offers 48 2.5G RJ45 ports without PoE functionality, making it the most economical option if you simply want to upgrade to a 2.5G network without requiring PoE functionality.

Power Consumption and Supply

The S5300-8TE4X-P is equipped with a built-in single AC power supply with a maximum power consumption of 550W and a typical power consumption of 16.9W. Similarly, the S5300-24TE6X-P also features a built-in single AC power supply with a maximum power consumption of 870W and a typical power consumption of 42.7W.

On the other hand, the S7300-48TE4X2Q comes with a default configuration of one power supply, featuring 1+1 backup dual power supply slots that support hot swapping. Additionally, it offers the option to choose a DC power supply, providing flexibility to meet various requirements. And its maximum power consumption is 125W.

Hardware Subnet Routing Table Capacity

The capacity of the hardware subnet routing table affects a device's ability to process and store routing information, with a larger capacity indicating better performance. The hardware subnet routing table capacity for the S5300-8TE4X-P is 502 for IPv4 and 129 for IPv6, while the S5300-24TE6X-P has capacities of 12,288 for IPv4 and 4,096 for IPv6. The S7300-48TE4X2Q, on the other hand, supports only IPv4 with a capacity of 16,384.

Stacking and PoE Function

The three switches, S5300-8TE4X-P, S5300-24TE6X-P, and S7300-48TE4X2Q, all support stacking with up to four devices, logically managed as a single entity. However, the S7300-48TE4X2Q does not support PoE functionality, while the S5300-8TE4X-P supports IEEE 802.3af/at/bt with a maximum single-port power supply of 90W and a maximum power budget of 550W. Similarly, the S5300-24TE6X-P also supports IEEE 802.3af/at/bt, with a maximum single-port power supply of 90W and a maximum power budget of 870W. You can choose the device that best suits your needs.

Application of 2.5G Switch

Monitoring equipment application

The S5300-8TE4X-P and S5300-24TE6X-P, serving as 2.5g PoE switches, support IEEE 802.3af/at/bt, allowing direct connection and power supply to end devices. Given this feature, they are well-suited for use with surveillance equipment. Surveillance devices need to be flexible in deployment, and some locations may lack power outlets. Using them with PoE switches enables the transfer of both data and power through a single Ethernet cable, facilitating the deployment of surveillance equipment in any desired location. Additionally, the upgraded transmission speed brought by the 2.5G switch reduces video latency, enhancing your security.

E-sports Cybercafes

In certain regions, esports cafes serve as highly popular gathering places, and undoubtedly, users prioritize devices, environment, and network speed. Upgrading the network using a 2.5G switch can provide users with a better internet speed experience. It not only increases network speed by 2.5 times but also allows a direct upgrade on the existing cat5e wiring. The most suitable device for esports cafes is the S7300-48TE4X2Q. In esports cafes, devices have dedicated power configurations, so there is no need to consider PoE functionality. Instead, the focus is on accommodating multiple devices. With 48 2.5G RJ45 ports, the S7300-48TE4X2Q is the most cost-effective choice.

Wi-Fi 6 Solution

2.5G switches also perform well in WiFi 6 applications. Generally, the speed of WiFi 6 APs is above 1000Mbps, and a 1G switch cannot fully leverage its performance. On the other hand, a 2.5G switch, while maintaining the existing wiring, can upgrade the speed to 2.5Gbps, allowing better utilization of WiFi 6 AP performance. Additionally, 2.5G switches that support PoE functionality, such as the S5300-8TE4X-P and S5300-24TE6X-P, can be powered through the Ethernet cable, providing flexibility in placing APs wherever needed.

Conclusion

In summary, a 2.5G switch can upgrade network bandwidth by 2.5 times without changing the existing wiring, and it is more suitable for WiFi 6 applications. When choosing a 2.5Gbe switch, it is essential to consider not only their performance parameters but also the devices to be connected and the application scenarios. Selecting the most suitable and cost-effective 2.5Gbps switch is crucial. If you have any further inquiries, please feel free to contact QSFPTEK's CCIE/HCIE engineers at [email protected].