What is 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet?

As an emerging network technology, 2.5G Ethernet is gaining prominence with the continuous evolution of technology, while the network bandwidth demands of ordinary users are steadily increasing. In this context, the rise of WiFi 6 technology has brought about even greater demand for 2.5 Gig Ethernet. This article will delve into what 2.5 Gb Ethernet is and compare it with 1 Gb and 10 Gb Ethernet, providing you with a deeper understanding.

What is 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet?

2.5 Gb Ethernet is a networking technology with a speed of 2.5 Gbps, 2.5 times the traditional Gigabit Ethernet rate. Additionally, it supports multi-rate usage of 100 Mbps, 1 Gbps, and 2.5 Gbps. As 2.5 Gig Ethernet can be directly propagated using cat5e or cat6, it provides a relatively economical and flexible solution for users in need of an upgrade. This means there's no need to replace existing infrastructure; it can operate directly with the current facilities. With its 2.5 times speed increase compared to traditional Gigabit networks and extremely low latency, 2.5G Ethernet finds excellent applications in areas such as esports, high-definition video, and medical networks.

What is the Difference Between 1GbE, 2.5GbE and 10GbE?

1GbE

Gigabit Ethernet, commonly referred to as 1G Ethernet, is Ethernet technology designed specifically for Local Area Networks (LANs), capable of rapidly transmitting data at a rate of 1 Gbps. It adheres to the IEEE 802.3-2005 standard. As a technology built upon the foundational Ethernet standard, it transforms local network communication by providing faster and more reliable connections. Its compatibility with both half-duplex and full-duplex configurations ensures optimal performance, particularly with the widespread adoption of full-duplex connections facilitated by Ethernet switches. In addition to enhancing data transfer speeds, Gigabit Ethernet is the backbone of modern networks in applications such as high-definition multimedia streaming, online gaming, and video conferencing. The development of Gigabit Ethernet ensures the robustness and reliability of local network infrastructure, delivering a seamless and efficient connectivity experience.

2.5GbE

2.5 Gig Ethernet is an emerging Ethernet technology that, compared to Gigabit Ethernet, offers a 2.5-fold increase in transmission speed, namely 2.5Gbps. It adheres to the IEEE802.3bz standard. In comparison to 10G Ethernet, the equipment and deployment costs of 2.5 Gb Ethernet are lower because it can rely on existing infrastructure for deployment, without the need for additional equipment replacement. For users with network upgrade needs, this is undoubtedly a cost-effective upgrade method. Additionally, 2.5 Gig Ethernet can better support WiFi 6 technology, providing higher transmission speeds for wireless networks, and ensuring optimal performance for wireless devices. 2.5G Ethernet finds excellent applications in the esports industry, video surveillance systems, and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMBs). Its higher transmission speeds, stronger network performance, flexible deployment options, and infrastructure-friendly nature make it an ideal choice for meeting the diverse requirements of different application scenarios.

10GbE

10G Ethernet is an evolved version of 1G Ethernet, representing a high-speed Ethernet technology that supports a transfer rate of 10 Gbps. It is based on the IEEE 802.3ae and IEEE 802.3ak standards, which define the physical and data link layer specifications for 10 Gig Ethernet. With a data transfer rate ten times higher than that of 1G Ethernet, 10 Gb Ethernet is commonly employed for handling large volumes of data, supporting high-performance applications, and providing faster network response times. It is extensively utilized in large enterprises, data centers, and network service providers. Due to its higher bandwidth, lower latency, and support for large-scale virtualization, it plays a crucial role in modern networks, offering robust network infrastructure and efficient solutions for various industries.

2.5 Gigabit Ethernet Application

E-sport

As is well known, latency is a crucial factor in esports. Latency determines whether actions can be promptly reflected, and it can even dictate the outcome of an entire match. One key factor influencing latency is the data transfer rate, as the speed of data transfer directly correlates with the magnitude of latency. With the continuous evolution of technology, traditional gigabit networks are gradually proving insufficient, and the emergence of 2.5G Ethernet conveniently addresses this gap. Doubling the transmission speed while leveraging existing infrastructure is a cost-effective solution. This 2.5-fold increase in data transfer rate meets the demands for low-latency gaming, and the S7300-48TE4X2Q, offering 48 2.5G ports, stands out as the optimal choice for high-density usage scenarios such as internet cafes.

Wi-Fi 6

The development of WiFi 6 technology aims to achieve higher data transfer rates. However, traditional Gigabit Ethernet needs help to meet the growing demands for data, and upgrading the network to 10G Ethernet requires a significant investment in infrastructure and cabling upgrades. In this context, 2.5G Ethernet has emerged as a viable solution. It can be deployed on existing Gigabit Ethernet infrastructure with the cost limited to that of replacing 2.5G equipment. Furthermore, WiFi 6 and 2.5G can collaborate effectively. In enterprise networks, 2.5 Gb Ethernet can be employed for high-density connections, while WiFi 6 provides wireless coverage and seamless integration, delivering an enhanced user experience. Utilizing QSFPTEK's 2.5G switches and APs offers a more comprehensive and efficient network solution.

Surveillance System

In surveillance systems, the pursuit of higher resolution, frame rates, and lower latency is a common goal. Achieving lower latency, stronger real-time performance, high resolution, and high frame rates requires faster data transfer. This brings us back to a perennial issue – the inadequacy of the 1G Ethernet speed and the high cost of upgrading to 10G Ethernet. In such scenarios, 2.5G Ethernet can effectively address this bottleneck. 2.5 Gig Ethernet offers higher transmission speeds and greater payload capacity, supporting the deployment of surveillance devices on a large scale. Compared to upgrading to 10 Gb Ethernet, the upgrade cost of 2.5G is relatively lower, requiring only the replacement of network equipment. QSFPTEK's 2.5G switches support IEEE802.3bt, with a maximum single-port power supply of 90W, allowing flexible deployment of surveillance devices to desired locations.

Is 2.5 GB LAN Worth It?

Is it worth upgrading to 2.5G Ethernet? From a standpoint of requirements, if you are dissatisfied with the data transfer rate of Gigabit Ethernet and it fails to meet your expectations, upgrading to 2.5 Gb Ethernet is undoubtedly a wise choice. Given the high cost of 10G Ethernet, it is not cost-effective unless you are dealing with environments such as cloud networks or data centers that have an extremely high demand for data transfer rates.

On the other hand, if you are planning to use WiFi6, upgrading to 2.5 Gig Ethernet becomes urgent. Gigabit Ethernet cannot meet your needs, and 10G PoE switches are too expensive. Opting for a suitable 2.5G PoE switch is the most sensible choice.

For large-scale deployment of surveillance devices, 2.5G Ethernet will provide you with lower latency, higher payload, and higher frame rates. Additionally, it offers better scalability, allowing you to expand without worrying too much about network-related challenges in the future.

Conclusion

After reading this article, I believe you have gained a preliminary understanding of the differences between 1G, 2.5G, and 10G Ethernet. Now, you should be able to consider whether you truly need 2.5G Ethernet. If you are looking for a WiFi6 solution or planning to deploy high-definition cameras on a large scale, then 2.5 Gig Ethernet is your best choice. If you have any further inquiries, please feel free to contact QSFPTEK's CCIE/HCIE engineers at support@qsfptek.com.