Modern homes and businesses increasingly require high-speed networking solutions, especially when working with large files or streaming in high definition. With the growing need for fast data transfers and more efficient network communications, 10GbE technology is becoming increasingly accessible to everyday users.
QNAP QNA-UC10G1T is a compact USB-C adapter with USB 4 support that allows you to connect to a 10GbE network even to devices without a native 10GbE port. This adapter can be useful for professionals working with large files, as well as for enthusiasts who want to increase the speed of data transfer between their devices. How does this adapter perform in practice? What are its strengths and weaknesses? And what alternatives does it offer QNAP for those looking for a more flexible solution?
Key properties QNAP QNA-UC10G1T
QNAP The QNA-UC10G1T uses USB 4, which provides a high enough transfer speed for 10GbE connections. USB-C toonewhich enables broad compatibility with modern devices, including laptops and desktops, while providing a simple plug-and-play solution.
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Network connection is via an RJ45 port that supports multiple transmission speeds, including 10GbE, 5GbE, 2,5GbE, 1GbE and 100MbE. This flexibility allows the adapter to be used in networks that are not yet fully ready for 10GbE, but are gradually approaching this technology.
The adapter is compatible with operating systems Windows, macOS and Linux. Some systems may require manual driver installation, which may be especially true for older OS versions. However, overall compatibility is broad, making the adapter usable in a variety of environments.
The adapter is powered directly via USB-C port, which means it does not require any external power source. This makes it easy to carry and can be used practically anywhere. The construction is made of aluminum, which not only increases durability, but also helps with heat dissipation. This keeps the adapter cool even under prolonged load.
Installation and compatibility
QNAP The QNA-UC10G1T connects via USB-C and offers plug-and-play compatibility for most modern operating systems. The adapter is recognized immediately after connection, but some operating systems may require downloading and installing drivers from the official website. QNAPHowever, installation is simple and only takes a few minutes.
When used on macOS, the adapter worked immediately without any further adjustments. Just plug it into your Mac mini and it was up and running in a matter of seconds. This eliminates the need to buy a Mac with 10 gigabit Ethernet, which you can't get at AppYou will pay an additional 3 CZK.
Na Windows it is a good idea to make sure you have the latest drivers installed to ensure maxMaximum compatibility and performance. The adapter is also powered directly via USB-C, eliminating the need for an additional power source. This makes its use very flexible.
Performance and practical use
In real use you will need to maxFor the minimum possible 10GbE transfer speed, ensure that you have fast enough drives, the device supports 10GbE, and you have somewhere to plug this adapter into your PC or Mac. For our purposes, I tested with a NASbook TBS-h574TX-i5-16G, which has fast Samsung 980 Pro SSDs and can read at speeds of 7 MB/s and write at 000 MB/s, so they definitely won't be a drag on the test. I connected the device to my Mac mini through the tested adapter and tested the speed of such a 10GbE network.
I achieved 914 MB/s write and 939 MB/s read. The transfer limit in a 10GbE network is 1,2 GB/s, so I came very close and I think that in this case there will be no problem using the storage for real-time 4K video editing or significantly accelerating all transfers compared to the still traditional 1GbE network.
QNAP on its product page it states that when connecting to a switch it is advisable to change the settings of the so-called jumbo frames, which handle individually sent packets. Specifically, it talks about reconfiguring the MTU determining maximal transfer unit to 9000. I tried connecting a switch between the NASbook and the adapter QNAP QSW-3205-5T and set everything up. The change must be made on both the Mac or PC and the NAS device.
Here too, the speed was very similar and even though the aforementioned switch is still in the whole connection, the speed does not drop. In a box with 5 ports, you have another expansion of options, thanks to which you can connect devices to a fast network and it is also suitable for Wi-Fi 7 configurations. In addition, it is designed without fans, so cooling is completely passive and will not disturb you in any way. For example, you can connect two PC stations to the switch (either directly via the integrated 10GbE interface or the QNA-UC10G1T adapter we tested), a NAS with support for a fast 10GbE network, a router and still have one free port left.
When testing a stable load, the adapter behaved reliably and we did not notice any dropouts or overheating. The aluminum body dissipates heat effectively and during long transfers the adapter may be warm, but I do not think there is a risk of overheating. Like the switch, it is passively cooled and you will not hear any noise.
Alternative: QNAP QNA-UC10G1SF
For those who prefer optical connectivity, it offers QNAP Model QNA-UC10G1SF, which uses an SFP+ port instead of RJ45. This adapter is suitable for users who want to connect their devices to an optical network, which can be especially common in corporate environments andancIts main advantage lies in lower latency and higher stability during long-term data transfers.
Thanks to the use of optical connection, this model is particularly suitable where minito reduce electromagnetic interference or where longer cable runs are common. Optical transmissions are generally more stable and offer better performance for large data volumes. This adapter may also be of interest to users who plan to expand their network with optical connections.
The QNA-UC10G1SF is also more energy efficient than its varianta with RJ45, because the optical interface has lower power consumption. This can be advantageous when operating in data centers or in enterprises where it is important minireduce overall energy consumption.
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QNAP The QNA-UC10G1T is a compact and efficient adapter that brings 10GbE tooneactivity to a wide range of devices. Thanks to easy installation, robust design and wide compatibility, it is an ideal choice for users who want to increase data transfer speed without large investments. Its price in stores is around 7 CZK.
It's perfect for professionals working with large files, as well as tech enthusiasts looking to take advantage of faster speeds on their home network. If you're looking for an optical alternative, the QNA-UC10G1SF offers the same capabilities in an SFP+ environment. For complete connectivity, we recommend a switch. QNAP The QSW-3205-5T, which allows you to fully utilize the potential of a multi-speed 10GbE network and provides easy future expandability.
This eliminates the need to purchase a Mac with 10 gigabit Ethernet, which you can't get at Applu you pay an extra 3 CZK. But you can buy an external adapter for 000K :D At home you will probably need 7g for 2,5 CZK on Alza. https://www.alza.cz/tp-link-ue302c-usb-c-to-2-5-gigabit-ethernet-d12738103.htm?o=54
This adapter is more for really demanding users, like me :-) The previous version with metallic 10Gb had a small fan inside, which generated a disturbing sound and that discouraged me from buying it, but this new version is passive, so I went ahead and bought the adapter. Nothing against 2,5Gb, that has been the norm for some time now, but 10G is 10G – when you're always working with larger content, it's very noticeable.