Sodola SL510S-4T2XS Performance
For this, we are using a Keysight XGS2 chassis with the NOVUS10/1GE16DP card, and we are using twelve of the sixteen ports of the card for this. We are using an RFC2544 Quick Test for throughput with a few changes. For example, we extended the run times per iteration to 30 seconds and started at 10% of the full line rate, searching for frame loss up to 100% of the line rate. We also test the RFC2544 64, 128, 256, 512, 1024, 1280, and 1518 byte frame sizes, and then add the standard IMIX, the Cisco IMIX, and an IPSec IMIX, which introduces mixed frame sizes into the testing.
Moving up to 1518B, we saw a similar result with no frame drops.
This was a common theme in our testing, even when we started using non-uniform frame sizes and went into the IMIX, Cisco IMIX, and IPSec IMIX settings. We were getting line rate performance. Here is the standard IMIX.
Here is the Cisco IMIX.
Here is the IPSec IMIX:
Overall, at $169, the performance of this switch was relatively good and in line with other Realtek RTL9303-based switches we have reviewed.
Sodola SL510S-4T2XS Power Consumption and Noise
When it comes to the power consumption, we hit 6.6W at idle, which is more than some of the SFP+ only switches we have seen.
With a single port plugged in, we saw the power consumption pop. Even with a 10GbE test port plugged in, the power was up by 2W, which is quite a bit.
This is one of the most interesting findings. When we plugged in the SFP+ to 10Gbase-T adapter, we saw lower power consumption than when the 10Gbase-T port was linked, adding only 1.7W over our idle baseline. Usually, the adapter generates much higher power consumption.
Noise-wise, we were at 39dba, which was not silent, but it was also quiet enough that it could be added to an equipment closet without much fanfare.
Final Words
If you have a half-width rack and need 10GbE, perhaps because you are mounting a cluster of ASUS Ascent GX10 or other NVIDIA GB10 solutions, then a switch like this makes a lot of sense. It is compact and provides a good number of 10Gbase-T ports with SFP+ connectivity as well.
Although the switch worked and is really interesting, it is also one that we feel that going up the pricing stack slightly can yield better value. The Sodola SL-SWTGW2C48NS is a 12-port switch at $229 that effectively doubles the ports (adding 6x SFP+ ports) for 36% higher cost. That one is such a good value that it sold out in under an hour after posting our article/ video, and batches keep selling out on Amazon. It is $60 more, which is not in everyone’s budget. On the other hand, it is a considerably larger switch at that price.
We are going to be adding this, along with many other switches, to our Ultimate Cheap 10GbE Switch Buyers Guide, so that you can compare across different options we have tested.
Where to Buy
Here is an Amazon Affiliate link to what we purchased.
