Sodola SL-SWTGW2C48NS 12-Port Combo 10GbE Switch Review

Networking enthusiasts looking for affordable 10GbE connectivity have a new option worth considering. The Sodola SL-SWTGW2C48NS combines 4x 10Gbase-T ports with 8x SFP+ ports in a compact 1U form factor, delivering surprising performance for its $230 price point.

Hardware Overview

The switch's physical design follows a conventional 1U form factor, though it could have been more space-efficient with a half-width design and denser port layouts. The front panel features the 12 combo ports arranged in two rows, with status LEDs above each port.

Port Configuration

The first four ports are 10Gbase-T, offering flexibility beyond standard 10GbE speeds. These ports support 2.5GbE and 5GbE speeds as well, making them compatible with a wider range of devices. This auto-negotiation capability is particularly useful when connecting to older networking equipment or devices that don't support full 10GbE speeds.

Following the 10Gbase-T ports, eight SFP+ ports provide additional connectivity options for fiber optic connections or direct-attach copper cables. This combination gives users flexibility in how they deploy the switch across different network segments.

Thermal Design

Thermal management consists of a single fan on one side of the chassis, with ventilation on the opposite side to facilitate airflow through the unit.

The rear panel keeps things simple with just a grounding point and AC power input. The switch includes two small rack ears for mounting in standard 19-inch racks.

Internal Architecture

Opening the chassis reveals significant empty space inside, suggesting the design could have been more compact. The internal layout shows a Realtek RTL8231 chip positioned between the fan and main switch chip, likely used to expand GPIO capabilities within the switch.

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Another Realtek RTL8231 chip sits between the SFP+ and 10Gbase-T ports, serving a similar function of expanding the switch's I/O capabilities.

The main switching fabric uses a Realtek RTL9313 chip, which we've seen in other 12-port 10G switches. This chip is surrounded by DRAM and NAND flash storage for the switch's operating system and configuration data.

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The 10Gbase-T ports have their own dedicated switch chip, though this component proved difficult to access without risking damage to the board. The internal power supply is mounted separately from the main switching components.

Performance Testing

Using our IxNetwork test setup capable of generating line-rate 64B packets at over 1.7Tbps, we put the Sodola switch through its paces. The test configuration included a 16-port dual PHY NOVUS10/1GE16DP card, allowing us to test various 1GbE/10GbE combinations in both 10Gbase-T and SFP+ modes.

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For this review, we focused on RFC2544 testing with IMIX traffic patterns at 64B packet sizes to demonstrate the switch's capabilities. The results showed the switch performing at line rate, validating its suitability for demanding network environments.

Management Interface

The switch includes a web-based management interface accessible through its default IP address. While not as feature-rich as enterprise-grade switches, the interface provides essential functionality for configuring VLANs, port settings, and basic monitoring.

Value Proposition

At approximately $230 (with a $20 promotional discount at the time of purchase), this switch offers compelling value. Comparable 4-port 10Gbase-T switches often cost nearly the same amount, making the additional 8 SFP+ ports essentially a bonus.

Conclusion

The Sodola SL-SWTGW2C48NS isn't perfect—the internal layout wastes space, and the management interface lacks advanced features. However, for homelabs, small businesses, or anyone needing affordable 10GbE connectivity with flexible port options, this switch delivers more than its price suggests. The combination of 10Gbase-T and SFP+ ports in a single unit, along with the ability to auto-negotiate to lower speeds, makes it a versatile addition to any network infrastructure.

For those considering this switch, it's available through Amazon with the affiliate link provided in our original review.