SAN JOSE, Calif. – QNAP Systems, Inc., a leading name in network connectivity and data storage solutions, has just pulled back the curtain on a formidable new addition to its enterprise lineup: the QSW-M7230-2X4F24T. This new Layer 3 top-of-rack switch is designed to be the high-performance nerve center for modern data centers, blending immense speed with versatile connectivity in a surprisingly compact form factor.
Gone are the days of needing massive, sprawling server cabinets for high-throughput tasks. The QSW-M7230-2X4F24T is engineered to handle the critical role of managing communication both within its rack and with the wider network outside, all while occupying just a single rack unit (1U) in a standard 19-inch rack.
A Speed Demon with a Versatile Port Layout
What truly sets this switch apart is its carefully considered blend of port types, catering to a wide range of devices and bandwidth requirements.
- Blazing-Fast Uplinks: For connecting to other racks or core network infrastructure, the switch boasts two QSFP28 slots. These can be equipped with 100GbE transceivers for maximum throughput or used with more cost-effective Direct Attach Copper (DAC) cables for short-range connections.
- High-Speed Mid-Tier Links: Bridging the gap, four SFP28 ports offer 25GbE connectivity, perfect for linking to high-performance servers or storage arrays using the appropriate SFP28 modules or DACs.
- High-Power Access Ports: The remaining ports are a collection of RJ45 Ethernet jacks that don’t just offer speed—they deliver power. Capable of supporting up to 10 Gbps (10GbE) and PoE++ (802.3bt) simultaneously, these ports are ideal for directly driving power-hungry devices like next-generation PTZ cameras, advanced access points, and other IoT equipment without the need for separate power injectors.
Built for Reliability and Real-World Demands
Understanding that network downtime is not an option, QNAP has equipped the switch with MC-LAG (Multi-Chassis Link Aggregation Group) support. This feature allows for redundancy by grouping ports across multiple physical switches, creating a highly available and resilient network that can withstand a hardware failure.
While its compact depth makes it suitable for various environments, potential users should note this is unapologetically a data center-grade device. As such, it is equipped with active cooling to maintain performance under load, meaning it won't be as quiet as a desktop switch intended for an office environment.
Availability and Pricing
The model showcased initially was a non-functional dummy unit, giving a preview of the physical design ahead of full production. The exact release date for the QSW-M7230-2X4F24T is still on the horizon, with QNAP indicating a launch expected no earlier than early 2026. Pricing information has not yet been announced.
For IT managers and network architects planning their future infrastructure, the QSW-M7230-2X4F24T presents a compelling, all-in-one solution that promises to handle the demanding workloads of tomorrow, today.
About QNAP Systems, Inc.
QNAP (Quality Network Appliance Provider) is a leading computing, networking, and storage solution innovator, designing and delivering comprehensive products for home, SMB, and enterprise environments.