StarTech.com Unmanaged 2.5G Switch — 5-Port 2.5GBASE-T Unmanaged Ethernet Switch for Din Rail and Wall Mount

The StarTech.com Unmanaged 2.5G Switch is a compact, rugged, and utterly plug-and-play networking solution designed to accelerate demanding workloads without the complexity of managed switches. With five independent 2.5GBASE-T Ethernet ports, this switch unlocks multi-gigabit performance across servers, network-attached storage, surveillance systems, workstations, and virtualized environments. Housed in a durable all-metal enclosure and engineered for silent operation, it is ideal for both industrial settings and tight office or data-center racks. Its dual mounting options—DIN rail and wall mount—provide flexible deployment in equipment cabinets, wall trunks, or industrial enclosures, streamlining installation in space-constrained environments. Enjoy faster file transfers, smoother backups, and more responsive NAS access while conserving energy with IEEE 802.3az efficiency.

• Five 2.5GBASE-T ports: Each port delivers up to 2.5 Gbps of throughput, enabling immediate upgrades to multi-gigabit connectivity across devices that support 2.5G networks while maintaining compatibility with legacy 10/100/1000 Mbps devices.
• Unmanaged, plug-and-play design: No configuration is required—simply connect devices and go. Ideal for offices, labs, factories, and home workspaces where simplicity, reliability, and speed are priorities.
• Auto-MDIX and energy efficiency: Auto-MDIX eliminates the need to swap cables for straight-through or crossover connections, while IEEE 802.3az energy efficiency helps keep electricity usage low during periods of low activity.
• Durable, silent, all-metal housing: A solid, vibration-resistant enclosure keeps the switch running quietly in racks, cabinets, or on desks, with a design that endures harsh environments without interrupting business operations.
• Flexible mounting for diverse installations: Designed for both DIN rail and wall-mount installations, making it easy to retrofit existing infrastructure or deploy in new layouts where space is at a premium.

Technical Details of StarTech.com Unmanaged 2.5G Switch

• Ports: 5 x 2.5GBASE-T RJ-45 Ethernet ports for multi-gigabit connections.
• Performance: Each port supports auto-negotiation up to 2.5 Gbps, enabling fast data transfers and improved responsiveness for NAS, VMs, and high-speed workstations.
• Jumbo frames: Support for 9K jumbo frames enhances performance for large data transfers and storage-intensive tasks.
• Mode and management: Unmanaged and plug-and-play; no software configuration required, enabling quick deployment with predictable behavior.
• Link integrity features: Auto-MDIX simplifies cabling, allowing standard or crossover cables to work seamlessly; flow-control and congestion handling are designed to maintain stable performance under load.
• Power and efficiency: IEEE 802.3az-compliant energy efficiency helps reduce power consumption without sacrificing performance.
• Enclosure: Sturdy all-metal construction provides durability and reliability in demanding environments.
• Mounting options: Compatible with both DIN rail and wall-mount configurations to fit a variety of installations—from industrial panels to office rack enclosures.
• Noise profile: Engineered for silent operation, making it suitable for quiet offices, labs, and media rooms.
• Ideal use cases: Upgrading existing networks to multi-gigabit speeds for faster backups, quicker NAS access, high-bandwidth workstations, surveillance systems, and virtualization environments.

How to install StarTech.com Unmanaged 2.5G Switch

Installing the StarTech.com Unmanaged 2.5G Switch is straightforward and fast, designed for immediate benefit with no configuration required. Follow these simple steps to deploy in minutes:

• Choose a mounting location and orientation that provides easy access to the five ports and space for cable management. Decide whether you will mount on a wall or on a DIN rail in a equipment cabinet.
• Attach the switch to the DIN rail using the included DIN rail clip or secure it to the wall using the provided mounting hardware. Ensure the device is firmly mounted and has adequate clearance for cooling and cable routing.
• Use high-quality Cat5e or higher cables to connect your devices to any of the five 2.5GBASE-T ports. For best results with multi-gigabit links, Cat6 or Cat6a cables are recommended, especially for distances near the upper limits of 2.5 Gbps performance.
• Power on the switch and connect devices. The switch operates silently and requires no management steps—lights on the front panel (if present) will indicate link status and activity.
• Test connectivity and speeds between connected devices. Verify that servers, storage arrays, or workstations recognize the 2.5G capability and enjoy faster transfer rates and improved performance for bandwidth-intensive tasks.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: Do I need any software or configuration to use this switch? A: No. This is an unmanaged switch, designed for plug-and-play operation with no configuration required.
• Q: What speeds can I expect on the ports? A: Each of the five ports supports up to 2.5 Gbps (2.5GBASE-T) with auto-negotiation to match the connected device.
• Q: What types of devices benefit most from this switch? A: Network-attached storage (NAS), servers, high-performance workstations, surveillance cameras, and virtualization hosts that need more bandwidth than standard gigabit Ethernet can provide.
• Q: Are PoE or PoE+ features supported? A: The product description focuses on non-PoE unmanaged functionality; there is no explicit PoE support listed for this model.
• Q: Can I install this switch in a DIN rail or wall-mount arrangement? A: Yes. The design supports both DIN rail mounting and wall mounting, giving you flexible deployment options in data centers, labs, or industrial environments.
• Q: What cable quality should I use? A: For reliable 2.5GBASE-T performance, use Cat5e or higher; Cat6/6a cables are recommended for maximum stability over longer distances.