Synology E10G18-T1: Single-Port 10GBASE-T/NBASE-T Add-In Card for NAS Servers

Upgrade your Synology NAS with the Synology E10G18-T1, a flexible, high-speed single-port 10GbE add‑in card designed to unlock the full potential of modern networks while preserving your existing infrastructure. This economical NIC lets you migrate to a 10 Gigabit Ethernet environment with ease, leveraging an RJ-45 connector and support for IEEE 802.3an/bz (10GBASE-T/NBASE-T) and 802.3x flow control. Built for reliability and backward compatibility, the E10G18-T1 helps you accelerate backups, speed up large file transfers, enhance virtualization workflows, and deliver smooth media playback—without a costly overhaul of your current switches or cabling. Whether you run a small business, a home lab, or a growing home office NAS deployment, this card integrates seamlessly with compatible Synology NAS models to deliver consistent performance where it matters most: at the edge of your data center or residential network.

• 10GbE performance over familiar RJ-45 connections — upgrade to blazing-fast speeds with a single, compact card that fits most Synology NAS expansion slots, enabling rapid backups, faster restores, and smooth multimedia streaming across your network.
• IEEE 802.3an/bz 10GBASE-T and NBASE-T support with IEEE 802.3x flow control — ensures robust, stable performance on mixed networks by auto-negotiating to the highest common speed with your switch and devices, while supporting efficient traffic management during peak periods.
• Backward compatibility with older devices — auto-negotiation seamlessly negotiates the best available speed, so you can mix 1G/2.5G/5G/10G devices without disruptive topology changes, protecting your investment as your network evolves.
• Easy deployment and seamless DSM integration — simply install the card into a supported Synology NAS PCIe slot, and rely on DiskStation Manager (DSM) to recognize the NIC and guide you through configuration with minimal setup.
• Energy-efficient design and reliable operation — optimized for steady throughput during long-running data transfers, backups, and continuous media streaming, while minimizing power consumption and heat output in compact NAS enclosures.

Technical Details of Synology E10G18-T1

• Model: E10G18-T1
• Port: 1 x 10GbE RJ-45
• Standards supported: IEEE 802.3an/bz (10GBASE-T/NBASE-T) and 802.3x flow control
• Auto-negotiation: Yes — negotiates the highest common speed with connected devices
• Interface: PCIe expansion card designed for compatible Synology NAS slots
• Compatibility: Works with Synology NAS models that support PCIe NIC expansion and DSM
• Network topology support: Supports mixed environments with 1G/2.5G/5G/10G devices
• Cabling: Requires standard RJ-45 Ethernet cables for 10GBASE-T connectivity
• Form factor: Single-port expansion card (low-profile/compact design suitable for NAS chassis)
• Power and cooling: Designed to operate within typical NAS thermal envelopes; minimal additional cooling required
• Operating system compatibility: DSM on compatible Synology NAS models
• Packaging contents: E10G18-T1 card, bracket with screw, and installation guides

how to install Synology E10G18-T1

• Power down the NAS, unplug from power, and disconnect all cables to ensure a safe installation environment.
• Open the NAS chassis and locate an available PCIe expansion slot suitable for NICs; remove the slot cover if required.
• Insert the E10G18-T1 into the PCIe slot firmly until it seats and align the card bracket with the chassis opening.
• Secure the card bracket with a screw, connect any necessary power or airflow considerations per your NAS model, and reassemble the chassis.
• Reconnect power and network cables, then boot the NAS. In DSM, navigate to the Network settings to verify the new NIC is detected and configure as needed (e.g., IP assignment, VLANs, or link aggregation).
• Optionally enable NIC teaming or LACP in DSM for improved throughput and redundancy; test the connection with a 10GBASE-T-enabled switch and perform a speed test to confirm performance gains.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: Do I need special drivers for the E10G18-T1 on Synology NAS?
• A: No. On supported NAS models, DSM recognizes the card automatically, and drivers are provided by the operating system. Ensure your NAS firmware and DSM are up to date for optimal compatibility.
• Q: Can I use this card with a home network that includes 1G switches?
• A: Yes. The card negotiates the best common speed with connected devices. You can mix 1G and 10G devices on the same network, with 10G speeds used where available.
• Q: Is port aggregation supported with the E10G18-T1?
• A: Most Synology NAS configurations support NIC teaming and link aggregation (LACP) through DSM, enabling increased throughput and redundancy when connected to a compatible switch.
• Q: Which NAS models are compatible with this add-in card?
• A: The card is designed for Synology NAS models that support PCIe NIC expansion and DSM; please refer to Synology's compatibility list for your specific model.
• Q: Will upgrading to 10GbE improve backups and media streaming?
• A: Absolutely. 10GbE reduces backup windows, enables faster large-file transfers, and provides smoother streaming and virtualization workloads, especially when multiple clients access the NAS concurrently.