Synology E25G30-F2 Dual-Port 25GbE SFP28 Adapter: what it is and what it fits

The Synology E25G30-F2 is a dual-port 25 Gigabit Ethernet network adapter that installs in a compatible Synology system. It's a PCIe card, so it adds two fast SFP28 ports to a device that would otherwise be limited to slower built-in networking. Synology describes it as a way to bring compatible systems into 25GbE networks.

What 25GbE and SFP28 mean

25GbE is 25 gigabits per second, 2.5 times the speed of 10GbE and 25 times that of ordinary Gigabit Ethernet. It uses SFP28 ports, which take small pluggable modules or direct-attach cables. SFP28 ports are generally physically the same size as 10G SFP+ ports, and many support 10G modules at lower speed, though you should confirm compatibility with Synology's information. The modules and cables are usually sold separately from the card.

The speed matters most where a lot of data moves quickly: large file transfers, virtual machine storage, video editing from shared storage or backups. The other end of the link also needs 25GbE-capable networking, such as a switch or server, to take advantage of it.

Two ports and what they enable

Synology says the two ports support high-performance storage applications. It also says they allow higher simultaneous throughput, port failover and load balancing. In general terms:

• Higher throughput: several clients can use the connections at once.
• Failover: if one link or cable fails, traffic can continue on the other.
• Load balancing: traffic can be spread across both ports.

How these are set up depends on the system's software and your switch, so check Synology's guidance.

Made for Synology systems

The listing is clear that the adapter is purpose-built for use with Synology systems, and it points to a hardware compatibility list. It also states a software requirement: DSM 7.1.1-42962 Update 5 or above. It's not intended as a general-purpose card for any PC, so confirm that your specific NAS or server model is listed.

Warranty

Synology lists a five-year warranty.

Who it suits

It suits people who run a compatible Synology system on a fast network and find that its existing network ports are the bottleneck. That tends to mean small businesses, studios and advanced home labs with matching switches or servers. For a network that is only Gigabit or 10GbE throughout, a card like this offers little.

What to check before you buy

• Compatibility list: confirm your exact Synology model and its PCIe slot appear on Synology's list.
• DSM version: the listing requires DSM 7.1.1-42962 Update 5 or above.
• Network equipment: make sure you have a switch or device that supports 25GbE SFP28.
• Modules and cables: check what you'll need for the SFP28 ports and the distance involved.
• Storage speed: the drives and the rest of the system must be fast enough to use the extra bandwidth.
• Physical fit: check slot type and available space in your unit, following Synology's instructions for installation.

The short version

• A dual-port 25GbE SFP28 PCIe network adapter, model E25G30-F2.
• Designed for compatible Synology systems and requires DSM 7.1.1-42962 Update 5 or above.
• Supports higher throughput, port failover and load balancing, per Synology.
• Needs 25GbE-capable network equipment, plus SFP28 modules or cables.
• Five-year warranty.

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