Qnap QNA-UC25G2SF: USB4 25GbE network adapter (2x SFP28) without fan launches

During its world tour, Qnap has introduced a new USB4 network adapter that offers particularly high speeds. In typical Qnap fashion, the adapter has a rather cumbersome name: QNA-UC25G2SF. It’s basically the successor to the QNA-UC10G2SF, which will remain available for the time being.

The metal case provides enough space for two SFP28 transceivers as well as DACs (direct attached cables), given that the distance to the switch is not too long. According to Qnap, DACs are typically used for distances between about 10 and 16 feet. Performance might decrease beyond that, in which case a transceiver with fiber optics could be the better option. Range then depends on the module (wavelength) and the cable.

That being said, the new adapter provides 2x 25 GbE with redundancy, meaning 25 Gbps of real-life bandwidth. With SMB Multichannel or a properly configured LACP setup, 50 Gbps are also possible.

The network adapter itself does not need fans to stay cool. Instead, it sports a fairly large heatsink that’s similar to the one from the UC10 series. The device will likely get quite warm, as indicated by a warning label. Another indication is the significantly increased power consumption.

The QNA-UC25G2SF requires USB Type C Power Delivery. The previous model still worked with USB Type C Current. Since most notebooks do not actually support USB PD as a power output, the adapter includes a second port dedicated to providing up to 27 watts. The primary USB port is then used solely for data.

Qnap’s new adapter is compatible with both Windows and Linux systems. macOS support is still in development. The QNA-UC25G2SF is scheduled to launch around the end of the year. It won’t be cheap, although Qnap has not yet provided an official MSRP thus far. For reference, the aforementioned QNA-UC10G2SF retails for $549 on Amazon.