1. Introduction
This manual provides detailed instructions for the installation, configuration, and operation of your Sodola 6-Port 2.5G Web Managed Switch. This multi-gigabit network switch features five 2.5G Base-T RJ45 ports and one 10G SFP+ port, designed to provide high-speed connectivity and advanced network management capabilities for various environments, including home entertainment, gaming, and office use. It supports standards such as IEEE 802.3, IEEE 802.3u, IEEE 802.3ab, IEEE 802.3bz, IEEE 802.3ae, and IEEE 802.3x.
2. What's in the Box
Please verify that all items are present and in good condition upon unpacking.
- 1 x Sodola 6 Port 2.5G Managed Ethernet Switch
- 1 x User Manual
- 1 x Power Cord
3. Product Overview
Familiarize yourself with the physical components and indicators of the switch.
Figure 3.1: Front view of the Sodola 6-Port 2.5G Web Managed Switch, showing the five 2.5G RJ45 ports, one 10G SFP+ port, Reset button, PWR (Power) indicator, and SYS (System) indicator.
Figure 3.2: Detailed view of the switch's front and back panels. The front includes a Reset button (press and hold for 6 seconds to restore factory settings), five 10M/100M/1000M/2.5G ports, and an adaptive 1G/2.5G/10G SFP+ port. The back panel features a grounding screw and a DC input port (12V 1.0A).
Figure 3.3: Product dimensions of the switch: 5.51 inches (140mm) in length, 3.66 inches (93mm) in width, and 1.1 inches (28mm) in height.
4. Setup
Follow these steps for initial setup of your Sodola 6-Port 2.5G Web Managed Switch.
- Power Connection: Connect the provided power cord to the DC input port (12V 1.0A) on the back of the switch and plug it into a power outlet. The PWR indicator on the front panel should illuminate.
- Network Connections:
- Connect your 2.5G compatible devices (e.g., computers, NAS, WiFi 6 APs) to the 2.5G RJ45 ports (1-5) using Ethernet cables (CAT5e, CAT6, or CAT6a recommended).
- For 10G connectivity, insert a compatible 1G/2.5G/10G optical fiber module (not included) into the SFP+ port (6) and connect your 10G device.
- Grounding (Optional but Recommended): For enhanced safety, connect a grounding wire to the grounding screw on the back of the switch and to a proper ground source.
Figure 4.1: Example setup demonstrating how to connect various 2.5G devices (computer, NAS, WiFi 6 AP) and a router to the switch, powered by the included adapter.
5. Operating the Switch
The Sodola 2.5G switch is a web-managed device, allowing configuration through a web browser interface.
5.1. Accessing the Web Management Interface
- Ensure your computer is connected to one of the switch's RJ45 ports.
- Open a web browser (e.g., Chrome, Firefox, Edge).
- In the address bar, enter the default IP address: 192.168.2.1
- When prompted, enter the default login credentials:
- Username: admin
- Password: admin
- Upon successful login, you will access the switch's management dashboard, where you can view device/port status and configure various network settings.
Figure 5.1: The web management interface provides flexible control over the switch's functions. Default IP: 192.168.2.1, Username: admin, Password: admin.
5.2. Key Management Features
The web interface allows configuration of the following features:
- PoE Port Management: (Note: This model does not support PoE, this feature may be present in the interface but not functional for this specific switch.)
- VLAN: Virtual Local Area Networks for network segmentation.
- QoS: Quality of Service for traffic prioritization.
- Multicast: Including IGMP Snooping for efficient multicast traffic delivery.
- MAC: MAC address management.
- Static Aggregation: Combining multiple ports for increased bandwidth and redundancy.
- Jumbo Frame: Support for larger Ethernet frames.
- Spanning Tree Protocol (STP): Prevents network loops.
Figure 5.2: Overview of basic management features to optimize network efficiency, including Static Aggregation, Jumbo Frame, VLAN, QoS, LACP, and Spanning Tree Protocol.
6. Features and Benefits
6.1. High-Speed Connectivity
The switch offers 2.5Gbps speeds on its RJ45 ports and 10Gbps on its SFP+ port, providing significantly faster data transfer rates compared to traditional Gigabit Ethernet. This allows for quick transfer of large files and smooth streaming of high-resolution content.
Figure 6.1: The 2.5G ports are 2.5 times faster than existing 1G networks, while the 10G SFP+ port offers 10 times the speed, enhancing overall network performance.
Figure 6.2: Higher-speed connectivity is achieved through 2.5G and 10G combinations, supporting adaptive 1G/2.5G/10G optical fiber modules (module not included).
6.2. Static Aggregation
Static link aggregation allows you to combine multiple switch ports into a single logical channel. This increases throughput and provides redundancy between two connecting devices, such as the switch and a Network Attached Storage (NAS) device. Note that this switch supports Static Aggregation only, not Dynamic Link Aggregation (LACP).
Figure 6.3: Static Aggregation with NAS. To activate, select "Balance XOR" when using with NAS. This is used for connecting switches configured as Static Link Aggregation (IEEE 802.3ad draft v1).
Figure 6.4: Max 5Gbps Link Bandwidth with Link Aggregation (LACP). Upgrade to firmware 1.9 and above to get dynamic link aggregation (LACP) on our network management switch. This provides unmatched flexibility and reliability in your network infrastructure.
6.3. Quality of Service (QoS)
QoS allows administrators to prioritize network traffic, ensuring that critical applications like voice and video remain clear and lag-free. This is essential for a fluent online experience.
Figure 6.5: QoS for Fluent Online Experience. Administrators can designate the priority of traffic based on QoS, for example, to ensure that voice and video applications remain clear and lag-free.
6.4. VLAN for Higher Security
Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs) enable network segmentation, allowing you to isolate different groups of devices. This enhances network security and improves management efficiency by creating separate broadcast domains.
Figure 6.6: VLAN for Higher Security. Abundant VLAN functions help to build a business network with better management and higher security.
6.5. IGMP Snooping for Multicast Optimization
IGMP Snooping optimizes the delivery of multicast traffic, such as IPTV streams, by forwarding it only to the ports where devices have requested to receive it. This prevents unnecessary traffic flooding and improves network performance.
Figure 6.7: IGMP Snooping for Multicast Optimization. IGMP Snooping optimizes multimedia traffic delivery to ensure a better network experience, especially for applications like IPTV.
6.6. Versatile Compatibility and Scenarios
The switch is compatible with a wide range of Ethernet devices and is ideal for upgrading your network to support 2.5G and 10G standards. It is suitable for various applications:
- Home Entertainment: Upgrade your home network for buffer-free streaming of 4K video and other high-bandwidth content.
- Gaming: Achieve zero latency for an unparalleled gaming experience, especially for LAN parties.
- Office Productivity: Empower employees with solid 2.5Gbps Ethernet connections for improved productivity.
Figure 6.8: Built for Multiple Scenarios, including Home Entertainment, Gaming, LAN Parties, and Office use, connecting devices like 2.5G NAS, 2.5G Computer, WiFi 6 AP, and WiFi 6 Router.
Figure 6.9: Buffer-free Streaming. Upgrade home entertainment systems and enjoy uninterrupted screen time with your family.
Figure 6.10: Defeat Latency. Equip your LAN party with zero latency and unlock an unparalleled gaming experience.
Figure 6.11: Improved Productivity. Empower everyone to work more efficiently than ever with a solid 2.5Gbps Ethernet connection.
7. Specifications
Detailed technical specifications for the Sodola 6-Port 2.5G Web Managed Switch.
Figure 7.1: Comprehensive technical specifications including performance metrics, MAC address details, VLAN capabilities, Static Aggregation, Multicast, Spanning Tree Protocol, and QoS features.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Product Dimensions | 5.51"L x 3.66"W x 1.1"H |
| Item Weight | 0.46 Kilograms (1.01 pounds) |
| Case Material | Metal |
| Interface Type | RJ45 (2.5G Base-T), SFP+ (10G) |
| Data Transfer Rate | 312.5 Megabytes Per Second (per 2.5G port) |
| Number of Ports | 6 (5 x 2.5G RJ45, 1 x 10G SFP+) |
| Color | Black |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop, Laptop, Printer, NAS, WiFi 6 APs, Servers |
| Switching Capacity | 45Gbps |
| Packet Forwarding Rate | 33.48Mpps |
| Jumbo Frame Support | 16KB (16352 bytes) |
| MAC Address Table Size | 4K |
| VLAN | Access/Trunk/Hybrid, Configurable VID from 1-4094, Max. 31 static VLAN groups |
| Static Aggregation | Up to 2 Groups, Max. 4 members per group |
| Multicast | IGMP Snooping, IGMP V1/V2, Router Port, Static IGMP Join |
| QoS | Traffic classification based, Strict priority and WRR, Port Priority, Supports up to 8 queues per port |
| Spanning Tree Protocol | STP/RSTP/MSTP, Edge Port |
8. Maintenance
To ensure optimal performance and longevity of your Sodola 6-Port 2.5G Web Managed Switch, consider the following maintenance tips:
- Placement: Place the switch in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and excessive dust.
- Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the exterior of the switch. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners.
- Cable Management: Ensure network cables are neatly organized and not excessively bent or strained to prevent signal degradation.
- Firmware Updates: Periodically check the manufacturer's website for firmware updates. Keeping the firmware up-to-date can improve performance, add new features, and address security vulnerabilities.
- Power Cycle: If the switch becomes unresponsive, perform a power cycle by disconnecting the power cord, waiting for 10 seconds, and then reconnecting it.
9. Troubleshooting
This section addresses common issues you might encounter with your switch.
- No Power:
- Ensure the power cord is securely connected to both the switch and a working power outlet.
- Verify that the power outlet is functional by plugging in another device.
- No Network Connectivity:
- Check that Ethernet cables are properly connected to both the switch ports and your devices.
- Verify the link/activity LEDs on the switch ports are illuminated, indicating a valid connection.
- Ensure your devices' network adapters are enabled and configured correctly (e.g., obtaining IP address automatically via DHCP).
- Try restarting the connected devices and the switch.
- Cannot Access Web Management Interface:
- Confirm your computer's IP address is in the same subnet as the switch's default IP (192.168.2.x, with subnet mask 255.255.255.0).
- Double-check the IP address entered in the browser (default: 192.168.2.1).
- Ensure you are using the correct default username and password (admin/admin).
- Clear your browser's cache or try a different browser.
- If you have changed the IP address and forgotten it, you may need to perform a factory reset (refer to Section 3, Figure 3.2 for Reset button location).
- Slow Network Speed:
- Ensure all connected devices and network adapters support 2.5G or 10G speeds.
- Use appropriate Ethernet cables (CAT5e, CAT6, or CAT6a for 2.5G; CAT6a or higher for 10G).
- Check for network congestion or high traffic on specific ports.
- Verify that the SFP+ module (if used) is compatible and correctly inserted.
For more advanced troubleshooting or specific configuration issues, please refer to the comprehensive web manual available for download or contact Sodola customer support.
10. Warranty and Support
For information regarding product warranty, returns, or technical support, please refer to the official Sodola website or contact their customer service. You can also find additional resources, including a detailed user guide in PDF format, at the following link: Sodola 6-Port 2.5G Web Managed Switch User Manual (PDF).
