QRT QNET7 Layer-2 Ethernet Switch
Specifications
- Type: Layer-2 Ethernet Switch
- Ports: 7
- Power Supply: DC power supply
- Power Input: 5V to 9V
- LED Indicators: Yes
ABOUT THE QNET7
- The QNET7 is a layer-2 Ethernet switch with seven ports designed from the ground up with high-end audio performance and an extremely low noise operation in mind.
- Most audiophile switches on the market take an existing consumer-level switch and improve parts of it, typically the power supply and the clock. While this approach certainly produces an improved performance, it doesn’t come close to the results achieved by a design conceived from the drawing board to transmit and receive high speed signals.
Whether you stream music and/or video from a local server, your NAS, or from the Internet, the QNET7 will deliver a greater dynamic range, adding extension, clarity, and making the music sound more fluid and life-like, with a much lower noise floor, causing voices and instruments to stand out against a much quieter background.
PLACEMENT
Place the QNET7, preferably on a shelf, so that it stands alone, with its vents unobstructed at all times. Do not place the QNET7 near equipment that generates significant heat or in ambient conditions that exceed 100°F/38°C in temperature or 80% in humidity.
For optimum performance with resonance control, upgrade the QNET7 with Nordost’s QRT Stand Mount and Sort Kones.
POWERING UP
Plug in the provided DC power supply to power your QNET7.
As long as the QNET7 is powered on, it is always operational. To turn it off, unplug the power cord or detach the power supply from the wall.
Note: The QNET7’s power supply is not interchangeable with the standard QNET power supply.
For best results, this standard power supply can be upgraded to Nordost’s QSOURCE.
To power the QNET7 with a QSOURCE, first make sure both devices are off, then set the “A” variable output on the QSOURCE to 9V via the bottom switch.
Finally, with a QNET7 QSOURCE DC Cable, attach the QNET7 to output A and then turn the QSOURCE on.
Note: The QNET7 can be powered from 5V to 9V, but to ensure the QSOURCE does not run too warm, we highly recommend the QNET7 be powered from the 9V output of the QSOURCE as described above.
CONNECTING
There are 7 numbered Ethernet Ports on the back of the QNET7.
- Ports 1-5 are auto-negotiated, 1000BASE-T (1 Gbps) capable. Your input (router) and any other generic network devices (including NAS drives) should be connected to these ports for best connectivity.
- Port 6 is auto-negotiated, 100BASE-TX (100 Mbps) capable. It is optimized for audio performance. For Port 6, layer 1 and 2 functionalities are further separated into dedicated circuits, allowing for even better noise control and overall performance. Connect the unit that is processing audio downstream from the switch to Port 6 (typically a streamer, or a server/DAC).
- Ports 7 is compatible with 1000BASE-T (IEEE 802.3ab) and 1000BASE-X (LX/SX 802.3z-1998 [CL38] only) SFP transceivers/modules. By attaching external, compatible modules, Port 7 can… be used as an extra RJ-45 port (to connect a router or NAS drive) or as an optical port.
It is highly recommended that, when using pairs of external modules, they are identical at both… ends of the cable that is being used. Multi-mode and single-mode fibers can be used depending on the chosen module. Please refer to the module’s documentation to determine the best choice of optical medium and connectors.
Also note that Port 7 does not support SFP+ modules and supports fixed 1 Gbps 1000BASE-T copper modules only. Modules labeled “10/100/1000BASE-T” are unlikely to work.
For an up-to-date list of modules that have been successfully tested with the QNET7, please refer to our website.
RECOMMENDED CONNECTIONS
LED INDICATORS
- For Ports 1-5 the LED indicators on the back will flash green if a connection is established at 1 Gbps, orange at 100 Mbps and both at 10 Mbps.
- For Port 6 the LED indicators on the back will flash orange when connected either at 100 Mbps or 10 Mbps.
- For Port 7 (SFP) the LED indicator on the back will light up steady blue when a connection is established. Please note that there is a wide variety of modules on the market, and some of them will cause the LED to turn on just by being inserted in the SFP port.
Please make sure you use appropriate cables for the performance-level you intend to achieve. For best results consider Nordost Ethernet cables.
Specifications
| Type | Layer 2 unmanaged switch |
|---|---|
| Number of ports | 7 |
| Ports capability | Ports 1-5 are 1000BASE-T/100BASE-TX capable with auto-negotiation and auto-MDI/MDI-X support. Port 6 is 100BASE-TX capable with auto-negotiation and auto-MDI/MDI-X support. Port 7 is 1000BASE-T and 1000BASE-X (LX/SX) capable. |
| Connectors | 6x 8P8C (RJ45), 1x SFP |
| DC Power Input | 5V/1A |
| Weight | 1.65kg (3.64lb) |
| Dimensions | 320mm x 122mm x 59.25mm / 12.6in x 4.8in x 2.33in with feet |
WARRANTY
Nordost warrants that the product will be free from defects in materials and workmanship to the original purchaser, under normal use and service, for a period of 24 months. This warranty is not transferable.
To qualify, please visit www.nordost.com/product-registration.php and fill out the form, together with proof of purchase, within 30 days of purchase.
See www.nordost.com/downloads.php for more language options
FAQ
Can the power supply of QNET7 be interchanged with other models?
No, the power supply of QNET7 is not interchangeable with other standard QNET models. For best results, consider upgrading to Nordost's QSOURCE.
What is the recommended power input for QNET7?
The QNET7 can be powered from 5V to 9V. It is highly recommended to power it from the 9V output of the QSOURCE to prevent overheating.
Documents / Resources
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QRT QNET7 Layer-2 Ethernet Switch [pdf] Instruction Manual QNET7, QNET7 Layer-2 Ethernet Switch, Layer-2 Ethernet Switch, Ethernet Switch |