The XikeStor SKS7300-4X4T was a really promising swap from a worth standpoint. We bought this unit off of Amazon for $210. On the similar time, this doesn’t seem to be one we might extremely suggest as a result of there have been just a few clear challenges whilst an 8-port (4x SFP+, 4x 10Gbase-T) managed swap. There’s plenty of unpack so allow us to get into it.
We bought ours final quarter on Amazon (Affiliate link.) Inventory is usually low there, however you’ll find it on AliExpress as properly (Affiliate link.)
XikeStor SKS7300-4X4T {Hardware} Overview
The swap itself is in a desktop kind issue so it’s a lot smaller than a 1U swap. It additionally comes with rubber ft, so we’re reviewing this within the context of a swap positioned on a desk, not one that’s tucked away in a rack.
On the left hand aspect we get our standing LEDs in addition to our 4 SFP+ ports. The ports are labeled 2.5G/10G, however within the firmware you’ll be able to run them at 1G speeds as properly.
The 4 10GbE ports in addition to the serial console administration port and the DC enter are on the entrance proper aspect.
We are going to present a problem we had with these in our administration part.
On each side, now we have vents.
On the rear, now we have the reset button in addition to the grounding level.
On the underside we get our 192.168.10.12 administration IP in addition to the admin username.
Based mostly on the exterior overview, you’ll have thought that the swap was fanless, however that’s not the case. There’s an inner fan.
That heatsink/ fan covers the principle swap chip.
We pulled off the heatsink adn noticed the Realtek RTL9303 as regular.
On the left, now we have 4 SFP+ cages. On the proper, now we have our PHYs for the 10Gbase-T ports.
Right here is the underside of the swap PCB.
One good characteristic is that there are thermal pads beneath the principle warmth producing parts to switch warmth to the chassis.
Subsequent, allow us to get to administration.
