Local AI
Does a local AI workstation need 10GbE?
Transfer-time arithmetic for real model files at 1, 2.5, 5 and 10 Gbps, and when 10GbE is worth it.
Topic
Multi-gig home networks
A 2, 5 or 8 Gbps plan only shows up on a device if every link in the path is at least that fast.
Multi-gig plans are measured at the modem or fiber terminal. To see that speed on a device, the router's internet port, its routing capacity, the port or switch the device uses, the cable, and the device's own network adapter all have to keep up. The slowest one sets the limit, and it's often a 1 Gbps port nobody noticed.
The planner traces that path for every plan it shows, using only figures the makers publish, and says when a figure (such as routing throughput) isn't published.
The decisions that matter
- 1 Match the internet port to the plan A 2 Gbps plan needs at least a 2.5 Gbps WAN port; 5 and 8 Gbps plans need 5 or 10 Gbps ports, or SFP+ on some gateways and fiber setups.
- 2 Check routing throughput Some routers publish routing or security-inspection throughput below their port speed. Where the maker publishes it, the planner uses it; turning on IDS/IPS often lowers it further.
- 3 Carry the speed inside One fast device needs one fast LAN port; several need a multi-gig switch. Wi-Fi link rates are shared and fall with distance, so wire the devices that need the full speed.
- 4 Use the right cable IEEE 802.3bz targets 100 m for 2.5GBASE-T on Cat5e, and for 5GBASE-T on Cat6 (on Cat5e only in defined installations), so Cat6 is the safer choice for new runs; 10GBASE-T needs Cat6A for 100 m; on Cat6 it reaches up to 55 m in the standard, but industry guidance (TIA TSB-155) only assures about 37 m because of crosstalk between cables.
From the catalog
Internet port speeds in our catalog
Current routers and mesh systems by fastest internet port, with the lowest manufacturer price in each group.
| Internet port | Models | Lowest manufacturer price |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Gbps | 15 | MikroTik hAP ax S (E62iUGS-2axD5axT) · $79 |
| 2.5 Gbps or faster | 90 | MikroTik hAP be lite (A42G-HbeP) · $79 |
| 5 Gbps or faster | 33 | Ubiquiti UniFi Express 7 (UX7) · $219 |
| 10 Gbps or faster | 30 | Ubiquiti UniFi Express 7 (UX7) · $219 |
From the catalog
Multi-gig switches in our catalog
The lowest-priced switches with 2.5 Gbps or faster ports (manufacturer prices).
| Switch | Fastest port | Ports | Manufacturer price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ubiquiti Switch Flex Mini 2.5G (USW-Flex-2.5G-5) | 2.5 Gbps | 5 | $54 |
| Zyxel XMG-108 | 10 Gbps | 9 | $89.99 |
| Zyxel XGS1010-12 | 10 Gbps | 12 | $99.99 |
| Zyxel XMG-105HP | 10 Gbps | 6 | $99.99 |
| MikroTik CSS610-8G-2S+IN | 10 Gbps | 10 | $119 |
| QNAP QSW-2104-2T-R2 | 10 Gbps | 6 | $119 |
| NETGEAR MS305 | 2.5 Gbps | 5 | $134.99 |
| MikroTik CRS305-1G-4S+IN | 10 Gbps | 5 | $149 |
Articles
Multi-gig
Why a 2 Gbps plan may not deliver 2 Gbps to your devices
Why multi-gig plans test at about 940 Mbps, how to read the number, and a step-by-step way to find the slow link.
Multi-gig
How to connect a NAS, gaming PC and AI workstation
Where the switch goes, which port speed each machine needs, and three layouts from budget 2.5GbE to all-10GbE.
Multi-gig
How to choose a router for multi-gig fiber without paying for bottlenecks
What multi-gig fiber providers hand off, the 10G-internet, slow-LAN trap, and which catalog routers fit 2, 5 and 8 to 10 Gbps plans.
Structured wiring
Structured wiring for a new home: what to pre-wire
Where to run Ethernet, conduit and coax before the drywall goes up, and what to ask your builder for.
Being researched
Planned for this topic. Each article is published only after it has been fact-checked and approved.
- How to Choose a Router for Multi-Gig Fiber Without Expensive Bottlenecks
- Does a Local AI Workstation Need 10GbE?
- How Many Ports Does Your Router Need? LAN, WAN and Multi-Gig Explained
- Fast File Transfers on Your LAN: 2.5GbE, 10GbE and SMB Tuning
- 10GbE at Home: SFP+ vs 10GBASE-T, DACs and Heat
- Networking a Home AI Cluster: 10GbE, 25GbE and Thunderbolt