Overview
In many setups, networking is typically split across multiple devices (router + switch + uplink).
Recently I explored a compact platform that integrates multiple Ethernet interfaces into a single system.
Interface Layout
This setup includes:
- 2.5GbE for access and segmentation
- 10GbE (RJ45) for high-speed data paths
- SFP+ for fiber or DAC uplinks
Why This Matters
Combining different interface types into one system allows:
- Reduced hardware complexity
- Flexible network segmentation
- Simplified deployment
Practical Use Cases
- Multi-WAN routing
- NAS / storage networking
- Homelab setups
- Edge computing nodes
Final Thoughts
While traditional setups still separate routing and switching, this type of integrated platform provides an interesting alternative for compact deployments.

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