USB-C 5Gbe Adapter Installation

TrueNAS General
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I am running the latest version of TrueNas Scale (Fangtooth 24.04). I am using the NAS mainly as a media server and an archival system. I am currently running on a 2.5Gbe network and all works fine.

Recently, I was tempted to upgrade to the next logical speed (in my mind, that is) to 5Gbe. I purchased two USB-C NIC and started by trying to install one on the NAS. TrueNas didn’t recognize it and I can only assume it has to do with the driver.

The USB Nic in question is the Wavlink USB-C to Ethernet Adapter. It is based on the RTL8157. See: Wavlink 5Gbe USB NIC

Wavlink does have a Linux driver that they’ve made available. But I’m not sure this will work with TrueNas.

So, I am looking for some opinions from more seasoned TrueNas scale veterans. Specifically:

  1. Should I invest in trying to troubleshoot the USB Nic or find a product that already has support (e,g, drivers already installed).? If so, what are some things that you’d do to get it to work? I have some Linux experience but I’m by no means an expert and I’m relatively new to TrueNas.
  2. Regarding switches. I curreently have a TrendNet 2.5Gbe product and it was pretty much plug and play. I will obviously need a new switch to support the higher speed. It looks like the 5Gbe options aren’t that great compared to 10Gbe switches. I was thinking of going with a 10Gbe switch and “easing into” full 10Gbe speed gradually. I’d start with 5Gbe, and use that for some time, then transition to 10Gbe. Is that sound thinking?
  3. If I go with a 10Gbe switch, do you have any recommendations for a home user. Should I I go with SFP+ or RJ45 connections?

Thanks for your help!

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Unless you want to enable dev mode, I’d just return it & go with something that is already working on TruenNAS - dev mode wouldn’t survive any updates & would nullify any support you get from IX anyway. This is just specifically if drivers are missing - otherwise, enjoy troubleshooting.

Honestly 10g has been around longer than 5g & would likely be cheaper & more supported. There could be problems (it won’t work) with getting 2.5g/5g support on older 10g switches… because 10g has been around longer. Depends on the switch/nic.

IMO, you’ll have a much easier time getting everything on 10g than going 5g - which is imo a bastard standard.

I like ubiquiti - maybe not the most cost effective, but it is in the sweet spot (for me) of plug & play vs managed switch. Arguments against; cost, too much management, or ironically ‘too much plug & play’ (it really depends on what specific user wants for their network). Also it has a management app available on TrueNAS Scale.

As far as fiber vs ethernet - recommendations will be to just bite the bullet and go fiber. IMO, if the runs are short enough, 10g over ethernet is fine, easy, and cheap (switches/nics may be more expensive - wires are cheap). VS arguments for fiber is that it is likely cheaper for the switches & nics, and just generally better… but depending on your local market, SFPs to feed all of the above might be more expensive than just going copper.

Also possible minor complications on ‘this switch/nic only wants x SFP or it refuses to work’ is always a fun possibility; where x is some proprietary SFP that costs 5 times more because it has a proprietary firmware that you could easily reflash for free, but only if you have a tool that can do that & those are pricey (last time I looked, which was years ago).

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Have you seen any reports from anyone that has that app operational?

1 Like
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Excelent info! I’ve been looking into Ubuquiti stuff lately. I’ll return the adapters. I don’t think there is much ROI in trying to get them to work in my environment. Even though the SFP+ transceivers can add up in cost. I like the idea of future expansions via the transceivers.

Thanks again!

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I’ve had it working for last couple of years - is there some known issue? Because seems fine :open_mouth:

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Thanks for this. I haven’t been able to get it working and was discouraged by other reports I had seen.

Are you using the app found on Github that’s linked from the GUI?

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Just straight up the one from Community catalogue on the GUI - I remember there was a minor hurdle on adopting the devices, but it just required assigning them static ip on the router, SSH’ing into them & tweaking… something (I can’t remember the something - it was just a line or two of cli that I had previously found on unifi forums)

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Hopefully that is of use

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Thanks, it’s of use!
I had “just moved on to other life demands” - I’ll put this one back on the list of soon to-do’s.
If you should recall the “something”, please post a clue…

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I checked my emails because I remember reaching out to unifi before I figured it out; I then let them know they can close the ticket because I fixed it with set-informed - I’m guessing that is the command that lets the devices know the controller IP/Port… sounds right per quick google search.

Further hints I guess will depend on your network & maybe a separate forum post in case OP wants answers to his question instead of listening to us talk about unifi app :stuck_out_tongue:

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Thanks - and I agree this isn’t the right place - I hereby apologize to the OP for the hijack (it’s all-too-easy to do!)