QNAP introduces Compact Rackmount Switch with Powerful 10GbE Connectivity: QSW-M3212R-8S4T


October 16, 2023 by our News Team

QNAP Systems' QSW-M3212R-8S4T is a half-width rackmount switch designed for space-limited environments, offering twelve high-speed ports, Layer 2 management functions, and support for 10GbE and Multi-Gigabit NBASE-T technologies for five different speeds.

  • Compact size, with a 38% reduction compared to its predecessor
  • Twelve high-speed ports, including eight SFP+ ports and four RJ45 ports
  • Supports Auto Negotiation, and offers compatibility with 10GbE and NBASE-T technologies for five different speeds


QNAP Systems, a innovator in the computing, networking, and storage solutions space, has just launched its latest offering – the QSW-M3212R-8S4T L2 Web managed switch. This sleek and compact half-width rackmount switch is designed to cater to the needs of users operating in space-limited environments. With twelve high-speed ports, including eight SFP+ ports and four RJ45 ports, along with Layer 2 management functions, the QSW-M3212R-8S4T provides an ideal networking solution for SMB/SOHO users.

One of the standout features of this switch is its reduced size, with a 38% reduction compared to its predecessor. Measuring at just 8.1 inches (207 mm) wide, it is the perfect choice for IT administrators looking to deploy it in constrained IT rooms. The QSW-M3212R-8S4T can be easily installed alongside another QNAP half-width rackmount switch in a 1U rack space, ensuring efficient physical space utilization and streamlined cabling.

The QSW-M3212R-8S4T offers a total of twelve ports, with eight 10GbE SFP+ fiber ports and four 10GbE RJ45 ports. This compatibility with 10GbE and Multi-Gigabit NBASE-T technologies allows for support of five different speeds – 10 Gbps, 5 Gbps, 2.5 Gbps, 1 Gbps, and 100 Mbps. With Cat 6a or Cat 7 cables, users can achieve higher network speeds through the 10GbE RJ45 ports. Moreover, the switch provides Layer 2 management functions such as LACP, VLAN, ACL, and LLDP via a user-friendly Web GUI, enabling efficient network bandwidth controls and enhanced network security.

Notably, the QSW-M3212R-8S4T stands out as one of the few web-managed switches that supports the Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP). It is also compliant with IEEE 802.3az Energy Efficient Ethernet and IEEE802.3x Flow Control in full-duplex mode. These features provide users with the ability to deploy small/medium-scale networks that support expansion, redundancy, and loop prevention while minimizing packet loss and reducing power consumption for low-speed and inactive connections. Additionally, the smart cooling system of the QSW-M3212R-8S4T ensures high-speed network performance without adding distracting background noise.

In terms of specifications, the QSW-M3212R-8S4T boasts twelve ports – eight 10GbE SFP+ fiber ports and four 10GbE RJ45 ports. It is compliant with IEEE 802.3x and IEEE 802.3az, supports Auto Negotiation, and offers compatibility with 10GbE and NBASE-T technologies for five different speeds – 10 Gbps, 5 Gbps, 2.5 Gbps, 1 Gbps, and 100 Mbps.

Overall, the QSW-M3212R-8S4T from QNAP Systems presents an impressive networking solution for users operating in space-limited environments. Its compact size, high-speed ports, Layer 2 management functions, and support for various network speeds make it an ideal choice for SMB/SOHO users looking to connect multiple 10GbE network devices at an affordable price point.

QNAP introduces Compact Rackmount Switch with Powerful 10GbE Connectivity: QSW-M3212R-8S4T

QNAP introduces Compact Rackmount Switch with Powerful 10GbE Connectivity: QSW-M3212R-8S4T

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Background Information


About QNAP: QNAP Systems, founded in Taipei in 2004 by Meiji Chang, has become a global leader in NAS solutions with a strong focus on innovation and user-friendly design. Their strategic partnerships with industry giants and their commitment to pushing the boundaries of what NAS devices can do make them a noteworthy player in the tech world.

QNAP website  QNAP LinkedIn

Technology Explained


ACL: The Access Control List (ACL) is a technology used in the computer industry to control access to resources. It is a list of permissions associated with an object, such as a file or folder, that specifies which users or system processes are granted access to that object. ACLs are used to control who can read, write, or execute a file, as well as who can view or modify a folder. ACLs are also used to control access to network resources, such as printers, databases, and websites. By using ACLs, organizations can ensure that only authorized users have access to their data and resources.


LACP: Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP) is a technology used in the computer industry to combine multiple physical network links into one logical link. This allows for increased bandwidth and reliability, as well as improved network performance. LACP is used in a variety of applications, such as virtualization, cloud computing, and storage networking. It is also used in high-performance computing, where multiple physical links are used to increase the speed of data transfer. LACP is also used in network security, as it allows for the creation of redundant links that can be used to protect against network outages. In addition, LACP is used in network monitoring, as it allows for the monitoring of multiple links at once.


LLDP: Link Layer Discovery Protocol (LLDP) is a technology used in computer networks to allow network devices to communicate with each other and exchange information. It is a vendor-neutral protocol that allows devices to advertise their capabilities, such as their port speed, VLANs, and other information. This allows network administrators to easily identify and configure devices on the network. LLDP is used in many industries, including the computer industry, to help manage and configure networks. It is also used to help troubleshoot network issues, as it can provide detailed information about the devices on the network. LLDP is an important tool for network administrators, as it helps them to quickly identify and configure devices on the network, as well as troubleshoot any issues that may arise.


RSTP: Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) is a computer networking protocol that helps to quickly establish a loop-free network topology. It is used in Ethernet networks to prevent broadcast storms, which can cause network outages. RSTP works by creating a tree-like structure of the network, where each node is connected to a single root node. This tree-like structure ensures that there are no loops in the network, which can cause broadcast storms. RSTP is used in many computer networks, such as corporate networks, data centers, and home networks. It is also used in wireless networks, such as Wi-Fi networks, to ensure that the network is stable and secure. RSTP is an important part of the computer industry, as it helps to ensure that networks are reliable and secure.


VLAN: VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) is a technology used in computer networking that allows for the segmentation of a physical network into multiple logical networks. It is used to create multiple isolated networks within a single physical network, allowing for greater flexibility and control over network traffic. VLANs are commonly used in the computer industry to separate different departments or groups of users, such as those in a large organization, or to provide secure access to a network. VLANs can also be used to segment a network into multiple virtual networks, allowing for greater control over network traffic and improved security. Additionally, VLANs can be used to provide access to a network from remote locations, such as from home or from a mobile device.





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