Project Overview
When your team moves multi-gigabyte files between workstations and shared storage dozens of times daily, standard 1 Gigabit networks become expensive bottlenecks. Our 10 Gigabit Network Infrastructure Deployment service transforms creative workflows by delivering ten times the bandwidth, turning hours of waiting into seconds of productivity.
Purpose-built for video production studios, photography agencies, design firms, architecture practices, and any business where large file collaboration is core to operations, we design and deploy complete 10GbE infrastructure that makes local storage perform faster than cloud services ever could.
Why 10 Gigabit Networks Matter
The Creative Workflow Problem
Modern creative files are massive:
- 4K video projects: 500GB-2TB per project
- 8K raw footage: 10-50GB per minute
- High-resolution photography: 100-500MB per RAW file
- CAD and 3D models: 5-50GB per project
- Design libraries: Terabytes of shared assets
Standard 1 Gigabit networks are too slow:
- Transferring 100GB takes 15 minutes
- Opening large files from NAS: 30-60 seconds
- Multiple editors accessing footage: Constant buffering
- Backing up projects: Overnight jobs that fail
- Collaborative editing: "Wait, let me copy that first"
10 Gigabit networks change everything:
- Transferring 100GB takes 90 seconds
- Opening large files from NAS: 3-5 seconds
- Multiple simultaneous editors: No performance impact
- Backing up projects: Background task completed in minutes
- Collaborative editing: Direct access without copying
The Business Case
Time is money in creative industries:
Video editor at £250/day:
- Saves 2 hours daily waiting for files: £62.50/day
- 20 working days per month: £1,250/month saved
- Annual savings per editor: £15,000
Three-editor studio:
- Annual time savings: £45,000
- 10GbE infrastructure cost: £15,000-£25,000
- ROI achieved in 4-6 months
Beyond time savings:
- Work on footage immediately without copying
- Enable remote editing with low-latency access
- Store entire project libraries locally, not cloud
- Eliminate "not enough disk space" problems
- Support 8K workflows today, preparing for 12K tomorrow
What We Deliver
Complete 10GbE Network Architecture
End-to-End 10 Gigabit Connectivity
We don't just upgrade switches, we design complete 10GbE infrastructure ensuring every component supports full bandwidth:
Structured Cabling:
- Cat6A copper (up to 100m) or single-mode fibre
- Certified testing to 10GBASE-T or 10GBase-SR standards
- Professional cable management with clear labelling
- Future-proof for 25GbE/40GbE upgrades
Network Switching:
- Core 10GbE switches with line-rate performance
- Desktop 10GbE connections for editing workstations
- 1GbE connections for standard office devices
- Link aggregation for NAS connectivity
- Jumbo frames enabled for maximum efficiency
Workstation Connectivity:
- 10GBase-T NICs for Mac and PC workstations
- Thunderbolt to 10GbE adapters for Mac laptops
- Multi-gig 2.5GbE/5GbE for intermediate performance
- Bonded connections for creative workstations
Storage Infrastructure:
- 10GbE connectivity to all NAS systems
- Direct-attached storage options for maximum performance
- Link aggregation for 20GbE+ effective bandwidth
- SSD caching for frequently accessed files
- Backup infrastructure with 10GbE connectivity
High-Performance NAS Integration
Storage That Performs Like Local Drives
10GbE is only valuable if your storage can deliver matching performance. We deploy and optimise NAS systems specifically for creative workflows:
Synology Solutions:
- RackStation models with 10GbE built-in
- SSD cache acceleration for hot files
- Real-time transcoding for video review
- Snapshot protection every hour
- Active Directory integration
- Mobile access for remote review
QNAP Solutions:
- High-performance creative workstation NAS
- Thunderbolt 3 connectivity for Mac integration
- NVMe SSD caching
- 4K/8K video streaming optimisation
- RAID configurations balanced for speed and safety
TrueNAS Solutions:
- Enterprise-grade for mission-critical deployments
- ZFS filesystem with advanced data protection
- All-flash options for maximum performance
- Replication to secondary sites
- S3-compatible cloud integration
Performance Targets:
- 1GB/s+ read/write speeds sustained
- Sub-second file opening for 500MB files
- Real-time 4K video playback from NAS
- 10+ simultaneous editor access without degradation
- 8K ProRes editing directly from shared storage
Creative Workflow Optimisation
Purpose-Built for Media Production
We optimise every aspect of the network for creative workflows:
Video Editing:
- Direct timeline editing from shared storage
- Proxy generation workflows
- Render farm connectivity
- Colour grading station performance
- Multi-cam editing from shared footage
Photography:
- High-speed photo ingest from shoots
- Instant access to RAW image libraries
- Fast export and delivery workflows
- Client review and approval systems
- Archive with rapid retrieval
Design & Motion Graphics:
- Shared asset libraries (fonts, templates, stock)
- Version control integration
- Large file collaboration (After Effects, Cinema 4D)
- Render node connectivity
- Client presentation systems
Architecture & CAD:
- Large model file collaboration
- Real-time BIM coordination
- Render farm integration
- Drawing management systems
- Project archive with quick access
Internet Connectivity Optimisation
Fast WAN for Cloud Services
10GbE locally is only part of the solution. We optimise your internet connectivity for hybrid cloud workflows:
High-Speed Internet:
- 1Gbps+ leased lines where available
- Bonded connections for resilience
- SD-WAN for intelligent routing
- QoS for critical cloud services
- Failover to secondary connections
Cloud Integration:
- Optimised paths to AWS, Google Cloud, Azure
- Direct cloud connect options for large transfers
- Hybrid storage workflows (local + cloud)
- Cloud rendering farm connectivity
- Client delivery optimisation
Bandwidth Management:
- Priority for creative application traffic
- Scheduled large transfers to off-peak hours
- Per-user bandwidth allocation
- Guest network segregation
- Cloud backup bandwidth throttling
Technology Stack
Network Switching
Core Switches:
- Ubiquiti USW-Pro-Aggregation (8x 10GbE SFP+, cost-effective)
- Netgear M4300 Series (enterprise features, SMB pricing)
- Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series (enterprise reliability)
- Arista 7050 Series (data centre performance)
Desktop Switches:
- Ubiquiti switches with 10GbE uplinks
- Netgear M4250 Series (2.5GbE/10GbE mix)
- TP-Link managed switches (budget-conscious)
Network Interface Cards
Mac Workstations:
- Thunderbolt 3/4 to 10GbE adapters (Sonnet, OWC, CalDigit)
- PCIe 10GbE cards for Mac Pro
- Built-in 10GbE on Mac Studio and Mac Pro
PC Workstations:
- ASUS XG-C100C (10GBase-T, cost-effective)
- Intel X540/X550 (proven reliability)
- Aquantia AQC107 (multi-gig capable)
Cabling Infrastructure
Cat6A Copper:
- Up to 100 metres at 10GbE speeds
- Cost-effective for most deployments
- Compatible with existing infrastructure
- Supports POE++ for future devices
Fibre Optic:
- Single-mode for distances >100m
- Multi-mode for campus deployments
- SFP+ modules for switch connectivity
- Future-proof for 40GbE/100GbE
Storage Systems
Synology:
- RS3621xs+ (12-bay, 10GbE built-in)
- RS4021xs+ (16-bay, expandable)
- SA3600 (enterprise all-flash)
QNAP:
- TVS-h1688X (16-bay with Xeon)
- TS-h1290FX (12-bay all-flash)
- TVS-h874 (8-bay creative workstation)
TrueNAS:
- TrueNAS SCALE (software-defined)
- iXsystems platforms (hardware + software)
- Custom builds (white-box)
Deployment Process
Phase 1: Assessment & Design (Week 1)
Workflow Analysis:
- Current file sizes and types
- Number of simultaneous editors
- Collaboration patterns
- Backup and archive requirements
- Internet bandwidth usage
- Growth projections
Infrastructure Audit:
- Existing network topology
- Cable plant assessment
- Switch capacity evaluation
- Storage performance testing
- Workstation readiness check
- Bottleneck identification
Design Deliverable:
- Complete network topology
- Equipment specifications
- Cabling requirements
- Performance projections
- Transparent pricing
- ROI calculations
Phase 2: Planning & Procurement (Week 2)
Detailed Planning:
- Installation scheduling
- Downtime window coordination
- Equipment procurement
- Cable routing planning
- Testing procedures
- Rollback contingencies
Stakeholder Alignment:
- Editor workflow briefings
- IT team training planning
- Client communication templates
- Success criteria definition
Phase 3: Installation (Weeks 3-4)
Phased Deployment:
- New cabling installation (if required)
- Switch deployment and configuration
- Storage system installation
- Workstation NIC upgrades
- Network testing and validation
- Performance benchmarking
Minimal Disruption:
- Evening/weekend installation options
- Parallel network operation during transition
- Individual workstation migrations
- Rollback capability maintained
Phase 4: Optimisation & Training (Week 5)
Performance Tuning:
- Jumbo frames configuration
- MTU optimisation
- TCP window tuning
- SMB3 multichannel enablement
- Switch buffer optimisation
- QoS policy refinement
User Enablement:
- Workflow best practices training
- Storage access procedures
- Performance monitoring tools
- Troubleshooting guides
- Support escalation paths
Phase 5: Ongoing Support
Continuous Optimisation:
- Performance monitoring
- Capacity planning
- Firmware updates
- Security patches
- Usage analytics
- Technology refresh planning
Performance Benchmarks
Real-World Performance Metrics
File Transfer Speeds:
- 1 Gigabit network: 100-120 MB/s theoretical, 80-100 MB/s real-world
- 10 Gigabit network: 1,000-1,200 MB/s theoretical, 800-1,000 MB/s real-world
Time to Transfer 100GB:
- 1GbE: 15-20 minutes
- 10GbE: 100-120 seconds (under 2 minutes)
Opening Large Files from NAS:
- 1GbE: 30-60 seconds for 500MB file
- 10GbE: 3-5 seconds for 500MB file
Simultaneous Editor Performance:
- 1GbE: 2-3 editors before performance degrades
- 10GbE: 10-15 editors with no performance impact
Video Editing Directly from NAS:
- 1GbE: 1080p ProRes LT maximum
- 10GbE: 4K ProRes 422 HQ or 8K ProRes 422
Client Success Story
Video Production Studio, Clerkenwell
The Challenge:
An 8-person video production house was spending hours daily copying 4K footage between editing workstations and their NAS. Editors couldn't work directly from shared storage, forcing them to copy 500GB+ projects to local drives. Storage was constantly full, backups failed regularly, and missed deadlines were becoming common.
Our Solution:
Complete 10GbE infrastructure deployment:
Network Infrastructure:
- Ubiquiti USW-Pro-Aggregation core switch (8x 10GbE)
- Cat6A cabling to 8 editing workstations
- 10GbE Thunderbolt adapters for all Mac Studios
- Jumbo frames and SMB3 multichannel optimisation
Storage Upgrade:
- Synology RS3621xs+ with 120TB usable (RAID 6)
- 4TB NVMe SSD cache for hot files
- 10GbE bonded connection (20Gbps effective)
- Automated hourly snapshots
- Nightly backup to secondary NAS
Workflow Optimisation:
- Proxy generation workflows for 8K footage
- Direct timeline editing from shared storage
- Automated project archival after 90 days
- Client review portal with 10Gbps upload
Project Timeline: 3 weeks from assessment to handover
Total Investment: £22,000
The Outcome:
- File transfer time reduced 95% (100GB in 2 minutes vs 15 minutes)
- Editors gained 2 hours productive time daily (no more copying projects)
- Storage capacity tripled whilst reducing local drive requirements
- Eight editors working simultaneously from shared storage with zero performance issues
- 4K ProRes 422 HQ editing directly from NAS without proxies
- ROI achieved in 5 months through time savings alone
"We went from spending the first hour of every project copying files to just opening timelines and starting work. That's 40 hours a month saved across our team, nearly a full work week."
— Creative Director, redacted
Investment Guide
Small Studio (2-4 editors)
Core 10GbE Infrastructure
Network:
- 8-port 10GbE switch
- Cat6A to 4 workstations
- 10GbE NICs for all editing stations
- 1GbE for office devices
Storage:
- 8-12 bay NAS with 40-60TB
- 10GbE connectivity
- SSD cache
Investment: £12,000-£18,000
Time savings: 8-10 hours per week
ROI: 4-6 months
Medium Studio (5-10 editors)
Professional 10GbE Infrastructure
Network:
- 24-port managed switch with 10GbE uplinks
- Cat6A to 10+ workstations
- 10GbE NICs for all editing stations
- Redundant switch configuration
Storage:
- 12-16 bay RackStation NAS with 80-120TB
- Bonded 10GbE (20Gbps effective)
- Substantial SSD cache
- Backup NAS with replication
Investment: £25,000-£40,000
Time savings: 20-25 hours per week
ROI: 3-5 months
Large Studio (10-20 editors)
Enterprise 10GbE Infrastructure
Network:
- Multiple 10GbE switches with fibre backbone
- 40GbE core connectivity
- Cat6A or fibre to all editing stations
- Redundant network paths
Storage:
- Multiple NAS units with load balancing
- 200-400TB total capacity
- All-flash tier for hot projects
- Automated tiering and archival
- Offsite replication
Investment: £50,000-£80,000
Time savings: 50-60 hours per week
ROI: 2-4 months
What's Included
All deployments include:
- Complete network design
- Equipment procurement
- Professional installation
- Cabling and infrastructure
- Performance testing
- Workflow optimisation
- User training
- Documentation
- 12-month warranty
- 90-day support period
Optional additions:
- Internet connectivity upgrade
- Render farm integration
- Cloud storage hybrid workflows
- Disaster recovery planning
- Ongoing managed services
Prices exclude VAT. Costs vary based on building specifics and distance requirements.
Technical Specifications
Network Performance
Bandwidth:
- 10Gbps per workstation connection
- 20-40Gbps storage uplink (link aggregation)
- 40-100Gbps core backbone (large deployments)
- Line-rate switching with no blocking
Latency:
- <1ms on local network
- Sub-second file opening
- Real-time collaboration without lag
Throughput:
- 1GB/s sustained file transfers
- 10+ simultaneous 4K streams
- 3-5 simultaneous 8K streams
Storage Performance
IOPS:
- 50,000+ IOPS with SSD cache
- 10,000+ IOPS spinning disk (RAID 10)
Bandwidth:
- 1-2GB/s read speeds
- 800MB/s-1.5GB/s write speeds
- Sustained performance with multiple clients
Reliability:
- RAID 6 or RAID 10 for redundancy
- Hot-spare drives
- Automated snapshot protection
- 99.9% uptime target
Use Cases & Applications
Video Production
- 4K/8K raw footage editing
- Multi-cam timeline editing
- Colour grading workstations
- Render farm integration
- Client review and approval
- Project archival and retrieval
Photography Studios
- High-speed photo ingest (500+ RAW files)
- Instant library access
- Simultaneous retouching workflows
- Client selection and approval
- Fast export and delivery
- Petabyte-scale archives
Design Agencies
- Shared asset libraries
- Large InDesign/Illustrator files
- After Effects project collaboration
- 3D rendering workflows
- Version control integration
- Client presentation systems
Architecture Firms
- Large BIM model collaboration
- Real-time Revit/ArchiCAD workflows
- Rendering farm connectivity
- Drawing management systems
- Client presentation files
- Project archives (decades of data)
Post-Production Houses
- VFX plate management
- Grade suite connectivity
- Sound design workflows
- Conform and finishing
- Client deliverables
- Archive and recall
Why Choose Stabilise
Creative Industry Specialists
We understand creative workflows. We've deployed 10GbE networks for video studios, photography agencies, design firms, and architecture practices across London.
End-to-End Expertise
From cabling to storage optimisation, we handle every technical aspect so your team can focus on creating.
Performance Obsessed
We don't just install equipment—we tune and optimise until you achieve maximum real-world performance.
Workflow-First Approach
Technology serves your creative process, not the other way around. We design infrastructure around how you actually work.
Ongoing Partnership
Most clients include 10GbE infrastructure in managed services agreements, ensuring long-term performance and support.
Proven Results
50+ high-performance network deployments across London's creative sector. We've solved every workflow challenge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 10GbE really necessary? Can't we just upgrade to WiFi 6?
WiFi 6 maxes out around 100-200MB/s in real-world conditions—barely faster than 1GbE and nowhere near 10GbE's 1GB/s+. For creative workflows with large files, wired 10GbE is essential.
Do all our workstations need 10GbE?
Only workstations directly accessing large files need 10GbE. Office staff can remain on 1GbE. Most deployments upgrade 60-80% of workstations.
Can we phase the deployment?
Yes. Start with core infrastructure and storage, then migrate workstations incrementally. Many clients begin with 3-5 editing stations and expand over 6-12 months.
What about our existing cabling?
Cat5e and Cat6 typically won't support 10GbE reliably. Cat6A or fibre is required. We assess your existing cabling and recommend upgrades where needed.
Will this work with Mac workstations?
Absolutely. Thunderbolt to 10GbE adapters work perfectly with Mac Studios, MacBook Pros, and iMacs. Mac Pro has PCIe card options.
How long does deployment take?
Small studios (2-4 editors): 2-3 weeks
Medium studios (5-10 editors): 3-4 weeks
Large studios (10+ editors): 4-6 weeks
What if we move offices?
Network equipment is portable. Switches and NICs can be reused. Only cabling needs reinstalling. We can handle your next office build too.
Do you support render farms?
Yes. 10GbE enables efficient render farm connectivity. We regularly integrate with Deadline, Royal Render, and custom render solutions.
Getting Started
Free Performance Assessment
What we'll assess:
- Current network and storage performance
- Typical file sizes and workflow patterns
- Number of simultaneous users
- Bottleneck identification
- Growth projections
- Budget alignment
What you'll receive:
- Performance improvement projections
- Detailed technical design
- Equipment recommendations
- Transparent pricing
- ROI calculations
- Phased deployment options
Process:
- Discovery call (30 minutes) to understand workflows
- On-site assessment (2-3 hours) including speed tests
- Detailed proposal within 5 business days
- Design refinement based on feedback
- Deployment when you're ready
Contact us:
- Phone: +44 203 355 7522
- Email: hello@stabilise.io
- Book assessment: [Schedule via our website]
Pre-Deployment Checklist
To prepare for 10GbE deployment:
✓ Workflow Documentation
- Document typical file sizes
- List number of simultaneous editors
- Identify peak usage times
- Map collaboration patterns
✓ Current Infrastructure
- Network diagram if available
- Storage system details
- Existing cable plant age
- Switch locations and access
✓ Workstation Inventory
- Mac models and years
- Available PCIe slots (if any)
- Thunderbolt versions
- Operating system versions
✓ Building Considerations
- Cable routing permissions
- Access to comms rooms
- Installation timeframes
- Downtime tolerance
✓ Budget Planning
- Capital expenditure approval
- Finance options interest
- Phased deployment preference
- Ongoing support requirements
We'll guide you through all these requirements during assessment.
Technical Resources
10GbE Standards:
- 10GBASE-T (copper, Cat6A, up to 100m)
- 10GBase-SR (multimode fibre, up to 300m)
- 10GBase-LR (single-mode fibre, up to 10km)
Network Optimisation:
- Jumbo frames (MTU 9000)
- Flow control enabled
- SMB3 multichannel
- TCP window scaling
Storage Protocols:
- SMB3 (Windows/Mac)
- AFP (legacy Mac)
- NFS (Linux/Unix)
- iSCSI (block storage)
All specifications subject to site survey and existing infrastructure assessment. Equipment lead times vary by manufacturer. Prices exclude VAT. Ongoing support recommended for optimal performance.
