The Problem With 1 Gigabit Networks
Modern creative files are massive. A single 4K project can hit 2TB. 8K raw footage runs 10-50GB per minute. When your team moves files like that dozens of times a day, standard 1GbE networks become the most expensive bottleneck in the building. Not because of what they cost, but because of the time they waste.
Transferring 100GB on a 1GbE network takes 15-20 minutes. On 10GbE, it takes under two minutes. Opening a 500MB file from NAS drops from 30-60 seconds to 3-5 seconds. Multiple editors can work simultaneously from shared storage without any performance hit.
That's the difference between editors copying projects to local drives before they can start work, and editors just opening timelines and getting on with it.
What We Deliver
Complete 10GbE Infrastructure
We design end-to-end 10 Gigabit networks, not just switch upgrades. Every component is specified to support full bandwidth.
Structured cabling with Cat6A copper (up to 100m) or single-mode fibre, certified to 10GBASE-T or 10GBase-SR standards, and future-proofed for 25GbE/40GbE upgrades. Core and desktop switching with line-rate 10GbE performance for editing workstations, 1GbE for standard office devices, link aggregation for NAS connectivity, and jumbo frames enabled. Workstation connectivity via 10GBase-T NICs, Thunderbolt to 10GbE adapters for Mac laptops, and multi-gig 2.5GbE/5GbE options where full 10GbE isn't needed.
High-Performance NAS Integration
10GbE is only valuable if your storage can keep up. We deploy and optimise NAS systems specifically for creative workflows.
Synology RackStation models with 10GbE built-in, SSD cache acceleration, real-time transcoding, hourly snapshots, and Active Directory integration. QNAP high-performance units with Thunderbolt 3 for Mac integration, NVMe SSD caching, and 4K/8K streaming optimisation. TrueNAS for enterprise-grade deployments with ZFS, all-flash options, and S3-compatible cloud integration.
Performance targets: 1GB/s+ sustained read/write, sub-second file opening for 500MB files, real-time 4K playback from NAS, 10+ simultaneous editors without degradation, and 8K ProRes editing directly from shared storage.
Creative Workflow Optimisation
We tune the network for how creative teams work. Direct timeline editing from shared storage. Proxy generation workflows. Render farm connectivity. High-speed photo ingest from shoots with instant access to RAW libraries. Shared asset libraries for fonts, templates, and stock. Large file collaboration in After Effects, Cinema 4D, Revit, and ArchiCAD.
Internet Connectivity
10GbE locally is only part of the picture. We optimise your WAN for hybrid cloud workflows: 1Gbps+ leased lines where available, bonded connections for resilience, SD-WAN for intelligent routing, and QoS policies that prioritise creative application traffic.
Technology Stack
Core switches: Ubiquiti USW-Pro-Aggregation (8x 10GbE SFP+), Netgear M4300 Series, Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series, Arista 7050 Series. Desktop switches: Ubiquiti with 10GbE uplinks, Netgear M4250 Series (2.5GbE/10GbE mix). Mac NICs: Thunderbolt 3/4 to 10GbE adapters (Sonnet, OWC, CalDigit), PCIe cards for Mac Pro, built-in 10GbE on Mac Studio and Mac Pro. Cabling: Cat6A copper up to 100m, single-mode or multi-mode fibre for longer runs, SFP+ modules for switch connectivity.
Storage: Synology RS3621xs+, RS4021xs+, SA3600. QNAP TVS-h1688X, TS-h1290FX, TVS-h874. TrueNAS SCALE and iXsystems platforms.
Deployment Process
Week 1: Assessment and design. Workflow analysis, infrastructure audit, bottleneck identification. You get a complete network topology, equipment specs, cabling requirements, and performance projections.
Week 2: Planning and procurement. Installation scheduling, downtime coordination, equipment ordering, cable routing plans, and rollback contingencies.
Weeks 3-4: Installation. New cabling, switch deployment and configuration, storage installation, workstation NIC upgrades, testing and validation. Evening and weekend installation available, with parallel network operation during the transition.
Week 5: Optimisation and training. Jumbo frames, MTU optimisation, TCP window tuning, SMB3 multichannel, switch buffer optimisation, QoS refinement. Plus workflow training and troubleshooting guides for your team.
Performance Benchmarks
| Metric | 1GbE | 10GbE |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer 100GB | 15-20 minutes | Under 2 minutes |
| Open 500MB file from NAS | 30-60 seconds | 3-5 seconds |
| Simultaneous editors | 2-3 before degradation | 10-15 with no impact |
| Max video editing from NAS | 1080p ProRes LT | 4K ProRes 422 HQ / 8K ProRes 422 |
| Real-world throughput | 80-100 MB/s | 800-1,000 MB/s |
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 large file workflows, wired 10GbE is essential.
Do all our workstations need 10GbE? Only workstations directly accessing large files. Office staff stay 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 won't reliably support 10GbE. Cat6A or fibre is required. We assess your existing cabling and recommend upgrades where needed.
Will this work with Mac workstations? 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+): 4-6 weeks.
Do you support render farms? Yes. 10GbE enables efficient render farm connectivity. We integrate with Deadline, Royal Render, and custom solutions.
