Our CHEAPEST & FASTEST Network Speed Yet!

The video presents a bold experiment: achieving extremely fast local network transfers using affordable, secondhand enterprise hardware. The hosts describe their initial hurdle of finding suitable 40 Gbit Infiniband gear that would work with Windows, not just Linux, and document the iterative buying process, missteps, and eventual setup. They assemble a small, budget-friendly 40 Gbit link using QDR/4x 25 Gbps era adapters and a copper direct attach cable, totaling roughly $80 to $150 in parts. The narrative follows the practical steps of installing the adapters in Windows, updating firmware, and attempting to route traffic correctly between two machines on a separate subnet. Despite facing compatibility and configuration challenges, they surface a working point-to-point 40 Gbit link that approaches the capabilities of high-end gear, albeit with caveats about Windows support and RDMA limitations. As the build progresses, the team demonstrates real-world performance tests and the tradeoffs of enterprise tech in a consumer-friendly package. They verify network visibility with ping and adjust metrics to prefer the InfiniBand path over the standard Ethernet link, yielding sustained transfer speeds that rival 10 Gbit Ethernet. The experiments culminate in a practical takeaway: with the right setup, you can saturate a 40 Gbit link for local transfers at a fraction of typical cost, while acknowledging interoperability constraints with broader networks. They also introduce their accessory ecosystem, notably the TMA2 modular headphones, highlighting the value of configurability and on-the-road customization. The overall conclusion emphasizes value: impressive local transfer speeds at low cost, with room for further gains through optimized RDMA on Windows or Linux and continued exploration of enterprise-to-consumer networking options.

Topics · networking · hardware · technology · tutorials · enterprise tech