It might help to take a look at Arista/Metamako 10G L1 switches for some inspiration. These are 48x ports and use the FPGA for specific network applications (including switching). You might be able to find some of the older models on the cheap on eBay.
I’ve opened up a few and the board itself seems fairly simplistic. I do recall a giant copper heatsink though.
I’ve opened up a few and the board itself seems fairly simplistic. I do recall a giant copper heatsink though.