TP-Link TL-SG105, 5 Port Gigabit Unmanaged Ethernet Switch, Network Hub, Ethernet Splitter, Plug & Play, Fanless Metal Design, Shielded Ports, Traffic Optimization

This little powerhouse has streamlined my home setup far better than expected. The TP-Link TL-SG105 is truly plug-and-play—no software, just hook up your devices and go. It’s also quiet and without any heat issues.Solid performance thus far as I'm running a smart TV, two gaming consoles and a PC off this and all are getting solid, consistent speeds.If you’re looking to expand your network for work-from-home, gaming, or just keeping smart devices connected, this unmanaged switch checks all the boxes. For the price and reliability, you can’t go wrong here.

This smart TP-Link Smart switch [Model# TL-SG108E] is so easy to set up and has additional software in caseyou want to play administrator with your home/office network. (This is not a review of a highly technical natureso if you are a Tech Admin look elsewhere. Thank you.)First some information that should be included right off the bat.:: Steel Housing; 6-1/4”W x 4”D x 1-1/4”H (w/ 4 rubber feet):: Unlimited Tech Support 24/7 by phone. (I have not used it):: 5 year Warranty-- System Requirements (Listed on the box) --:: RJ45 Ethernet Cables:: Computer with Windows 8/7/Vista/XP, Mac OS or Linux operating system (No issues using Windows 10 Pro):: Network Adapter (I used my internet router with multiple Ethernet ports)-- Package Contents --:: The 8-Port Smart Switch (Yellow and Green LEDs for connected speed indication):: Power Adapter:: Installation Guide (2-pages):: Resource CD (3-inch mini-size)I purchased this switch because my son has friends over to the house and they bring their laptops to play gameson-line. They had been using the Wi-Fi but it is slow and unreliable, in our household, and bandwidth was at apremium. I decided to buy a switch so all the friends could tap into the TP-Link switch and use the fiber opticsinternet access.I only had to furnish six Ethernet cables and off they went. They are able to play on line games using the switchand I have heard of no problems so far. Well, except for a tangle of Ethernet cables. Watch your step in the livingroom while the gamers camp and play.This switch was made for the home office, or small business, but I decided to use it for a home network becauseit appeared durable in its steel box, has 8 ports up to 1000Mbps each and the price was so right after a $15.00rebate. This switch is more than is needed at this time, but for the price point after the rebate, I have no regrets.I would list all the features and benefits of this switch but most of them mean little to nothing to me. A networkadmin would understand what this switch is capable of doing for a network.The switch is a simple dark metal steel box, with LEDs that show your System Power, Link, with Speed (Greenor Yellow) and activity indicators for each port. The box sits just under the edge of my TV set for easy access. Itfeels cool to the touch even after operating for hours. Nice.When you set up the switch box you use one of the 8 ports to take the Ethernet cable from the router and usethe other 7 ports as outputs. Each of the 8 Ethernet ports are Auto-negotiating. That means you do nothing butplug in the cable. So this leaves you with 7 ports to use as outputs for any Ethernet-ready electronic device. Thiscan include gaming consoles, TVs, media boxes like Amazon Fire TV, Roku etc. as well as a laptops.I was able to run an Ethernet cable from one room, from the cable router, and set the switch box under my TVin the next room. (The entire length from the router to the switch should be less than 328 feet). That's one portused so far. I also needed to run my Amazon Fire TV box out of the next Ethernet port to the television. That left6 Ethernet ports for the gamers.I looked at the Configuration Utility software, after installation, to see what information would be available. This isnot a web-based graphical interface (GUI) but a software interface on this particular model (TL-SG108E). TheUtility CD is a 3 inch mini-disk. If your player cannot play a mini-disk you will need to download the ConfigurationUtility software from TP-Link.The software, after installation, provides you with the ‘Discovered Switches’ interface with the headings: Product,Device Description, MAC Address, IP Address, Located on IP Network, IP Setting, and Login. I do know that theMAC Address of any device can be used to help secure the network. I use them with all the devices using thecable router, whether it be iPod, laptop, desktop computer, Amazon Fire TV box, etc.To be clear I did nothing with the provided software to be able to hook up the box and use it. I did need to openmy cable router’s Admin software and entered the TP-Link switch’s MAC Address so my router would securelyrecognize it, but other than that, nada. Ez Pz.5 Stars for TP-Link Easy Smart switch’s plug and play set-up, ease of use by its intended user-gamers, sturdysteel construction, and a wonderful after-rebate price point. There have been no issues since it was installedOctober 2015. If you can find an ‘Unmanaged’ switch for this price, size and durability go for it.NOTE: Besides the included Installation Guide, a 2-sided paper guide with instructions and images, you shouldalso download from Customer Service the PDF files that will provide more specifications and detailed informationabout the switch and its software.

I’ve been using the TP-Link for a while now and it works flawlessly. Setup was truly plug and play — just connect your devices and you're good to go. No configuration needed.The build quality is excellent with a sturdy metal case, and it runs completely silent since it’s fanless. Speeds are consistent and fast across all ports. It’s perfect for expanding a home or office network.

The TL-SG108E is an excellent switch for home or small office networks. The metal housing feels solid and durable, and the shielded ports add an extra layer of protection against interference. I really appreciate the built-in features like QoS, VLAN, IGMP snooping, and Link Aggregation—rare to find at this price point. It’s truly plug-and-play, but also offers smart management options for those who want more control. With lifetime protection and wall-mount or desktop flexibility, it’s a reliable and future-proof choice

I needed a second gigabit switch for my small network and this fit the bill, both price-wise and performance-wise. It is truly PnP without any setup at all. The five ports are great to have as well. The metal case helps with cooling, even though there is not much heat buildup anyway.All in all, it's a great little switch and I highly recommend it.