TP-Link TL-SG108S-M2 8-port 2.5GbE Switch Management
This is an unmanaged switch, so we do not get a management interface.
TP-Link TL-SG108S-M2 8-port 2.5GbE Switch Performance
These units were purchased and tested just as we were getting our new test suite online, but we were using the older iperf3 test suite that aligns with dozens of cheap fanless switch reviews we have done previously.
Performance was exactly what we would expect from this class of switch.
TP-Link TL-SG108S-M2 8-port 2.5GbE Switch Power Consumption and Noise
On the power side, we get a 12V 1A power adapter.
The switch used 1.6W at idle. This was 0.3W more than the BrosTrend 8-port switch.
We hooked up a 2.5GbE port and got 2.0W for 0.4W of incremental power consumption.
This is good power consumption for a switch like this. Since this is a fanless switch, it is also a silent switch.
Final Words
This switch certainly feels more sturdy than the BrosTrend switches just owing to its metal casing and even better LED status lights. Then again, as we are writing this, it is twice the price of the BrosTrend 8-port 2.5GbE switch, so that is hard to justify.
TP-Link is also under a lot of pressure from the US Government for its routers, which we showed, perhaps, a few examples of why in our recent TP-Link BE3600 Wi-Fi 7 Portable Travel Router TL-WR3602BE Review.
To us, the Gigaplus GP-S25-0802 8-port 2.5GbE and 2-port 10G switch makes a lot more sense, since it is often available for less than this switch. As an unmanaged switch, this does not benefit from a better management interface for a software pricing uplift. Then again, many apparently prefer a TP-Link switch, as it is popular on Amazon. At least we now have data to add to our The Ultimate Cheap Fanless 2.5GbE Switch Buyers Guide to help you make a decision.
Where to Buy
If you want to check current pricing or pick up this switch, here is an Amazon Affiliate Link.
The power consumption looks attractive – the price not so much.
Does this also use the Maxlinear chipset?
Are there switches that use Maxlinear that have management and/or SPF cages?