TP-Link LS108G Gigabit Network Switch: what it is and who it suits

The TP-Link LS108G is a compact network switch, a small box that turns one wired network connection into several. If you have more wired devices than sockets on your router, such as a desktop computer, a games console, a network drive and a TV, a switch like this is the usual way to connect them all.

The listing for this product is very short. It names the brand and model, calls it a network switch and gives the dimensions, so this page sticks to what that tells you and to what a switch of this kind generally does.

What a network switch does

A switch sits between your router and your wired devices. Each device plugs into one of its ports with an Ethernet cable, and the switch passes traffic between them and out to the router. Unlike older hubs, a switch sends data only to the port that needs it, so one busy device doesn't slow the rest as much.

An unmanaged switch, which is what most small desktop models are, needs no setup. You connect power, plug in cables and it works. Managed switches add menus for VLANs and port rules, but most homes and small offices never need them.

What the LS108G name suggests

The listing doesn't spell out the port count or speed. TP-Link's model numbering for this family typically means a desktop gigabit switch with eight ports, and the "G" usually stands for gigabit. Confirm the exact port count and speed on the box or on TP-Link's specification sheet before you rely on it.

Gigabit Ethernet runs at up to 1,000 megabits per second per port. That is typically enough for 4K streaming, fast file transfers between computers on the same network and online games. Real-world speeds depend on your cables, your devices and your internet connection, and a switch can't make an internet plan faster than it is.

Size and placement

The listing gives dimensions of 6.3 x 3.9 x 1.0 inches (about 16 x 10 x 2.5 cm) and a weight of 0.8 lb (about 360 g). That is small enough to sit beside a router, on a shelf or behind a TV. Switches of this kind are usually silent, as they generally have no fan, but they do warm up slightly, so leave some airflow around them.

How to connect it

1. Connect one port on the switch to your router with an Ethernet cable.
2. Plug your wired devices into the other ports.
3. Power the switch with the adapter that comes with it.

One cable from router to switch is all it takes. Avoid plugging two ports of the same switch into each other, as that can create a loop and disrupt the network.

Who it suits

A small unmanaged gigabit switch suits a home office with a few wired computers, a living room with a TV, console and streaming box, or a workshop or spare room that needs a few wired connections from one cable run. It is less suited to setups that need power over Ethernet for cameras or access points, or settings such as VLANs. Those call for a different class of switch.

What to check before you buy

• Port count and speed: confirm the number of ports and that they are gigabit, using TP-Link's own specification sheet.
• Cabling: Cat5e or Cat6 cable is typically needed to get gigabit speeds.
• Power: check what power adapter is included and that you have a free socket nearby.
• Placement: make sure there is room for airflow and for the cables to reach.
• Needs beyond basics: if you need power over Ethernet or management features, check that this model offers them. The listing doesn't mention either.

The short version

• The TP-Link LS108G is a compact desktop network switch for adding wired connections.
• The listing gives only the dimensions (6.3 x 3.9 x 1.0 inches) and weight (0.8 lb).
• Models of this type are typically plug-and-play, with no setup.
• Check the port count and speed with TP-Link before buying.
• It suits simple home and small-office networks, not setups that need PoE or management features.

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