TP-Link TL-SG1005P 5-Port Gigabit PoE Switch: features, specs and who it suits

The TP-Link TL-SG1005P is a small desktop network switch with five Gigabit Ethernet ports, four of which can also supply power to connected devices. It suits anyone who wants to add wired connections and run devices such as IP cameras or wireless access points without a separate power adapter at each one. It needs no software setup.

What PoE+ means for your devices

Power over Ethernet (PoE) sends electricity along the same cable that carries data, so a device can be powered and connected through a single run. The TL-SG1005P's four PoE ports follow the 802.3at (PoE+) and 802.3af standards. TP-Link rates each port at up to 30W, with a total PoE power of 65W shared across all four.

That total matters more than the per-port figure. Four devices drawing 15W each would use 60W and fit within that total, while several higher-draw devices could exceed it. Most IP cameras and many access points draw well under the per-port limit, but it is worth adding up the needs of everything you plan to connect.

Gigabit speeds on every port

All five ports run at 10/100/1000 Mbps. Four are PoE and one is a standard non-PoE port, which is typically where you would connect a router, modem or another switch. Gigabit links are generally enough for streaming, video calls, camera feeds and file transfers on a home or small-office network.

Plug and play, with a few useful features

TP-Link describes the switch as plug and play, with no software to install and nothing to configure. It also lists port-based 802.1p/DSCP QoS and IGMP snooping:

• QoS (quality of service) lets the switch give priority to certain traffic, such as voice or video, so it keeps flowing when the network is busy.
• IGMP snooping helps the switch send multicast traffic, such as some video streams, only to the ports that asked for it rather than flooding every port.
• IEEE 802.3X flow control is listed for reliable transfers, managing the pace of data when a port is overloaded.

Build, noise and mounting

The case is metal, with shielded ports, and TP-Link says it suits both desktop and wall-mounted use. The design is fanless, so there is no fan noise, which can matter in a bedroom, study or quiet office. Fanless equipment relies on airflow around the case, so leave some clearance. The unit measures about 3.9 x 3.9 x 1.0 inches (roughly 10 x 10 x 2.5 cm) and weighs about 1 lb (around 450 g).

Warranty and support

TP-Link lists a three-year warranty and free technical support from 6am to 6pm Pacific time, Monday to Friday.

Who it suits

It is a sensible fit for a small camera setup, a home office that needs a few powered connections, or a spot where only one network cable reaches and you need to split it. It is a simple unmanaged-style switch, so it is not aimed at networks that need detailed VLAN or management tools.

What to check before you buy

• Power needs: add up the wattage of each PoE device and compare it with the 65W total.
• Standards: confirm your devices use 802.3af or 802.3at PoE rather than a proprietary scheme.
• Port count: four PoE ports and one non-PoE port is the full set. Plan ahead if you expect to add more devices.
• Cable length and quality: Ethernet runs are typically limited to about 100 metres.
• Placement: decide whether you will use it on a desk or on a wall, and leave clearance around the case.
• What's in the box: check the listing or manual for the power adapter and any mounting hardware.

The short version

• Five Gigabit ports, four of them PoE+ (802.3at/af), with up to 30W per port.
• 65W total PoE power shared across the four PoE ports.
• Plug and play, with QoS, IGMP snooping and 802.3X flow control.
• Fanless metal case for desktop or wall mounting.
• Three-year warranty and phone-hours technical support from TP-Link.

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