TP-Link TL-SG1008P 8-Port Gigabit PoE Switch: features, specs and uses

The TP-Link TL-SG1008P is a small unmanaged network switch with eight Gigabit Ethernet ports. Four of them supply Power over Ethernet (PoE), so a device such as a wireless access point or IP camera can get both data and power through a single cable. It is aimed at home and small-office networks that want to add devices without running extra power cables.

What Power over Ethernet does

PoE sends electrical power along the same twisted-pair cable that carries network data. A device that supports it, such as a ceiling-mounted access point, a VoIP phone or a security camera, needs no nearby wall outlet or separate power adapter. That makes it easier to place equipment where it works best, not where an outlet happens to be.

TP-Link lists four PoE+ ports that follow the 802.3at and 802.3af standards, with up to 30W available on a single port. The switch has a total PoE power limit of 64W, which is shared across the four ports. The listing's description also mentions a figure of 55W for the 802.3af ports, so confirm the limit in the manual if you are close to the limit.

Reading the power limit

The 64W total is the number to plan around. Each powered device draws what it needs, up to its class limit, and the total across all ports can't exceed what the switch can supply. Typical access points and basic IP cameras draw a modest amount, often well under 15W each, while devices such as pan-tilt cameras or some phones with screens can draw more. Add up the maximum draw listed for the devices you plan to connect and compare it with 64W.

Eight Gigabit ports

All eight ports are auto-sensing 10/100/1000 Mbps RJ45 ports, with auto-negotiation and auto MDI/MDIX, which means the switch adapts to the cable and the connected device without crossover cables. TP-Link gives the switching capacity as up to 16Gb. The four non-PoE ports suit computers, printers, a network storage drive or a router uplink.

Plug and play, with some traffic control

The switch needs no software installation or configuration. You connect power and cables and it starts working. Because it is unmanaged, there is no web interface for detailed settings.

Even so, TP-Link says it supports port-based 802.1p/DSCP quality of service, which can give priority to time-sensitive traffic such as voice or video, and IGMP snooping, which helps limit multicast traffic (often used by video streams) to the ports that want it. IEEE 802.3x flow control is also listed, which helps manage data flow when a port gets congested.

Build and placement

The case is metal, with shielded ports, and the switch is fanless, so it makes no fan noise. It measures about 3.9 x 6.7 x 1.1 inches (roughly 10 x 17 x 3 cm) and weighs about 0.8 lb (around 360 g). It is designed to sit on a desk or be mounted on a wall. The power supply is listed as compatible with 110-240V, so it can be used in different regions with a suitable plug.

TP-Link lists a 3-year warranty with technical support during stated hours.

Who it suits

It suits someone adding an access point, a couple of cameras or a VoIP phone to a home or small office network, and anyone who wants a few extra wired ports without a managed switch's complexity. It is less suited to networks that need VLANs, port monitoring or remote management, which unmanaged models typically lack.

What to check before you buy

• Total power: add up the maximum draw of the PoE devices you plan to use and compare it with the 64W total.
• PoE standard: confirm your devices support 802.3af or 802.3at, or are otherwise compatible.
• Port count: four PoE ports and four non-PoE ports; count what you need now and later.
• Management needs: this is a plug-and-play unmanaged switch, so check you don't need VLANs or a web interface.
• Cabling: use suitable Ethernet cable, typically Cat5e or better, and mind the length limits.
• Placement: decide between desk and wall mounting, and check the mounting method in the manual.

The short version

• Eight Gigabit ports: four PoE+ (802.3at/af) and four standard.
• 64W total PoE power, up to 30W on a single port, as TP-Link lists it.
• Plug and play, with QoS and IGMP snooping.
• Fanless metal case for desktop or wall mounting.
• Suited to home and small-office networks that don't need managed features.

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