TP-Link TL-SG105MPE 5-Port Gigabit PoE+ Switch: features and specs

The TP-Link TL-SG105MPE is a small five-port gigabit switch that can power devices through the network cable. Four of its ports supply Power over Ethernet (PoE+), and the fifth is a standard gigabit port. It belongs to TP-Link's Easy Smart range, which adds some management features to a simple plug-in switch.

What PoE+ does

Power over Ethernet sends electricity along the same cable that carries data. That means a device such as a security camera, a wireless access point or an IP phone needs only one cable and no nearby power outlet. TP-Link says the four PoE+ ports follow the 802.3at and 802.3af standards, and that each can supply up to 30W.

Ports and power

The switch has four PoE+ 10/100/1000 Mbps RJ45 ports and one non-PoE gigabit port. TP-Link gives a total PoE power of 120W across the four ports. Four ports at 30W would be exactly 120W, so every port can run at full power at once. Many cameras and access points draw well under 30W, so the total typically leaves some room.

A common layout is to connect the non-PoE port to your router, then plug powered devices into the other four.

Easy Smart management

Easy Smart means a web-based interface and a smart configuration utility. TP-Link lists the following features:

• VLANs, which divide traffic into separate groups to improve security through segmentation.
• QoS, using port-based 802.1p/DSCP, to prioritize traffic such as video or voice.
• IGMP snooping, which helps manage multicast traffic such as streaming video.
• LAG (link aggregation), listed in the product name.
• PoE auto recovery, which detects and reboots a dropped or unresponsive powered device. TP-Link notes this needs configuration.

The brand also describes plug-and-play use with no software installation or configuration required, so you can leave these features alone if you don't need them.

Size and build

The switch is small: 3.9 x 3.9 x 1.0 inches (about 10 x 10 x 2.5 cm) and 0.5 lb (about 230 g). It is fanless, so it's silent. That suits a desk, a shelf or a spot near a camera location.

Warranty and support

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

Who it suits

It suits home or small-office setups with a few PoE devices, such as a couple of cameras and an access point, where a small switch with some management tools is enough.

What to check before you buy

• Device power needs: add up what your PoE devices draw and compare with the 120W total and 30W per-port limit.
• PoE standard: confirm your devices support 802.3af or 802.3at.
• Port count: only four ports provide PoE and there is one uplink port, so count what you plan to connect.
• Speed: all ports are gigabit, not multi-gig.
• Cable runs: PoE over Ethernet has distance limits, typically around 100 m.
• Features: some management functions need configuration through the web interface.

The short version

• A five-port gigabit Easy Smart switch from TP-Link, model TL-SG105MPE.
• Four PoE+ ports (up to 30W each, 120W total) plus one gigabit uplink port.
• VLAN, QoS, IGMP snooping and PoE auto recovery.
• Fanless and compact, with a three-year warranty.

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