TP-Link TL-SG105PP-M2 5-Port 2.5G PoE++ Switch: features and who it suits

The TP-Link TL-SG105PP-M2 is a small unmanaged network switch with five 2.5-Gigabit Ethernet ports. Four of those ports can also supply power to connected devices, such as wireless access points and cameras, over the same cable. It's aimed at home offices and small networks that have outgrown plain Gigabit speeds and want to cut down on power adapters.

What 2.5-Gigabit ports change

Standard Gigabit Ethernet tops out at 1 Gbps per port. A 2.5G port runs 2.5 times faster over the same Cat5e or better cabling, which is why multi-gig has become popular for newer Wi-Fi access points, NAS drives and fast internet connections. TP-Link says all five ports run at 2.5 Gbps and give up to 25 Gbps of total switching capacity.

The ports are also typically backward compatible, so older Gigabit and Fast Ethernet devices should still connect, just at their own speed. A link only runs at 2.5G when both ends support it, so check your router, access points and computers.

Power over Ethernet, explained

Power over Ethernet (PoE) sends electricity down the network cable alongside data. A ceiling access point or camera can then be installed with a single cable and no nearby outlet. The standards are 802.3af, 802.3at and 802.3bt, and each one allows more power per port than the last. TP-Link lists support for all three on four ports, with up to 60W on a single port.

The 123W total PoE allowance is the figure to watch. It's shared across the four PoE ports, so the combined draw of everything plugged in can't exceed it, even if each port could handle more on its own. The fifth port carries data only.

Plug and play, with a recovery feature

The switch needs no software and no configuration. You plug in the cables and it works. It's an unmanaged design, so there's no web interface for setting up VLANs or detailed rules, although TP-Link lists QoS and IGMP support in the product name.

PoE Auto Recovery is a button-enabled feature. TP-Link says that when it's on, the switch detects a powered device that has dropped off or stopped responding and reboots it by cycling the power. That helps when a camera or access point is mounted somewhere awkward to reach.

Fanless metal design

The switch has no fan. TP-Link describes it as quiet, which suits a desk, a shelf or a living space. A fanless metal case dissipates heat through the body, so leave some airflow around it, particularly when the PoE ports are working hard. It measures about 8.2 x 5.0 x 1.0 inches (roughly 21 x 12.7 x 2.5 cm) and weighs 1.2 lb (about 0.54 kg). IEEE 802.3X flow control is listed for reliable transfers.

Who it suits

It suits someone with a handful of multi-gig devices, such as a Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7 access point, a NAS and a workstation, who wants clean cabling. It's less suitable if you need more than five ports or want a managed switch with detailed controls.

What to check before you buy

• Device speeds: confirm which of your devices have 2.5G ports. Otherwise the extra speed goes unused.
• PoE power needs: add up the wattage of the devices you plan to power and compare it with the 123W total.
• PoE standard: make sure each device supports 802.3af, 802.3at or 802.3bt power from a switch.
• Cabling: use Cat5e or better, and keep runs within the standard limit of 100 metres.
• Management needs: this is an unmanaged switch, so check you don't need VLANs or monitoring.
• Ventilation: leave room around the case, as the manual advises.

The short version

• Five 2.5-Gigabit Ethernet ports with up to 25 Gbps of switching capacity.
• Four PoE++ ports (802.3bt/at/af), up to 60W each, 123W total.
• Plug and play with no setup, plus PoE Auto Recovery.
• Fanless metal case that weighs 1.2 lb.
• Unmanaged, so best for simple, fast networks.

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