TRENDnet TEG-S350 5-Port 2.5G Switch: features, specs and who it suits

The TRENDnet TEG-S350 is a small unmanaged switch with five 2.5GBASE-T Ethernet ports. It is meant for networks where Gigabit has become the limit, such as a fast internet connection, a network storage device or a gaming PC. This page explains what the 2.5G standard means and what to check.

What 2.5G Ethernet is

2.5GBASE-T, defined in the IEEE 802.3bz standard (which TRENDnet lists compliance with), sits between Gigabit (1 Gbps) and 10 Gigabit Ethernet. Its main practical benefit is that it can run at up to 2.5 Gbps over existing Cat5e or better cabling, so a home or office often doesn't need to be rewired. Many recent motherboards, laptops docks, routers and network adapters include 2.5G ports.

Five ports and 25 Gbps capacity

All five RJ-45 ports support 1 Gbps and 2.5 Gbps. The listing gives 25 Gbps of switching capacity, which in general means all five ports can pass traffic at full speed in both directions at once. The switch is backwards compatible with 1000 Mbps devices, so older Gigabit equipment still connects, at its own speed.

A faster switch only helps where the devices at both ends can use it. A 2.5G path needs 2.5G ports on the devices, and the speed to the internet depends on your service and router.

Unmanaged and simple

There is nothing to configure: connect the cables and the LEDs show link status. The trade-off is the absence of VLANs, traffic prioritisation and monitoring, which only managed switches offer. Despite the "gaming" name in the listing, TRENDnet describes plain unmanaged switching.

Metal housing, fanless, wall-mountable

The switch has a durable metal enclosure and a wall-mountable design for flexible placement, for instance behind a TV or under a desk. TRENDnet says the fanless design lowers energy use and removes operating noise. It measures about 6.3 by 4.3 inches and weighs 1.3 lb. As with any fanless unit, keep air space around it.

Compliance and support

TRENDnet lists NDAA and TAA compliance and Lifetime Manufacturer Protection (both U.S. and Canada only), plus English-language technical support in normal business hours.

Who it suits

It suits home offices, creators moving large files, small studios and gaming set-ups that already have, or are planning, 2.5G devices. It also suits anyone connecting a 2.5G router port to several wired devices.

What to check before you buy

• Your devices: confirm which have 2.5G ports. Others will run at Gigabit.
• Cabling: Cat5e or better is listed; very long or poor-quality runs may not reach full speed.
• Uplink: the connection to your router or modem sets the ceiling for internet speed.
• Port count: five ports include the one used for the uplink.
• Power over Ethernet: none is listed, so powered devices need their own supply.
• Mounting: check the wall-mount fixings and where the power adapter will sit.

The short version

• A five-port unmanaged switch with 2.5GBASE-T ports, compatible with 1000 Mbps devices.
• 25 Gbps switching capacity and IEEE 802.3bz compliance.
• Fanless metal housing that can be wall-mounted.
• Runs over existing Cat5e or better cable.
• Lifetime Manufacturer Protection in the U.S. and Canada.

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