TRENDnet TI-PG541 industrial PoE+ DIN-rail switch: specs and who it suits

The TRENDnet TI-PG541 is a compact industrial network switch built to mount on a DIN rail, the metal rail common in control cabinets. It has four Gigabit PoE+ ports, one standard Gigabit port and one SFP slot. It is designed for places where an ordinary office switch would not suit: factories, outdoor enclosures and cabinets with wide temperature swings.

Ports and PoE

The four PoE+ ports (ports 1 to 4, 802.3at, backwards compatible with 802.3af) supply up to 30W each. TRENDnet gives a total PoE power limit of 120W and a switching capacity of 12 Gbps. Because it is the total that is limited, four devices at 30W fit exactly, and mixed loads leave some room. Power over Ethernet carries data and power over one cable, which is useful for cameras, wireless access points and sensors mounted far from an outlet.

The fifth copper port is a plain Gigabit port, often used as the uplink to the rest of the network. The SFP slot takes a fibre or copper module, sold separately, for longer runs or electrical isolation between buildings.

Unmanaged means simple

The TI-PG541 is unmanaged. There are no menus or settings: devices connect and traffic passes. That keeps installation quick, but you can't set up VLANs or monitor traffic through the switch itself. If you need those, look for a managed industrial model.

Built for harsh conditions

TRENDnet describes a rugged IP30 enclosure. IP30 typically means protection against solid objects larger than 2.5 mm, but no protection against water, so the switch belongs inside a cabinet or enclosure, not exposed to rain. TRENDnet says that the enclosure withstands vibration and shock and protects against ESD, EMI and surge, and that it operates from -40 to 167°F (-40 to 75°C).

Redundant power and the alarm output

There are dual redundant power inputs with overload current protection. If the primary supply fails, the other can carry on. The listing says that an alarm output can be triggered by a failure of the primary and/or redundant supply, which can be wired to a monitoring system. The power supply is not included: the listing names compatible TRENDnet models (TI-S15052, TI-S24052, TI-S12048, TI-S24048) and a 48VDC3000 option. Check which one matches your PoE needs; a 120W PoE load needs a supply that can provide it.

Mounting

An integrated DIN-rail mount and mounting hardware are included, with a wall-mount option. The listing gives the size as 10.0 x 8.0 x 3.0 inches, which is likely packaging, and the weight as 1.1 lb.

Compliance and support

TRENDnet lists NDAA and TAA compliance (for U.S. and Canada), which some government projects require, plus lifetime manufacturer protection for U.S. and Canada only, and English-language support in normal business hours.

Who it suits

It suits integrators and technicians who are powering IP cameras, access points or industrial sensors in cabinets, warehouses, transport or utility installations.

What to check before you buy

• Power supply: buy a suitable DC supply separately and check its output against your PoE load.
• Device draw: keep the total below 120W and each port within 30W.
• Environment: IP30 requires an enclosure if there is dust, moisture or water.
• Fibre: buy a matching SFP module if you will use it.
• Management needs: an unmanaged switch has no VLANs or remote settings.
• Terms: check the regional limits on the lifetime protection and compliance statements.

The short version

• Industrial 5-port Gigabit switch: 4 PoE+ ports, 1 Gigabit port, 1 SFP slot.
• 120W total PoE limit, 12 Gbps switching capacity, unmanaged.
• IP30 enclosure, -40 to 167°F operating range, DIN-rail mount included.
• Dual redundant power inputs and a failure alarm output; supply sold separately.

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