TRENDnet TPE-TG380 8-Port 2.5G PoE+ Switch: features, specs and who it suits

The TRENDnet TPE-TG380 is an unmanaged network switch with eight 2.5G ports that can also supply power to connected devices. It lets you add wired connections for access points, IP cameras and computers, and run them faster than gigabit where the cabling and devices allow. Here is what its specs mean.

2.5G ports explained

All eight ports are 2.5GBASE-T and follow IEEE 802.3bz. This standard delivers up to 2.5 Gbps over the Cat5e or better cabling many buildings already have, without rewiring for 10 Gb. The ports are also backwards compatible with 10/100/1000 Mbps devices. Both ends of a link must support 2.5G to get that speed, so a gigabit device on one end runs at gigabit.

TRENDnet lists a 40 Gbps switching capacity, which is the total the switch fabric can handle across all ports so that they can run at full speed at once.

PoE+ and the total power

Power over Ethernet sends power through the network cable, so devices such as wireless access points and cameras need no separate adapter. The switch supports IEEE 802.3at and 802.3af, with up to 30W per port. The total PoE power is 100W, shared across all ports. Eight devices drawing 30W each would exceed that, so add up the wattage your devices need first. Many cameras and access points draw far less than 30W.

Unmanaged means simple

An unmanaged switch needs no setup. You plug in cables and it works. It does not provide VLANs or detailed controls, which managed switches offer. The switch supports jumbo frames of up to 12KB, which lets some networks send larger packets for efficiency, though all devices on the path need to support them.

Build and installation

The housing is metal and the design is fanless, which TRENDnet says lowers energy use and eliminates operating noise. That makes it suitable for desks and quiet rooms. It can be wall-mounted. It measures about 9.4 x 4.0 x 1.0 inches and weighs 2.0 lb, so it is compact. Without a fan, leave some space around it for airflow.

Compliance and support

TRENDnet says the switch is NDAA and TAA compliant, which matters to government customers and some regulated buyers, and covers it with Lifetime Manufacturer Protection. Both of these claims apply in the U.S. and Canada only. TRENDnet also lists English-speaking technical support during normal business hours.

Who it suits

It suits home labs, small offices and installations with a few PoE access points or cameras, and people with multi-gig internet or a fast NAS who want faster links. It suits less well anyone who needs VLANs, monitoring or more than eight ports.

What to check before you buy

• PoE load: total your devices' power needs against the 100W total.
• Cabling: Cat5e or better; check the run length and quality.
• Endpoints: which of your devices have 2.5G ports?
• Uplink: the switch has no dedicated uplink or SFP port in the listing, so one 2.5G port will connect to your router.
• Features: if you need VLANs or management, an unmanaged switch won't offer them.
• Mounting: check the wall location and airflow.
• Warranty region: the protection terms apply in the U.S. and Canada.

The short version

• Eight 2.5GBASE-T PoE+ ports, unmanaged, model TPE-TG380.
• 100W total PoE power, up to 30W per port.
• 40 Gbps switching capacity and jumbo frames up to 12KB.
• Fanless metal housing, wall-mountable.
• NDAA and TAA compliant, with Lifetime Manufacturer Protection (U.S. and Canada).

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