TRENDnet TPE-TG83 8-Port Gigabit PoE+ Switch: specs and who it suits

The TRENDnet TPE-TG83 is a small, unmanaged-style desktop switch with eight Gigabit ports that can also supply power to connected devices over Ethernet. It targets small installations with a few IP cameras, wireless access points or VoIP phones. Here is what the listed specs mean and what to confirm before you plan a setup.

What PoE+ does

Power over Ethernet (PoE) delivers power and data through one network cable, so a device such as a camera or access point does not need its own power adapter or a nearby outlet. TRENDnet's description says this reduces equipment and installation effort. PoE+ is the 802.3at standard, which provides up to roughly 30W to a single device. All eight ports on this switch are Gigabit PoE+ ports.

The 65W limit

The key figure is the total PoE power: 65W, shared across all ports. TRENDnet says this supports up to eight PoE devices, which makes sense for low-power devices, but eight devices at the full 30W maximum would exceed it. A typical IP camera or access point draws less than the maximum, though it depends on the model. Add up the rated draw of your devices and compare it with 65W.

Speed and capacity

Each port supports Ethernet at 10 Mbps, Fast Ethernet at 100 Mbps and Gigabit at 1000 Mbps, and the listing gives full-duplex figures of 20, 200 and 2000 Mbps. TRENDnet lists 16Gbps of switching capacity, the total the switch can move between ports at once. IEEE 802.1p QoS and DSCP pass-through are supported; QoS lets a network prioritise time-sensitive traffic such as voice.

Compact and fanless

The switch measures about 9.4 x 4.1 x 1.1 inches and weighs 1.3 lb, in a rugged metal housing. It has no fan, so it runs silently, which suits a quiet office or a living space. It can sit on a desk or mount on a wall. LED indicators show port status. TRENDnet rates the operating temperature at 0° to 40°C (32° to 104°F), so keep it in a ventilated place away from heat sources.

Compliance and support

TRENDnet says the switch is NDAA and TAA compliant, which matters to government customers and some contractors, in the U.S. and Canada. It carries lifetime manufacturer protection, again for the U.S. and Canada only, and English-speaking support during business hours.

Who it suits

It suits a small office, home office or workshop that needs a handful of powered Ethernet connections for cameras, access points or phones, in a quiet unit. People who need more ports, VLANs or management features should look at a larger managed switch.

What to check before you buy

• Total PoE power: add up your devices' draw and compare it with 65W.
• PoE standard: confirm your devices support standard PoE or PoE+.
• Cable runs: Ethernet cable runs are generally limited to about 100 metres.
• Mounting: check that the wall-mount option suits your location.
• Temperature: make sure the install spot stays within 0° to 40°C.
• Region: the compliance and protection terms apply to the U.S. and Canada.

The short version

• Eight Gigabit PoE+ ports with 65W of total PoE power.
• 16Gbps switching capacity, IEEE 802.1p QoS and DSCP pass-through.
• Fanless, metal housing, desktop or wall mounting.
• NDAA and TAA compliant, with lifetime protection (U.S. and Canada).
• Operating temperature 0° to 40°C, as listed.

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