TRENDnet TPE-TG84 8-Port Gigabit PoE+ Switch: features and who it suits

The TRENDnet TPE-TG84 is a compact network switch with eight Gigabit ports that all supply Power over Ethernet (PoE+). It sends both data and power along one cable, which suits devices like IP cameras, wireless access points and VoIP phones. Its metal case is fanless and small enough for a desk or a wall.

What PoE+ and 120W of PoE power mean

Power over Ethernet delivers electricity along the network cable, so a camera or access point needs no nearby outlet. PoE+ is the 802.3at standard, which provides up to 30W to each device. TRENDnet gives the switch a total PoE allowance of 120W across its eight ports, and says it supports up to eight powered devices.

That is a shared limit. Eight devices drawing 30W each would exceed 120W, though most cameras, phones and access points draw considerably less. Add up the listed power of each device to see whether 120W covers them.

Switching capacity and speeds

The switch provides 16Gbps of switching capacity, which is the combined bandwidth of eight Gigabit ports in both directions. In plain terms, all eight ports can run at full speed at the same time without the switch itself becoming the bottleneck. The listing gives the supported speeds as Ethernet (10 Mbps), Fast Ethernet (100 Mbps) and Gigabit (1000 Mbps), with the full-duplex figures doubled, which is how the brand states them.

Traffic handling

TRENDnet lists IEEE 802.1p QoS and DSCP pass-through support. QoS (quality of service) marks some traffic as more important, such as voice calls, so it is handled first when the network is busy. The listing doesn't describe web management, so treat this as a plug-and-play switch and check the product documentation for exactly what can be configured.

Fanless, compact and wall-mountable

The switch has a lightweight metal housing and no fan, which TRENDnet says suits quiet environments. It measures about 9.4 x 4.1 x 1.1 inches (24 x 10 x 2.8 cm) and weighs 1.3 lb (about 0.6 kg). A wall-mounting option is included in the design. The listed operating temperature range is 0 to 40°C (32 to 104°F). Without a fan, give the case room to shed heat, and follow the manual and local electrical codes when installing it.

Compliance and support

TRENDnet says the switch is NDAA and TAA compliant for U.S. and Canadian government customers. It is covered by the brand's Lifetime Protection, and the company mentions English-speaking support during business hours. LED indicators on the front show port status.

Who it suits

It suits a home office, small studio or workshop that needs to power a few PoE devices without running extra power cables: a handful of cameras, an access point and a phone, for example. It also works as a small desktop switch in a quiet room.

What to check before you buy

• Power limit: total the wattage of your PoE devices against 120W.
• PoE standard: confirm your devices use 802.3af or 802.3at.
• Port count: eight ports include every connected device, including your uplink.
• Management needs: check the documentation if you need VLANs or remote configuration.
• Placement: choose a spot with airflow, within the 0 to 40°C range.
• Cable length: Ethernet runs are typically limited to about 100 metres.

The short version

• Eight Gigabit PoE+ ports with a 120W total PoE power.
• 16Gbps switching capacity, 802.1p QoS and DSCP pass-through.
• Fanless metal case, about 1.3 lb, desktop or wall mounting.
• NDAA and TAA compliant, with Lifetime Protection.
• Plan your device wattage against the shared 120W.

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