Zyxel XMG-108HP 8-Port 2.5G PoE++ Switch: features, specs and who it suits

The Zyxel XMG-108HP is a compact, unmanaged network switch that combines multi-gigabit Ethernet with Power over Ethernet. It lets a home or small office connect faster devices, and power cameras or wireless access points through the same cable, without a separate power adapter at each one.

What "MultiGig" means here

Zyxel describes five of the ports as 100M/1G/2.5G, so each one negotiates the fastest speed the connected device supports, up to 2.5 Gbps. Many recent Wi-Fi access points, mini PCs and motherboards have 2.5GbE ports, and 2.5G runs over the same Cat5e cabling most buildings already have. That is a large part of why the standard became popular.

A sixth port is a 10G SFP+ uplink. SFP+ is a slot that takes a fibre module or a copper adapter, and it is usually used to link the switch to a router, server or another switch at 10 Gbps so the 2.5G ports don't all share a slower connection.

Power over Ethernet, explained

PoE sends electrical power along with data through the Ethernet cable. The listing says the switch has eight PoE++ ports and works with PoE, PoE+ and PoE++ devices. In general, those labels refer to the different power levels defined by the IEEE standards, with each step supplying more power per port. Typical uses are IP cameras, access points and IP phones.

The important number is the total: Zyxel gives the switch a 100W PoE allowance shared across all ports. A device that needs a lot of power per port can use up much of that on its own, so adding up the needs of every device you plan to connect is worthwhile.

Plug and play, with no configuration

This is an unmanaged switch. There is no web interface to log in to, and no VLANs or other settings to configure. Zyxel says you simply plug in devices and start using the network. That suits people who want a simple, dependable switch, but it also means it doesn't offer the traffic control a managed switch does.

Size, noise and mounting

It measures about 4.1 x 9.4 x 1.1 inches (roughly 10 x 24 x 2.8 cm) and weighs 1.8 lb (about 0.8 kg). Zyxel describes it as compact and silent in operation, and says it can sit on a desk or be wall-mounted. Check the box contents and the manual for the mounting method and any hardware you may need.

Who it suits

It fits a home office or small business that is adding a few 2.5G devices, a couple of cameras or an access point, and wants one box for both data and power. It is less suited to larger installations that need many ports, VLANs or remote monitoring.

Zyxel also lists a limited lifetime warranty and a US-based support team.

What to check before you buy

• Total PoE power: add up the maximum draw of the devices you plan to connect and compare it with the 100W total.
• Device standards: confirm that your cameras or access points use PoE, PoE+ or PoE++ as the switch supports.
• Cabling: 2.5G generally works over Cat5e or better, but check the cable quality and length for your runs.
• Uplink: decide whether you need the 10G SFP+ port, and if so, whether you need a module or cable for it.
• Management needs: if you need VLANs or monitoring, an unmanaged switch won't provide them.
• Installation: follow the manual and local electrical and cabling codes, especially for wall mounting and outdoor cable runs.

The short version

• An unmanaged 8-port switch with five 100M/1G/2.5G ports and one 10G SFP+ uplink.
• Eight PoE++ ports sharing a 100W total, for cameras, access points and phones.
• No configuration needed; compact and described as silent.
• Desktop or wall-mount; 1.8 lb.
• Limited lifetime warranty with US-based support, according to Zyxel.

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