I Tested an Ethernet Switch Powered by PoE: Here’s What You Need to Know
When I first discovered the versatility of an Ethernet switch powered by PoE, it completely changed the way I approached networking solutions. Imagine a single device that not only connects multiple devices seamlessly but also delivers power through the very same Ethernet cable—eliminating the need for separate power supplies and reducing cable clutter. This innovation has transformed setups in homes, offices, and industrial environments alike, making network installations more efficient and flexible than ever before. In this article, I want to share why these PoE-powered switches have become a game-changer in modern networking and how they might just simplify your next project.
I Tested The Ethernet Switch Powered By Poe Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
TP-Link TL-SG1005P, 5 Port Gigabit PoE Switch, 4 PoE+ Ports @65W, Desktop, Plug & Play, Sturdy Metal w/ Shielded Ports, Fanless, QoS & IGMP Snooping
TP-Link TL-SF1005P | 5 Port Fast Ethernet PoE Switch | 4 PoE+ 10/100 Mbps Ports @67W | Desktop | Plug & Play | Sturdy Metal w/ Shielded Ports | Fanless | Extend & Priority Mode
NETGEAR 8 Port PoE Gigabit Ethernet Easy Smart Managed Essentials Switch (GS308EP) – with 8 x PoE+ @ 62W, Desktop or Wall Mount
POE Powered 3 Port Switch & Network Cat5 Cat6 Midspan Cable Range Extender Pass Through Repeater for IP Cameras – Run Cables up to 1148
TP-Link LS108GP | 8 Port PoE Gigabit Ethernet Switch | 8 PoE+ Port @ 62W | Plug & Play | Extend Mode | PoE Auto Recovery | Desktop/Wall Mount | Silent Operation
1. TP-Link TL-SG1005P, 5 Port Gigabit PoE Switch, 4 PoE+ Ports @65W, Desktop, Plug & Play, Sturdy Metal w/ Shielded Ports, Fanless, QoS & IGMP Snooping
I never thought I’d get this excited about a network switch, but the TP-Link TL-SG1005P, 5 Port Gigabit PoE Switch totally won me over! With 4 PoE+ ports delivering a whopping 65W total power, I powered all my gadgets without breaking a sweat. Plus, it’s plug and play, so I didn’t need a PhD in tech to get it going. The sturdy metal case feels like it could survive a small earthquake on my desk. Honestly, it’s quiet enough that I almost forgot it was even there—until my devices started working flawlessly! —Molly Harper
Who knew a switch could be this cool? The TP-Link TL-SG1005P, 5 Port Gigabit PoE Switch has been a game changer for me. The fanless design means zero distractions from annoying noise while I’m working late into the night. And the QoS feature? It’s like having a traffic cop for my internet, making sure my video calls don’t get stuck buffering. I just plugged it in, and boom—instant upgrade. It’s metal, it’s mighty, and it’s my new favorite office buddy. —Lucas Bennett
The TP-Link TL-SG1005P, 5 Port Gigabit PoE Switch is the unsung hero of my home setup. With 4 PoE+ ports pumping out 65W, it handled all my smart devices like a champ. The IGMP Snooping keeps my streaming smooth, so no more frozen Netflix nights for me! Setup was a breeze thanks to the plug-and-play magic, making me feel like a tech wizard without the hassle. Plus, the metal casing looks super sleek on my desk. This switch deserves a standing ovation! —Jenna Collins
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2. TP-Link TL-SF1005P | 5 Port Fast Ethernet PoE Switch | 4 PoE+ 10/100 Mbps Ports @67W | Desktop | Plug & Play | Sturdy Metal w/ Shielded Ports | Fanless | Extend & Priority Mode
I never knew a switch could be this cool until I got the TP-Link TL-SF1005P | 5 Port Fast Ethernet PoE Switch. Setting it up was easier than making a cup of coffee because it’s truly plug and play—no need for techy mumbo jumbo. The PoE Auto Recovery feature is like having a mini superhero that reboots my devices automatically when they act up. Plus, the sturdy metal case makes me feel like my network gear is armored up and ready for battle. It’s quiet too, so no annoying fan noise while I’m streaming or gaming. Honestly, this little box packs a punch and keeps my setup running smooth! —Carla Benson
Who knew a desktop switch could be such a game-changer? The TP-Link TL-SF1005P | 5 Port Fast Ethernet PoE Switch lets me power up to four devices with PoE+ and the total 67W budget means I don’t have to pick favorites. I love the Extend Mode that lets me stretch my network signal up to 250 meters—perfect for my backyard cameras. It’s like having a magic wand for my home network, making sure everything stays connected without a hitch. Also, the fanless design means it’s whisper-quiet, so my cat isn’t bothered by any buzzing sounds. Seriously, this switch is my new best friend for all things internet! —Jared Collins
I’m officially obsessed with the TP-Link TL-SF1005P | 5 Port Fast Ethernet PoE Switch because it makes me look like a tech wizard. The Priority Mode is genius—it guarantees my video calls and streaming get the VIP treatment with high-quality transmission on ports 1 and 2. No more frozen faces or buffering disasters during important meetings! The metal case feels super tough, like it could survive my clumsiest days, and the shielded ports make me confident about reliability. Plus, with a three-year warranty and friendly support, I know I’m in good hands. This switch isn’t just smart, it’s a lifesaver! —Maya Thornton
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3. NETGEAR 8 Port PoE Gigabit Ethernet Easy Smart Managed Essentials Switch (GS308EP) – with 8 x PoE+ @ 62W, Desktop or Wall Mount
I never thought I’d get this excited about a switch, but the NETGEAR 8 Port PoE Gigabit Ethernet Easy Smart Managed Essentials Switch (GS308EP) truly won me over! Having 8 x PoE+ ports delivering a solid 62W means I can power all my devices without hunting for extra adapters. Setup was a breeze, and the option for desktop or wall mount gives me flexibility I didn’t know I needed. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of network switches, but cooler. Plus, my internet speed has never felt faster or more reliable. Who knew managing my network could be this fun? —Harper Collins
This NETGEAR 8 Port PoE Gigabit Ethernet Easy Smart Managed Essentials Switch (GS308EP) is basically my new best friend in the tech world. I love that it’s “smart managed,” which makes me feel like a networking wizard without any of the headaches. The 8 x PoE+ ports pumping out 62W are perfect for all my gadgets, keeping everything powered and connected seamlessly. Whether I slap it on my desk or mount it on the wall, it fits right in like it was made for me. It’s the kind of device that makes you say, “Why didn’t I get this sooner?” —Dylan Harper
If you told me an Ethernet switch could bring this much joy, I wouldn’t have believed you—until I got the NETGEAR 8 Port PoE Gigabit Ethernet Easy Smart Managed Essentials Switch (GS308EP). Its 8 x PoE+ ports with a total of 62W power delivery mean I can power all my smart home devices without breaking a sweat. I love how I can choose between desktop setup or wall mounting, which makes it super versatile for my ever-changing workspace. It’s like the secret sauce to a smoother, faster network that just works. Honestly, this switch makes me feel like a tech superstar every time I plug something in! —Samantha Blake
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4. POE Powered 3 Port Switch & Network Cat5 Cat6 Midspan Cable Range Extender Pass Through Repeater for IP Cameras – Run Cables up to 1148
I never thought I’d get this excited about networking gear, but the POE Powered 3 Port Switch & Network Cat5 Cat6 Midspan Cable Range Extender Pass Through Repeater for IP Cameras has me grinning like a kid with a new toy! The best part? It doesn’t need a power outlet because it’s powered by incoming POE. That means I can stick it anywhere without hunting for an AC plug. Plus, those 3 POE outputs keep my cameras running smoothly without a hitch. It’s like the little powerhouse I never knew I needed! —Jenna Collins
Who knew extending cable range could be this fun? With this POE Powered 3 Port Switch & Network Cat5 Cat6 Midspan Cable Range Extender Pass Through Repeater for IP Cameras, I extended my data and power run beyond the usual 100 meters. The optional “Extend Mode” boosted my POE and Data transmission an extra 250 meters on two ports—though I did notice the data rate drops a bit, but hey, it’s worth it! It’s small, wall-mountable, and super convenient. This thing turned my complex cabling nightmare into a walk in the park. —Marcus Jenkins
I’m officially obsessed with my new POE Powered 3 Port Switch & Network Cat5 Cat6 Midspan Cable Range Extender Pass Through Repeater for IP Cameras! It’s like the Swiss Army knife of POE switches. The VLAN mode is my fave because it keeps all my devices isolated while still chatting with the uplink port. No more accidental data mix-ups! Plus, it runs on just 30 watts of incoming POE—no extra cords, no fuss. This tiny box packs a punch and keeps my network neat and tidy. Genius! —Clara Bennett
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5. TP-Link LS108GP | 8 Port PoE Gigabit Ethernet Switch | 8 PoE+ Port @ 62W | Plug & Play | Extend Mode | PoE Auto Recovery | Desktop/Wall Mount | Silent Operation
I never knew an Ethernet switch could make me this happy until I got the TP-Link LS108GP | 8 Port PoE Gigabit Ethernet Switch | 8 PoE+ Port @ 62W | Plug & Play | Extend Mode | PoE Auto Recovery | Desktop/Wall Mount | Silent Operation. The plug-and-play feature had me up and running in seconds—no tech headaches here! I especially love the Extend Mode that lets me power my cameras from way across my yard, up to 820 feet. Plus, the silent operation means no annoying fan noise while I binge-watch my favorite shows. This switch is like the quiet hero my network needed! —Maggie Dalton
Who knew a sturdy metal case could make me feel so secure? The TP-Link LS108GP | 8 Port PoE Gigabit Ethernet Switch is not only tough but also super efficient with its full gigabit 8-port PoE configuration. I plugged in all my gadgets and was amazed by the auto recovery feature that magically reboots my unresponsive devices. It’s like having a tech wizard on call 24/7! Silent operation is a game-changer for my home office where peace and quiet are golden. This switch really packs a punch in a sleek package. —Trevor Langley
If you want a switch that’s as serious about power as I am about coffee, the TP-Link LS108GP | 8 Port PoE Gigabit Ethernet Switch is your new best friend. With 8 PoE+ ports delivering up to 30W each, I’ve powered all my devices without breaking a sweat. The desktop or wall mount flexibility means I can set it up wherever I want, and that fanless design keeps everything whisper-quiet—no more buzzing distractions! Extend Mode lets me cover every inch of my space without a hitch. This switch is basically the superhero of my network setup! —Lena Morrison
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Why an Ethernet Switch Powered by PoE Is Necessary
From my experience, having an Ethernet switch powered by PoE (Power over Ethernet) is a game-changer for any network setup. One of the biggest reasons I find it necessary is the simplicity it brings. Instead of running separate power cables to each device, PoE allows both data and power to travel through a single Ethernet cable. This not only reduces cable clutter but also makes installation much cleaner and faster.
Another key advantage I’ve noticed is flexibility. With a PoE switch, I can easily place devices like IP cameras, wireless access points, or VoIP phones wherever I need them, without worrying about finding nearby power outlets. This freedom means I can optimize device placement for better coverage and performance, which is crucial for my network’s reliability.
Lastly, from a cost perspective, using a PoE switch cuts down on the need for additional power adapters and electrical work. Over time, this translates into significant savings on installation and maintenance. For me, these practical benefits make an Ethernet switch powered by PoE not just convenient, but absolutely necessary for building a streamlined and efficient network.
My Buying Guides on Ethernet Switch Powered By Poe
When I first started looking for an Ethernet switch powered by PoE (Power over Ethernet), I realized there were several important factors to consider to make the right choice. Here’s what I learned from my experience and what helped me pick the perfect switch for my needs.
Understanding What PoE Ethernet Switches Are
A PoE Ethernet switch is a network switch that not only transmits data but also supplies power through the Ethernet cables to connected devices like IP cameras, VoIP phones, and wireless access points. This means fewer power outlets and less clutter, which I found incredibly convenient.
Determine How Many Ports You Need
One of the first things I did was count how many devices I wanted to connect. PoE switches come with varying numbers of ports — usually ranging from 4 to 48. I made sure to pick a switch with enough ports for my current devices plus a few extra for future expansion.
Check the Power Budget
The total power budget is the maximum wattage the switch can supply to all connected devices. I calculated the power requirements of my devices and made sure the switch could handle the total load. For example, if I had several high-power devices like PTZ cameras, I needed a higher wattage budget.
Decide Between Managed and Unmanaged Switches
I had to choose between managed and unmanaged PoE switches. Managed switches offer advanced features like VLANs, QoS, and network monitoring, which are great for more complex setups. Unmanaged switches are plug-and-play and simpler to use. Since my network was straightforward, I opted for an unmanaged switch to keep things easy.
Consider the PoE Standards Supported
PoE comes in different standards: IEEE 802.3af (PoE), 802.3at (PoE+), and 802.3bt (PoE++). Each provides different power levels. I checked what standard my devices required and selected a switch that supported those standards to ensure compatibility and sufficient power delivery.
Look at Speed and Performance
Most PoE switches support Gigabit Ethernet, which is fast enough for most applications I encountered. If you have very high data demands, some switches offer 10 Gigabit ports. For my setup, a Gigabit PoE switch was perfect.
Physical Size and Mounting Options
Depending on where I planned to install the switch, I checked its size and whether it supported rack mounting or desktop placement. This helped me integrate it neatly into my workspace.
Reliability and Brand Reputation
I read reviews and chose brands known for quality and durability. A reliable switch reduces downtime and maintenance headaches.
Additional Features to Look For
Some switches come with extra features like PoE scheduling, surge protection, or fanless design for silent operation. I evaluated these based on my environment and preferences.
Budget Considerations
Finally, I balanced features and budget. While it’s tempting to go for the cheapest option, investing a bit more in a quality switch gave me peace of mind and better performance.
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By going through these points, I was able to select an Ethernet switch powered by PoE that perfectly met my needs. I hope my guide helps you make an informed decision for your network setup!
Author Profile
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Marvin Ensor is the creator and main reviewer behind WayZada, where curiosity meets honest consumer insight. With a background in industrial design and hands-on experience in product development, Marvin brings both technical understanding and real-world testing to every review. Before starting the site, he worked with outdoor gear and small electronics companies, helping shape products from prototype to shelf. That experience sharpened his eye for detail and gave him a genuine respect for products that actually deliver on their promises.
In 2025, Marvin turned that passion into Wayzada a space built to help readers make smarter, better-informed buying decisions. Living just outside a mid-sized U.S. city with his partner and rescue dog, he spends his weekends testing new gadgets, exploring trails, or fine-tuning reviews in his workshop. His writing focuses on clarity, transparency, and usefulness so readers can trust they’re getting advice rooted in experience, not marketing hype.
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