TP-Link 8-Port 10G Desktop/Rackmount Switch (TL-SX1008)
TP-Link has two models of 10Gbps unmanaged switches. TP-Link TL-SX1008 8-Port 10G Desktop/Rackmount Switch and TP-Link DS1008X Omada 8-Port 10G Desktop/Rackmount Switch. From what I read, both are the same. The only difference is the warranty period and of course the price. TL-SX1008 is for the consumers. Hence, it comes with a shorter 3-year warranty, while the DS1008X is for businesses and hence comes with a 5-year warranty. Depending on the retailers, the price difference for both models ranges from S$100 to S$200.
I wanted a 10Gbps unmanaged switch to upgrade my house network to support 10Gbps speed. I intend to get the cheapest possible 10Gbps unmanaged switch I can find.
In this case, it is the TL-SX1008. It retails for S$400 on Amazon.sg, and during Amazon Prime Day Sale, there is a S$20 credit card discount. I paid S$380 for it with an additional S$2 for shipping as it is fulfilled by BizgramAsia.
The power cable goes to the back of the switch.
On the left, there are ventilation holes for air flow.
On the right, there is a built-in fan within the switch. And because of this, there will be a buzzing sound. It is noticeable in a quiet environment. However, if you put the switch on a closed rack or cabinet, you cannot hear it.
10Gbps switches are hot. It brought up the average temperature of my closed cabinet with rattan doors from 34° to 36°. Inside my cabinet, I have two Noctua NF-A20 fans for ventilation.
Since it is an unmanaged switch, it is essentially no-frills. Besides the above two points, I don’t have other complaints, and for S$380, this switch is worth the money.
Ironically, I can’t test anything beyond 1Gbps because I don’t have any equipment that supports speed beyond that. However, it is a first step in futureproofing my house’s network.
