Posted by Simon Pollock | Jul 18, 2024 | Networking & Smart Home | 0
Annnnd with that, school holidays are over and it’s back to the grind! Including getting this review online for my new (provided for this review, thank you Zyxel) Zyxel XMG-105HP 5 port 2.5G PoE unmanaged network switch . 16 poe switch
I have a large other brand switch in my setup that has been working fine for a few years now, but I also had a small other brand PoE switch that powered and took over data tasks for my 4K PoE network security cameras. These cameras run 24/7 and store their files on a Synology NAS in my office (That also syphons off a backup of events to the cloud). What I had started to notice with the existing PoE switch was the occasional power-cycle and glitchy footage running through the ‘live view’ in the Synology Surveillance Station client, the video would freeze and stop from time to time, but I didn’t immediately attribute that to my network, I thought it might be my NAS having a bit of a hard time.
I was afforded the opportunity to switch (see what I did there!) my old PoE switch for the new Zyxel XMG100 5-Port 2.5G PoE Unmanaged Switch and thought that it might be good as a first step to test that part of my network before I go purchasing upgrades for my NAS, and tldr; I’m very glad I did!
Now it’s not a huge amount of data per day really, I typically save about 170gb from my two camera, per day, into the NAS. Constant video streams across the little switch all day every day, just because once upon a time someone stole a $12.95 watch band from my mailbox!! (I’ll catch them one day!)
The XMG-100 Series of 2.5G switches includes 5- and 8-port models with or without PoE options. These switches are equipped with multi-gig ports supported up to 2.5G and can easily be connected to the latest 2.5G–capable network devices including WiFi 6/6E APs, 5G CPE, 2.5G storage, 4K/8K TV, PC with 2.5G NIC and gaming consoles. This streamlined plug-and-play technology enables high-performance networking and a smoother home entertainment or multi-media creation experience.
I’m not able to take advantage of the 2.5G ports as my NAS is currently 1Gb ports only, but I plan on expanding that speed between the NAS and the Zyxel XMG100 in the future using the 10G SFP+ port, further reducing any bottleneck between my switch and my NAS. – Well, that’s the plan!
So what happened with my security station glitches after swapping in the new Zyxel XMG100 5-Port 2.5G PoE Unmanaged Switch? The glitches went away – so I’m guessing it was potentially a power delivery issue with the last switch (It was a cheapy, I’m not sad!) The Zyxel was very easy to swap in, with zero configuration, it being an unmanaged switch, just works straight out of the box.
In summary, the Zyxel XMG100 5-Port 2.5G PoE Unmanaged Switch is a really great option if you want to upgrade your home or small office network. (Especially with new fast wifi6 routers, etc!) With five 2.5G ports, you get much faster data transfer speeds compared to the usual Gigabit Ethernet. Plus, every port supports Power over Ethernet (PoE) if you need it, making it easy to connect and power devices like IP cameras (in my case) without needing extra power supplies.
Setting it up is a breeze thanks to its plug-and-play functionality, so no need to mess with complicated configurations. It’s built tough with a sturdy metal casing, and since it’s fanless, it runs quietly—perfect if you need a noise-free environment. It’s also energy-efficient, which is great for keeping power consumption low and being kinder to the planet.
In short, the Zyxel XMG100 delivers high-speed connectivity, convenience, and reliability, making it a valuable addition to any network. Its mix of advanced features and user-friendly design makes it a solid choice for both tech enthusiasts and those who just want a simple, effective networking solution.
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