just discovered my 5 year old laptop can do 2.5GBe, recommend an 8 port hub?

P

philb2

2[H]4U
Joined
May 26, 2021
Messages
2,615
Quite by accident I discovered that my 2019 Lenovo laptop supports 2.5GBe Since there is no native Ethernet port on this machine, I use an Ethernet to USB adapter, which is also 2.5 (saves me the $$$ for a new adapter.) And my desktop motherboard is 2.5 GBe. So I need to replace my old 1 GBe hub with a plain unmanaged 2.5 GBe hub. Any favorites? Any DO-NOT-GETs? (No TP-Link, of course.)
 
I have a pair of these 5 port QNAP's. Paid $120 or so each back in 2021. Been pleased with them. I still have 8 port Gigabit switches in the system for the non-2.5 equipment, I didn't replace them I just added these.
These are the only ones I have used so I can't say anything about the other brands/models out there.
IMG_1804.JPEG
 
Forgot to mention that I don't need PoE, just data over Ethernet.
 
philb2 said:
Forgot to mention that I don't need PoE, just data over Ethernet.
Click to expand...
I'm not sure if you saw poe for the flex mini, but that is only to power it if you don't want to use the usb c power adapter
 
Okatis said:
For unmanaged it's kind of much-of-a-muchness but ServeTheHome had a detailed review of dozens of 2.5GbE models and their picks for different types.
Click to expand...
Thanks. I went to STH, but that monster review was done in 2021, with 2021 prices. However, I did learn that Trendnet is a good option.
 
philb2 said:
Thanks. I went to STH, but that monster review was done in 2021, with 2021 prices. However, I did learn that Trendnet is a good option.
Click to expand...
That review page is marked as 2023 but includes reviewed models they added as late as September 2024, fwiw (any linked model names in the list point to STH's separate review of them).
 
I have been running this since last August. It was on sale at the time. Trendnet

It does its job, doesn't seem to get hot and have had no issues with POE usage as well. There is a cheaper variant without the POE. I use it daily to move 1-5 gig files between boxes with no observable issue. I haven't tried to move anything larger.
It'll probably die now that I offered it as a suggestion.
 
As an Amazon Associate, HardForum may earn from qualifying purchases.
DogsofJune said:
I have been running this since last August. It was on sale at the time. Trendnet

It does its job, doesn't seem to get hot and have had no issues with POE usage as well. There is a cheaper variant without the POE. I use it daily to move 1-5 gig files between boxes with no observable issue. I haven't tried to move anything larger.
It'll probably die now that I offered it as a suggestion.
Click to expand...
I looked at that model. What is the difference between a $99 gaming switch and a $25 "ordinary" switch, same number of ports.
 
As an Amazon Associate, HardForum may earn from qualifying purchases.
philb2 said:
I looked at that model. What is the difference between a $99 gaming switch and a $25 "ordinary" switch, same number of ports.
Click to expand...
if you are talking about the units on the Trendnet page, the $25 one is just gigabit. I personally would get the Ubiquity 5 port Flex Mini for $50.
If you need to hook up more than 4 devices that aren't 2.5GbE, then get the $25 8 port as well
I have a pair of 8 port gigabit switches hooked to each of the 2.5 switches for all the slower devices.

IMG_7627.JPEG
 
Where the hell was that Flex Mini 2.5G at when I was looking? And POE? That goober is going to help me with a project methinks.
Ordered one to fix the lack of connection issues in the living room.
 
Last edited:
Zepher said:
if you are talking about the units on the Trendnet page, the $25 one is just gigabit. I personally would get the Ubiquity 5 port Flex Mini for $50.
If you need to hook up more than 4 devices that aren't 2.5GbE, then get the $25 8 port as well
I have a pair of 8 port gigabit switches hooked to each of the 2.5 switches for all the slower devices.
Click to expand...
All I need are 8 total Ethernet ports, and I want to keep my "wiring closet{ (under my desk) as clean and simple as possible. No POE, just data. I'll get an 8 port 2.5GBe switch. I kind of like the TrendNet model, but I wouild really prefer a model with the activity indicator built into the frame of each port, not off to one side. The space under my desk is kind of cramped with awkward access.

I wish Ubilbiti had a simple 8 port version of the Mini, with no PoE.
 
philb2 said:
All I need are 8 total Ethernet ports, and I want to keep my "wiring closet{ (under my desk) as clean and simple as possible. No POE, just data. I'll get an 8 port 2.5GBe switch. I kind of like the TrendNet model, but I wouild really prefer a model with the activity indicator built into the frame of each port, not off to one side. The space under my desk is kind of cramped with awkward access.

I wish Ubilbiti had a simple 8 port version of the Mini, with no PoE.
Click to expand...
POE is a feature, not a crutch, so POE is fine, unless you are referring to the extra cost of POE on the 8 port model.
just get this one, It's $20 cheaper than the Trendnet and has POE if you ever need it, don't get hung up on the inclusion of POE.
https://store.ui.com/us/en/category/switching-utility/products/usw-flex-2-5g-8
 
I just bought one of the many clones on Amazon (all using the same chipset) for roughly $40. Does the job for a basic unmanaged swtich.
 
As an Amazon Associate, HardForum may earn from qualifying purchases.
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top