Tenda SE105 5-Port 2.5GbE Switch Review: Silent & Fast
▼ Summary
– The Tenda SE105 is a 5-port, fanless 2.5GbE switch that is extremely similar to the previously reviewed BrosTrend S2 model.
– The switch’s front panel contains all five ports and a power input, but lacks the “2.5 Gbps” branding found on the BrosTrend S2.
– Its construction uses a plastic snap-together shell with ventilation on multiple sides, featuring plastic feet as a cost-saving measure.
– Internally, the PCB is identical to the BrosTrend S2, including the same model number (10056368 V1.1) and an unremovable heatsink, suggesting the same MaxLinear chipset.
– The board also has unpopulated component spaces, indicating a design shared with a potential 8-port version of the switch.
For those seeking a straightforward and affordable way to upgrade their home or small office network to multi-gigabit speeds, the Tenda SE105 5-Port 2.5GbE Switch presents a compelling option. This fanless, plug-and-play device aims to deliver high-speed connectivity without the noise or complexity of managed switches. Our review examines its hardware, performance, and value to see if it lives up to expectations.
Upon unboxing, the SE105 reveals a compact and lightweight plastic chassis. The front panel houses all five auto-negotiating 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet ports, alongside a single status LED per port and a system power indicator. Notably absent is any prominent branding or speed designation between the ports, a minor cosmetic difference from some competitors. The rear is completely blank, with the 12V DC power input jack located on the front-left side. The overall construction feels utilitarian, with plastic snap-together panels and ventilation grilles on the top, sides, and bottom. The bottom also features plastic mounting feet and screw holes for optional wall or surface mounting, though the use of hard plastic instead of rubber for the feet is a noticeable cost-saving measure.
A look inside the unit confirms its fundamental design. Removing the bottom cover reveals a printed circuit board (PCB) that will look familiar to those who have seen similar switches. The board is marked with “10056368 V1.1,” an identifier that matches exactly with the board found in the BrosTrend S2 5-port 2.5GbE Switch we previously reviewed. The layout, components, and even the unpopulated spaces for additional ports (hinting at an 8-port variant) are identical. A heatsink is permanently attached to the primary chip, which we can reasonably assume is a MaxLinear model based on the identical hardware. This confirms the SE105 is essentially a rebranded version of the same OEM platform used by several brands in this market segment.
Powering on the switch initiates a simple and silent operation. There are no configuration options, DIP switches, or management interfaces, it is a true unmanaged switch. The LEDs provide clear at-a-glance information: a steady green light indicates a valid link at 2.5GbE, 1GbE, or 100Mb/s, while blinking denotes network activity. The lack of a fan ensures zero operational noise, making it suitable for any environment, from a living room media center to a quiet office. In terms of raw performance, it performed identically to the BrosTrend S2 in our throughput tests, providing full line-rate switching across all ports for mixed 1GbE and 2.5GbE devices without any packet loss or heat-related throttling during extended use.
When evaluating its place in the market, the value proposition hinges entirely on current pricing. At the time of our purchase, the Tenda SE105 was listed at approximately ten dollars more than the BrosTrend S2. Given that the hardware is functionally the same, this price difference is difficult to justify. For a buyer, the decision should come down to immediate availability, warranty terms, and the lowest price point for what is effectively the same product. It is a competent, no-frills switch that delivers on its promise of silent 2.5GbE connectivity, but shoppers are advised to compare real-time prices across all rebranded versions of this common design.
(Source: Serve The Home)
