Pros: I love the price and flexibility of this. I bought 4: one for the "public" network, one for the cluster communications network, and one for the storage area network, and one for the IPMI network. I have tested with VLAN, teaming... all worked great. All in the context of this HW/SW:

* 1 node running a Windows Server Essential 2012 R2 as Domain Controller / DNS / Backups for everything
* 3 "cluster" nodes
* 1 running Windows Storage Server 2012 R2 with 4 4TB WD Red drives and 2 SSDs as write cache

I have run Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2, 20012 R2, 2014, and 2016 CTP3 in standalone and failover cluster scenarios on the 3 nodes. I have also run Ubuntu Server 14.02 LTS running Apache Cassandra on the cluster nodes with local storage nodes.

It just worked flawlessly: first time, every time. And you can beat the price, particularly supporting these higher end features so well.

Cons: Not a one.

Other Thoughts: 2 things to know: You can't just plug and go with this kind of switch. If you plug it in and connect it, it will come up as 192.168.0.1, killing the internet access in most home scenarios. Just connect it directly to a laptop and quickly configure the network settings. Oh, and you have to actually hit "Save Configuration" or the moment it restarts, it will lose all of your changes. But those are "user" issues... not product issues! I'd rate myself 3 eggs here. :)

Pros: Small 5 port switch which seems to work fine.

Cons: Lack of Web Interface in V1 model

Other Thoughts: Just be aware this 5 port switch and the 8 port model come in two versions. The V1 models which I received can only be configured through their supplied software. The newer V2 models now have a Web Interface. There is no version number mentioned in the device description so I do not know if Newegg even carries the V2 model.

Just received mine so I cannot comment on their durability.

Pros: + Smart Switch, some decent tools
+ Strong Metal Case
+ Doesn't seem to get overly hot when loaded.
+ Lights are bright, but not blinding

Cons: - Power cable port on opposite side of switch
- Needs to install a program on a PC, no browser-based control

Other Thoughts: General Knowledge: A switch VS A hub...
Hubs are typically cheaper, but switches are more efficient when handling data bandwidth because they are MAC aware. Basically, a hub will broadcast and populate all channels with any data going though it, while a switch sends data only to its destination. This means a single file transfer on a hub could consume and max out that entire hub's entire available bandwidth, regardless of how many ports it has. A switch would only be using the bandwidth of 2 ports; The source's port and the recipient's port, and all other ports would be free to utilize full bandwidth.

If you can't seem to log on to this switch, check the subnet address. the default address was correct for some networks/routers, but not mine. You can change this without logging in (I have a feeling that this used to be an issue in past software/firmware versions)

Like others, I wish this had the power cable on the same side as the data ports.

This is good, but now I am thinking I should have bought the 8 port version. Oh well.

Pros: Performs as advertised. A smart switch for under 20 bones.

Cons: I knew this going in, but it’s not 802.3az (Energy Efficient Ethernet) compliant. I think it’s a bit deceiving to stamp “Energy Efficient” in the product literature since it doesn’t support the most energy saving Ethernet spec. I took an egg off for lack of 802.3az.

Other Thoughts: I took some quick idle power measurements with a bench supply:
* No cables plugged in: 54mA (0.48W)
* Single GigE idle link: 94mA (0.84W); I tried both a 2ft cable and a 25ft cable and got same results. Not sure if longer cables will affect this.
* Two GigE idle links: 136mA (1.22W)

Pros: It's a Switch and does exactly what it says it does! It is a small, good looking, and seemingly quality device. I had no issues with trying to use this switch and don't really mind the aesthetic of the device. The switch is described by the manufacturer as energy efficient and it seems like it is when measuring its activity with a kill-a-watt meter. It's great that it is a gigabit switch as opposed to some of the other small 5-port switches that only support 10/100.

Cons: I wish all of the ports were on one side so it would be easier to cable manage the device. I had a lot of trouble trying to use the web setup option and had to use the install software which is a bit of annoyance for someone tech savvy such as myself. Not a very good looking device so it will need to be hidden or tucked away.

Other Thoughts: This is a very consumer friendly device so for the average joe this should be pretty simple/self explanatory to install. If you are more tech savvy then this switch will also work for you BUT you may need to start with the install software and then switch to the web interface to remain sane!

Pros: Small, easy to hide and put out of sight.
Metal case is durable.
Extremely easy plug and play setup.
Supports 1000 Mbps.
Energy Efficient.

Cons: None

Other Thoughts: I wanted to test this switch for a few weeks before writing my review. Typically switches are fairly easy to setup and use, and reliability is one of the greater concerns to have with them. Switching from a larger switch, I didn't notice any degradation of Internet performance even with numerous devices in use, and the switch continues to work without any problems

I really like the size of the switch too. Although it cannot handle as many devices, its small size makes it very easy to hide. Using it with a powerline, I have it hidden inside of my media center. From there it connects my PC and a few game consoles to the Internet. So far there has been no issue with using it, and I am very pleased with it.

If you need a small switch, you aren't going to find anything wrong with one of these. It's a simple device, and it serves a simple purpose but it seems to be reliable and it gets the job done.

Pros: The packaging is compact and simple, yet adequate to protect the Switch during shipping. The AC adapter and rubber feet are boxed under the Switch.

Came out-of-the-box with the latest Firmware (1.0.3 Build 20141016 Rel.49580). Aka file: TL-SG105E_V1_141016.

Includes a mini CD with the manual and software. The latest versions are also on TP Link's web page (which I downloaded vs. using the mini CD).

Performance is Good. My network is all Gigabit. I would not buy an obsolete 10/100 Mbps Switch.

Two LEDs per Port (one for Gigabit, the other for 10/100 Mbps).

This Managed Switch supports a broad set of Network Configuration commands (e.g. for Switching, Monitoring, VLAN, QoS). But see Other thoughts.

Contrary to several other reviews, the switch supports DHCP as a Client to obtain its IP address from the DHCP server. It does NOT support DHCP as a Server (as in a Router) handing out IP addresses. See first Con.

TP-Link.us web site says: 5 year limited warranty. Advanced replacement service is available. NewEgg site says 1 year.

Cons: The Default IP address is: 192.168.0.1. The same Default IP address as TP Link Routers (guaranteeing a conflict). This would not matter if DHCP defaulted On (but it defaults Off).

Shows up in my TL-WDR4300 Router's DHCP Client list as: Unknown (not as some recognizable name).

As most other reviews mention, the switch does not support a Web based Configuration GUI. You must install the software.

Most of the Easy Smart Configuration menus do not allow Cut-and-Paste.

The Easy Smart Configuration Utility has a header called: "Located on IP Network", which is not defined in the manual. For me, this was the IP address of the PC I was running the software on.

Does not include an Ethernet patch cable, but that is typical with most Switches on the market.

Other Thoughts: At current prices, the eight port Managed version (TL-SG108E) is only $5 more than this five port Managed version (TL-SG105E). IMO, money well spent in case you expand your network in the future.

You likely don't need a Managed Switch. The Un-managed versions (drop the E off the model number) sell for around $20 (five port) and $30 (eight port).

Pros: Recyclable packaging
• Clear and simple installation instructions provided on paper
• Mounting holes on unit
• Clearly labeled ports, power, reset button, etc.
• Power brick is correctly oriented to save space on a power strip and cord is generously long.
• Gigabit speed
• Reliable. I never had to reset the unit in my month of testing.
• 5 year warranty is great.
• Support was responsive

Cons: Power, reset and cable lock (anti-theft) ports are placed on one side of unit and Ethernet ports are on the other, which makes the design awkward if you have the unit on a desktop. When all ports are plugged in, you cannot easily stand the unit up or place it without it taking up a large amount of space. Not practical.

Other Thoughts: • Packaging was good – some wasted space and not made of recycled material, but mostly cardboard can be recycled. Plastic clearly labeled and recyclable.
• Upon opening the package, there is a small resource CD, an installation guide and the unit with a bold sticker “Please first Install Utility in CD To Manage Your Device”. Apparently, the switch can only be configured with the utility. Fair enough.
• Unit has a nice weight to it – feels like it is truly made of durable metal.
• Configuration:
o After installing the utility, plug in the unit to the power brick, and then connect to your network. Open the network utility, which should locate the device on the network.
o Now, this is where it got tricky for me. The device assign itself an ip address of 192.168.0.1, which is the same as my router. The router assigned the switch an ip address which I had to change the device to. Got an error: “Host IP address and switch IP address must be on the same subnet!” Could not resolve, so I went to the forums, which were a PIA for various reasons.
• The unit is small, but with wires coming out of two sides, it doesn’t help with saving space. This was disappointing and the only con that took one egg off the review

Pros: Competitive price
Solid construction
Good performance
Easy set up
Simple interface
Clean looking
Great advanced functionality
Plug and play
5 year warranty

Cons: I can not think of a con... It's a inexpensive and runs great

Other Thoughts: So I initially just plugged this thing in and didn't log into it just to see if it was plug and play(you may have to change the default IP address 192.168.0.1 if your router has the same IP). It worked simply plugging it in with no set up. So if there are people scared off by the "managed" part of it, don't be because it will work right out of the box like any other switch. After I hooked it up I kind of forgot about it for about a month until I had to transfer a bunch of stuff from my storage server. Transfer rates were great for an inexpensive gigabit switch. I couldn't fully max out the gigabit speeds of the switch because of my slower hard drives on my server but it was as fast as they could send the files. When I finally decided to start setting this thing up I had to download the software from TP-Link's website because the disc wouldn't install on my Win8 PC as one other reviewer had stated. The software interface is pretty clean and easy to navigate through. I work for an WISP(wireless internet service provider) so I was able to set up a VLAN from my house all the way back to my office which was fairly simple but I have worked with VLANs for about a decade now. It pretty much has everything you would ask for a small office/ home managed switch.
Bottom line... For 32 bucks you get a clean looking, solid constructed 5 port managed switch that is easy to set up. Nuff said!

Pros: It's a 5 port switch.

Cons: Despite the manufacturer claiming "IGMP Snooping v1/v2/v3" in their PDF datasheet on their website, actual behavior is different. Upon contacting TP-Link support they acknowledged that IGMP v3 is not supported.