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The QNAP QSW-1105-5T is a compact, fanless, unmanaged switch for adding up to five wired connections at 2.5GbE. It suits a NAS or workstation setup when the devices at both ends can negotiate 2.5GbE. It is not a way to speed up a 1GbE device or an internet plan, and it lacks PoE and configurable management features such as VLANs.
What the QSW-1105-5T offers
QNAP lists the QSW-1105-5T as a legacy, unmanaged desktop switch with five 2.5GBASE-T RJ45 ports. It also supports 100BASE-T and 1000BASE-T, so links can negotiate at those speeds when connected devices require them. QNAP’s specifications include 12.5 Gbps non-blocking throughput, 25 Gbps switching capacity, a 16K MAC address table, 9K jumbo frames, and maximum power consumption of 12 W. These are manufacturer-listed specifications, not independent test results. QNAP’s hardware specifications
The unit is fanless, measures 34 × 180 × 145 mm, and is rated for operation from 0–40°C. QNAP lists a two-year warranty for the switch; bundled accessories, including the power adapter, are covered for one year. QNAP’s hardware specifications
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When it will deliver 2.5GbE
A switch cannot make a slower endpoint link run faster. For a 2.5GbE connection, the endpoint’s Ethernet port or adapter, the switch port, and the intervening cabling must all support a compatible link. If a computer or NAS has only 1GbE Ethernet, its connection will remain limited to 1GbE. Internet access is also constrained by the router, service plan, and other network links; a faster switch does not increase the speed purchased from an internet provider.
#1 Best Overall
- 𝗙𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝟮.𝟱 𝗚𝗯𝗽𝘀 𝗣𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗲𝗿-𝗙𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: 5× 2.5-Gigabit ports unlock the highest performance of your Multi-Gig bandwidth and devices, and provide up to 25 Gbps of switching capacity.
- 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗼-𝗡𝗲𝗴𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Auto-negotiation intelligently senses the link speeds and adjusts between 3-speeds (100Mb/1G/2.5G) for compatibility and optimal performance for all your devices, including 2.5G WiFi 6 AP, 2.5G NAS, 2.5G PCIe Adapter, 2.5G Server, gaming computer, 4K video, and more.
- 𝗜𝗱𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗩𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗦𝗰𝗲𝗻𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗼𝘀: Built for LAN parties, home entertainment, small and home offices, and instant transfer for workstations.
- 𝗛𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗹𝗲-𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴: Instantly upgrade to 2.5 Gbps without the need to upgrade to Cat6 wiring, reducing wiring costs and hassle. *
- 𝗦𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Industry-leading fanless design ensures silent operation, ideal for any home or business.
QNAP says Cat 5e cable can be reused for this model and that ports use auto-negotiation. Actual link rate still depends on the installed cable run and connected equipment. QNAP also says the switch requires no complex setup: connect the devices and it is ready to use. These are manufacturer statements, not independent measurements. QNAP product page
Setup and practical checks
- Check endpoint capabilities. Confirm that the router, NAS, computers, or adapters you intend to connect support 2.5GbE if you expect a 2.5GbE link.
- Connect the switch to the network. Attach an uplink to your router or existing network, then connect the NAS, computers, or other wired devices to the remaining ports. The switch has five ports total, including the uplink.
- Verify negotiated speed at each endpoint. The switch supports 100 Mbps, 1Gbps, and 2.5Gbps Ethernet standards; the actual link is determined by what the two connected devices and cabling support.
- Add compatible networking hardware if needed. QNAP promotes PCIe network cards and USB Ethernet adapters for adding connectivity to NAS devices, desktops, and laptops. Check the specific adapter, device, and operating-system compatibility before buying. QNAP accessories
What the unmanaged design means
This is a plug-and-play switch rather than a configurable network-management tool. QNAP describes it as requiring no complex settings and says it provides automatic loop detection and blocking. Those functions are manufacturer claims; they should not be treated as independently verified performance guarantees. QNAP product page
Rank #2
- 𝗘𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝟮.𝟱 𝗚𝗯𝗽𝘀 𝗣𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗲𝗿-𝗙𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: 8× 2.5-Gigabit ports unlock the highest performance of your Multi-Gig bandwidth and devices, and provide up to 40 Gbps of switching capacity.
- 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗼-𝗡𝗲𝗴𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Auto-negotiation intelligently senses the link speeds and adjusts between 3-speeds (100Mb/1G/2.5G) for compatibility and optimal performance for all your devices, including 2.5G WiFi 6 AP, 2.5G NAS, 2.5G PCIe Adapter, 2.5G Server, gaming computer, 4K video, and more.
- 𝗜𝗱𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗩𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗦𝗰𝗲𝗻𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗼𝘀: Built for LAN parties, home entertainment, small and home offices, and instant transfer for workstations.
- 𝗛𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗹𝗲-𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴: Instantly upgrade to 2.5 Gbps without the need to upgrade to Cat6 wiring, reducing wiring costs and hassle. *
- 𝗦𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Industry-leading fanless design ensures silent operation, ideal for any home or business.
Choose another category of switch if you need to configure VLANs, QoS, or other per-port controls, or if you need PoE to power access points, cameras, or phones. ServeTheHome’s April 4, 2023 review reported no PoE capability. ServeTheHome review
Form factor and placement
QNAP identifies the QSW-1105-5T as a desktop, fanless device. ServeTheHome’s April 4, 2023 inspection describes a metal chassis with vents and desktop, wall, or table mounting options, but no rack-mount points. That makes it a poor fit for a rack installation unless you have a separate mounting solution. ServeTheHome review
Rank #3
- 2.5-GIGABIT ETHERNET PORTS: Features 8 x 2.5Gbps Multi-Gig Ethernet ports for high-speed connectivity. Auto-negotiating ports detect the optimal speed for connected devices and work with existing Cat5e or Cat6 Ethernet cables.
- PLUG-AND-PLAY UNMANAGED NETWORK SWITCH: Simple plug-and-play setup with no software to install or configuration required.
- FLEXIBLE MOUNTING OPTIONS: Compact metal design supports desktop or wall-mount placement for versatile installation.
- SILENT & ENERGY-EFFICIENT OPERATION: Fanless design ensures silent performance, while IEEE 802.3az Energy Efficient Ethernet reduces power consumption without compromising high-speed network performance.
- REGIONAL COMPATIBILITY: Made for use in U.S. & CA only
Who should buy it—and who should look elsewhere
- Consider it if you need up to five wired connections, want 2.5GbE between compatible devices, and value a simple, fanless desktop switch.
- It can suit a NAS or workstation upgrade if your endpoints support 2.5GbE and your existing Cat 5e cabling is suitable for the run.
- Look elsewhere if you need more than five ports, PoE, VLAN configuration, QoS, or other management controls.
- Check alternatives carefully if a rack-ready design is essential. QNAP lists the QSW-1108-8T-R2 and QSW-2104-2T-R2 as other models to compare, but the available specifications here do not establish their relative price or feature fit. QNAP product page
Legacy status and purchase checks
QNAP labels this hardware entry “Legacy.” Confirm the support information and the seller’s hardware revision before purchasing. Current street price, stock, firmware version, and comparative benchmark results are not established here, so assess those separately rather than assuming this model is currently available or represents a particular value.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- 𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐳𝐢𝐧𝐠-𝐅𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝟐.𝟓 𝐆𝐛𝐩𝐬 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐞𝐝: Upgrade your network with the 2.5G network switch, delivering 2.5 Gbps across all 8 ports, 2.5X faster than gigabit switches. It seamlessly handles multiple high-speed devices with a switching capacity of up to 40 Gbps
- 𝟖 𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐲: Connect more wired devices with eight 2.5 Gbps ports, ideal for home office, entertainment, gaming and LAN parties. Compatible with desktop PCs, laptops, workstations, NAS, WiFi access points, smart TVs, gaming consoles, and more
- 𝐔𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬, 𝐌𝐚𝐱𝐢𝐦𝐮𝐦 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐞: Featuring eight RJ45 ports, this 2.5gb switch offers more connections without the complexity of optical SFP ports, delivering exceptional value by saving you from the need for additional SFP transceivers and optical fiber cables
- 𝐏𝐥𝐮𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲: Enjoy an effortless setup with the Ethernet switch 2.5 gigabit, no software installation required. Simply plug it into your router, connect your devices, and you're ready for a multi-gig connection
- 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐈𝐭 𝐐𝐮𝐢𝐞𝐭: The fanless design of the 2.5Gb switch ensures silent operation, so it never interrupts your work or rest. It remains whisper-quiet even during demanding tasks
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
