EnGenius Cloud Switch Series ECS Desktop 2.5G Managed Switch, 8x RJ-45, 4x SFP+, 240W PoE++

We need faster and cheaper switches in our transition towards 2.5, 5, and 10 Gigabit ethernet. This is a good step compared to 1 Gigabit switch in the consumer segment. We've seen dumb 8-port 2.5G switches already sell at roughly 175 USD/EUR and this smart Layer 2 switch is fourfold that amount. Remember though, 8x 2.5 GigE ports POE++ (60W per port for four devices) and optional quadruple SFP connectors make this an interesting future-proof product. Now, let be also state that it is very difficult to test a switch in terms of throughput performance, but with a switching capacity of 120 Gbps we feel this is an impressive even enterprise-class device. With eight (full-duplex) 2.5 Gbps ports you'd need 40 Gbps (2.5x8x2). Then there are four SFP+ ports, each of which is capable of transmitting data at a rate of 10 Gbps, full-duplex require 10x4x2) is 80 Gbps. So if we use every jack at maximum throughput, then we'd still not see a performance drop, impressive. The EnGenius Cloud functionality is nice, but not a must-have. I should add by the way, that it is a free-to-use service. Thus it is available without a subscription; bringing you a modern, user-friendly interface that allows users to monitor network data in real-time, view network topology, troubleshoot, and perform other tasks. As streaming, PCs, NAS boxes, smart TVs, mobile phones, and other devices continue to grow in popularity, the interconnected and accessed LAN side infrastructure in your home becomes increasingly important. You require a solid foundation upon which you can trust, and this is where a product like this comes into play. By utilizing the built-in SFP+ ports, you can connect to other switches at 10G speeds and then connect to your NAS and servers at 2.5G for example. Alternatively, if it is a small workplace, connect the servers at 10G while providing each end-user with a 2.5G connection. If course if your needs are smaller; then there are certainly less expensive alternatives available that will provide you that increased networking speed. Let me also remind you of an alternative, if you want a little more by means of a managed switch, advanced feature set, and four 10G SFP+ ports, then a non-PoE version is available as well, the ECS2512 switch can be spotted cheaper, for roughly 600~650 USD (street price) and that isn't overly expensive for what it really is. And we end here, don't need POE? Then you can find this product at 600 EUR, for the PoE version as tested add 100 EUR bringing it into the 700 EUR range as street prices. For that money, you'll be purchasing a really sweet managed switch. And with this last paragraph we've reached the end of the road, don't we? You can find the non-PoE product for 600 EUR (street price), and for the PoE version that was tested, you can pay another 100 EUR to put it up to the 700 EUR level. You'll be able to get a really nice managed switch for your money, and that is the honest truth.

The ECS2512FP is a good candidate for upgrading your home switch to get faster communication speeds and an even better candidate if you have PoE devices. With the advent of cheaper POE devices such as Access Points and ethernet-based security cameras, the EnGenius ECS2512FP would be a great addition to any network lacking POE as well as updating the per-port speeds. EnGenius just announced their newest WiFi 6 access points ECW230S and ECW220S that support PoE so this switch would be a perfect fit. The four dual-mode SFP+ connectors really come in handy for high-speed devices like NAS or storage array. Keep in mind that SFPs will be needed on both ends. The ECS2512FP really is a good choice if you are going to be doing more with your network at home. The ECS2512FP is a feature-rich Layer 2 switch that has a lot to offer. And with the use of the EnGenius cloud, device management feels like a breeze. Overall, cloud-based management worked extremely well.

The ECS2512FP is an interesting option because this specific model isn’t offering a wall of ports. So it isn’t exactly what you would be looking for to change over a full office or in my case a house with a LOT of wiring. But it does look like a great network backbone option in those situations. You can tie in with other switches at 10G with the built-in SFP+ ports and then connect to your NAS and servers at 2.5G. Or if it is a small office, connect the server at 10G and each end-user has a 2.5G connection. Here soon you could even run edge switches powered by PoE at 2.5G for more of a hub and spoke network layout. But right now most of those options are only 1G.