Ran Out of Ethernet Ports? This $15 Gadget Is the Easiest Fix in 2025
You just bought a new gaming console. You’ve set up a fancy network printer. Maybe you’ve even installed a new PC in your home office. You go to plug them all in for that sweet, stable wired internet connection… and you realize your router only has four Ethernet ports. And they’re all full.
Now what? Do you play a daily game of “Ethernet Port Musical Chairs,” unplugging one device to use another? Do you resign yourself to putting your new console on spotty WiFi, dooming yourself to lag and buffering?
Stop. There is a better way—a simpler, cheaper, and more effective solution than you might imagine.
It’s called an Ethernet switch, and the TP-Link TL-SG105 5 Port Gigabit Unmanaged Switch is quite possibly the most reliable and popular networking gadget you’ve never heard of. This little box is the secret to a truly organized, high-performance home network without the headache.
In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how this unassuming device can solve your port problems for good, why it’s a must-have for techies and non-techies alike, and how it delivers incredible value for a shockingly low price.
👉 Check Today’s Price on Amazon
What is an Ethernet Switch? (The “Power Strip” for Your Internet)
If you’re new to networking, the term “switch” might sound intimidating. Let’s clear that up with a perfect analogy.
Think of your router’s Ethernet ports like the electrical outlets in your wall. You have a limited number. When you need to plug in more devices than you have outlets, what do you do? You use a power strip.
An Ethernet switch is a power strip for your internet connection.
You plug one cable from your router into the switch. The switch then gives you multiple additional ports to connect all your wired devices—gaming consoles, computers, smart TVs, printers, you name it. It’s that simple.
Unmanaged vs. Managed: Why “Unmanaged” is a Good Thing
You’ll see the term “unmanaged” in the product name. This is a key feature for beginners.
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Unmanaged Switch: This is a true “plug-and-play” device. There is no software to configure, no settings to tweak. You plug it in, and it just works. It’s perfect for 99% of home users.
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Managed Switch: These are for advanced users and businesses. They allow for complex network controls like creating separate virtual networks (VLANs) or prioritizing traffic. For connecting your devices at home, you don’t need this complexity.
Unboxing the TP-Link TL-SG105: Simplicity Itself
When you receive your TP-Link TL-SG105, you’ll find the experience is refreshingly straightforward. The box contains:
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The switch itself: a compact, sturdy, metal-built device.
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A power adapter.
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A resource guide (but you probably won’t need it).
The switch has a minimal, professional look with a green LED indicator for each port and one for power. It’s designed to be functional and unobtrusive, easily tucked away on a desk, shelf, or entertainment center.
Key Features & Real-World Benefits: Why the TL-SG105 is a Champion
This switch isn’t fancy, but it’s brilliantly engineered to do one job perfectly. Let’s break down its features and what they mean for you.
1. Five Gigabit Ethernet Ports
This is the core of the product. You get five ports in total.
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Benefit: You use one port to connect back to your router. This leaves you with four brand-new, dedicated Ethernet ports to use. That’s enough to hardwire your most important devices: a gaming console, a streaming box, a PC, and a printer, all at once.
2. Plug-and-Play Operation (Unmanaged)
As we mentioned, there is zero setup.
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Benefit: Absolute beginner-friendliness. You don’t need to be a network admin. You simply connect the cables, plug in the power, and within 30 seconds, all your devices are online. It’s the ultimate “it just works” experience.
3. Gigabit Speed on Every Port
Each of the five ports supports full 10/100/1000 Mbps Gigabit speeds.
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Benefit: The switch will not slow down your connection. Whether you have a 100 Mbps or a 1 Gbps internet plan, every device connected to the switch will get the full speed it needs for 4K streaming, large file transfers, and lag-free online gaming. The switch itself creates a high-speed backbone for your local network.
4. Compact and Sturdy Metal Design
The switch is housed in a robust metal case.
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Benefit: The metal casing isn’t just for looks; it dissipates heat better than plastic, ensuring the switch remains cool and reliable during 24/7 operation. Its small, flat design allows it to fit almost anywhere without drawing attention.
5. Energy-Efficient Technology
TP-Link includes IEEE 802.3az Energy-Efficient Ethernet (EEE).
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Benefit: The switch automatically adjusts power consumption based on the status and length of the Ethernet cables. When a device is off or not transferring data, it uses less energy, saving you a few cents on your electricity bill and being kinder to the environment.
Real-World Scenario: Your home office has your desktop PC and a network printer. Your entertainment center has a smart TV, a game console, and a streaming stick. Your router is in the hallway. Instead of running five long, messy cables to the hallway, you run a single, long Ethernet cable from the router to the TL-SG105 switch hidden behind your TV. You then plug the TV, console, and streaming stick into the switch with short, tidy cables. You’ve just created a clean, professional-looking setup with a superior wired connection for all your media devices. TP-Link TL-SG105
👉 See How Easy It Is to Set Up on Amazon
Who Is The TP-Link TL-SG105 Perfect For?
This switch is arguably one of the most universally useful tech accessories you can own.
The Ideal User: TP-Link TL-SG105
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The Gamer: Who needs the lowest possible ping and wants to connect a console, gaming PC, and VR headset simultaneously.
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The Home Office Worker: Who relies on a stable connection for a desktop PC, VoIP phone, and network printer. TP-Link TL-SG105
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The Cord-Cutter Family: Who has multiple streaming devices (Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV) and wants to eliminate WiFi-related buffering.
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The Smart Home Enthusiast: Who needs to connect hubs, security camera recorders, or network-attached storage (NAS) drives.
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Anyone Who Hates WiFi Dead Zones: Running a single Ethernet cable and a switch to a remote room is a more reliable fix than a WiFi extender for stationary devices.
Pros and Cons: The Honest Breakdown
Pros: TP-Link TL-SG105
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Incredibly Affordable: It delivers massive utility for a very low cost.
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Dead-Simple Setup: Truly plug-and-play; no technical knowledge required.
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Reliable Performance: TP-Link is a trusted brand, and this switch is known for its years of trouble-free operation.
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Compact and Durable: The metal housing ensures longevity and cool operation.
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Solves a Common Problem: Instantly fixes the “not enough ports” issue that plagues so many homes.
Cons: TP-Link TL-SG105
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No Wall-Mount Options: Some competing models have keyholes for mounting on a wall, which this model lacks.
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External Power Adapter: The plug takes up a bit of space on your power strip, which can be a minor inconvenience in a tight setup.
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Not for Advanced Users: If you need features like VLANs or QoS, you’ll need to look at a managed switch (like the TP-Link TL-SG105E).
TL-SG105 vs. The Competition
How does it stack up against other options for adding ports?
| Feature | TP-Link TL-SG105 | Using WiFi Instead | A Larger 8-Port Switch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | $ (Very Low) | $0 (But uses existing hardware) | $$ (Slightly Higher) |
| Performance | Excellent (Wired Gigabit) | Unstable (Subject to Interference) | Excellent (Wired Gigabit) |
| Setup | Extremely Easy | Easy (But prone to issues) | Extremely Easy |
| Best For | Most homes needing 4-5 extra ports | Mobile devices only | Large setups, home labs, small offices |
Internal Linking Opportunity: *If you’re setting up a more advanced home lab or small business with over a dozen devices, check out our guide on the best 16-port and 24-port network switches.*
How to Set Up Your New Switch in 3 Easy Steps
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Connect to Your Router: Plug one end of an Ethernet cable into any free port on your router. Plug the other end into any port on the TL-SG105 switch.
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Power It Up: Plug the switch’s power adapter into a wall outlet. You’ll see the power LED and the port LED light up.
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Connect Your Devices: Now, take Ethernet cables from your devices (PlayStation, PC, printer, etc.) and plug them into the remaining ports on the switch. That’s it! Your devices will recognize the network connection automatically.
The Perfect “Add-On” Gift and Deal Hunter’s Find
The TP-Link TL-SG105 is the definition of a practical gift. It’s not glamorous, but it’s something every tech-loving friend or family member can use. It’s the perfect “add-on” item for a housewarming gift or for anyone setting up a new home office. TP-Link TL-SG105
While its price is already low, it’s a staple during major sales events. On Amazon Prime Day, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday, you can often find this switch bundled with Ethernet cables or at a deep discount, making it an absolute steal. TP-Link TL-SG105
👉 Shop for the TP-Link TL-SG105 on Amazon Today!
Final Verdict: Is the TP-Link TL-SG105 Worth It?
Without a doubt, yes. The TP-Link TL-SG105 is a no-brainer purchase for anyone who needs more wired internet connections. TP-Link TL-SG105
It embodies the principle of doing one thing and doing it flawlessly. For a minimal investment, you get a reliable, fast, and simple solution that organizes your network and supercharges the performance of your most important devices. It eliminates the single biggest limitation of most home routers. TP-Link TL-SG105
In a world of complicated tech, the TL-SG105 is a refreshingly straightforward tool that just works. If you’re out of ports, stop struggling and just get one. You’ll wonder how you ever managed without it. TP-Link TL-SG105
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Will using a switch slow down my internet speed?
No. A Gigabit switch like the TL-SG105 provides a full-speed backbone. The traffic from each device has plenty of bandwidth. For typical home use, you will not notice any speed reduction. In fact, it’s often faster and more reliable than WiFi.
Q2: Does it matter which port I use to connect to the router?
No, it does not. On an unmanaged switch, all ports are equal. You can use any port to connect to your router and any port to connect to your devices.
Q3: Can I connect two switches together to get even more ports?
Yes, you can! This is called “daisy-chaining.” You would connect one port of the first switch to one port of the second switch. Just be aware that all devices on both switches will be sharing the single connection back to the router, so if many devices are transferring data at once, it could become a bottleneck. For most home uses, it’s perfectly fine.
Q4: What’s the difference between a switch and a hub?
An old-fashioned hub broadcasts data to every port, which can cause network congestion. A switch, like the TL-SG105, is “smart”—it intelligently directs traffic only to the specific port where the destination device is connected. This is much more efficient and faster. Hubs are obsolete; always use a switch.
Q5: My router is in another room. Can I still use this?
Absolutely. This is a perfect use case. Run a single, long Ethernet cable from your router to the room where you need multiple connections. Then, plug that long cable into the TL-SG105 switch in that room, and use short cables to connect your local devices (TV, console, PC) to the switch.
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