INTRODUCTION

   Roughly two weeks ago we reviewed an 8 port 10/100Mbps PoE switch by TRENDnet, the TPE-S44 which is basically the ideal solution for people who want a cost-effective switch with the ability to power their IP Cameras via power over Ethernet. Now although there aren't that many people out there who actually care about such products (or at least i didn't think so) i was surprised to receive quite a few emails by many of you asking for more similar reviews and so naturally i started searching for PoE compatible switches that wouldn't empty your wallet. The first of those is the TL-SF1008P 8-port 10/100Mbps Desktop PoE switch by TP-Link.

   Since entering the international market in 2005, TP-LINK has become more and more invested in the international market. Our products are deployed in over 120 countries and serve over one billion users worldwide. TP-LINK is a global provider of SOHO&SMB networking products and the World's No.1 provider of WLAN and Broadband CPE devices, with products available in over 120 countries to tens of millions customers. Committed to intensive R&D, efficient production and strict quality management, TP-LINK continues to provide award-winning networking products in Wireless, ADSL, Routers, Switches, IP Cameras, Powerline Adapters, Print Servers, Media Converters and Network Adapters for Global end-users. Based on the confidence of tens of millions of customers, TP-LINK is now growing to become one of the most competitive providers of networking products with aspirations to become one of the top 3 networking brands in the world and striving for a larger global market share, while further advancing in the world of networking to better serve our most valued customers with products that make their lives easier.

   If you took the time to read the TPE-S44 review you will have most certainly noticed the similar exterior design between that and the TL-SF1008P which probably means that both units are manufactured by the same company. Similarities continue as the TL-SF1008P also offers a total of eight 10/100Mbps ports half of which feature PoE functionality (15.4W for each port) to feed compatible devices (IP Cameras) with power via the Ethernet cable (CAT5/6 recommended). However just to be certain we will also slice it open just like we did with the TPE-S44 and check its interior layout and components. So let’s move forward and see just what the TL-SF1008P 8-port 10/100Mbps Desktop PoE switch is all about.