I should probably start a new thread, but since I mentioned the T1500G-8T in the last post, and I just bought a TP-Link T1500G-8T switch, I thought I would add a note here.
Why I chose this switch: for isolating a test server at work, where I needed vlans and the ability to limit what devices can connect to the switch’s management interface. I bought it from B&H Photo for $49.99 but it is the same price on Amazon (but B&H had quicker free shipping without prime). What I was shipped and received 2020-12-02:
T1500G-8T v2.0
Firmware Version: 2.0.5 Build 20200109 Rel.34210(s)
Boot Loader Version: TP-LINK BOOTUTIL(v1.0.0)
There is a newer version of firmware, but the only change the release notes mention is that it can be used with the Omada SDN Controller, which I will assume is similar to the Unifi controller or possibly UISP née UNMS.
So far I am pretty impressed by the features for a $50 switch, but haven’t done anything to really push it. It is in a whole different class than the TL-SG108E. It has features you would expect on a managed layer 2 switch. ssh and https supported, the ability to limit what can connect to the switch’s management interface, viewable mac address table, SNMP, STP and MSTP, ability to mirror more than a single port (but only a single port as the output target), etc. More flexible port isolation (but I haven’t used this, I just saw it in the manual (unlike Ubiquiti, there is a manual that is up to date). This can’t provide PoE output, but can be powered by 802.3af PoE or the 12V 1A supply it comes with. The included power supply is a barrel connector similar to what the ER-X has, but does NOT have the nice “no accidental unplugging” threaded barrel connector like the Netgate SG-3100.
The T1500G-8T is significantly larger (125mm x 208mm) than the low end TP-Link TL-SG108E (100mm x 157mm), but smaller than the NetGear GS-908E. It dwarfs the ER-X (75mm x 110mm).
One thing I don’t like from a design standpoint is that they put the LEDs on the opposite edge from where the cables are. I like to be able to plug a cable in and verify the link status comes up, and it is much less convenient when the lights are on the other edge. It is worse than the Ubiquiti ER-X or MikroTik CSS106-5G-1S where the lights are on the top. But I prefer the lights to be on the same edge as the cables, like the TL-SG108E, but that is a personal preference.