Tripp Lite NG5 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Switch

Overview

The Tripp Lite NG5 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Switch is the kind of device you buy once and forget about, in the best possible way. It's a compact, unmanaged switch designed for desktops or small offices rather than server racks, so there's no fan noise and no rack ears to deal with. You plug it in, connect your cables, and it just works. Tripp Lite has been making networking and power gear for decades, and this switch carries that same no-nonsense reputation. It's been on the market since 2016, which says something on its own — products that don't hold up tend to disappear from shelves long before a decade passes. This one has stuck around because it does its one job reliably.

Features & Benefits

Where this Gigabit switch earns its keep is in the details that don't show up on a spec sheet until you actually use it. Five ports support 10/100/1000 Mbps, and each one auto-negotiates speed, so you can mix older 100 Mbps gear with newer Gigabit devices without manually configuring anything. Automatic MDI/MDIX detection means crossover cables are a thing of the past — any standard Ethernet cable works regardless of which end goes where. Total switching capacity sits at 10 Gbps, giving each port a full 2 Gbps of duplex bandwidth, so five devices can move data simultaneously without choking each other out. The metal housing runs cool and stays quiet, and Tripp Lite backs the unit with a generous five-year warranty — a strong signal they expect it to keep working long after the box is recycled.

Best For

This desktop network switch makes the most sense for people who need a handful of extra wired connections without diving into managed-switch settings or VLANs. Home offices are an obvious fit — plug in a desktop, a printer, and a NAS drive, and you're done. Small businesses with simple, flat networks will appreciate not having to configure anything beyond physically connecting cables. Gamers and streamers who care about consistent ping and low latency will likely prefer it over relying on Wi-Fi for a primary connection. It also suits anyone upgrading an older home network to Gigabit speeds without overhauling the whole setup, and its small footprint means it won't dominate a desk or shelf the way a rack-style unit would. If you just want more wired ports that work, this fits the bill.

User Feedback

Buyer sentiment on this Gigabit switch sits at a solid 4.2 out of 5, and the comments behind that number are fairly consistent. People like that it's truly plug-and-play — no app, no login, no setup wizard, just ports that work the moment you connect them. The metal casing comes up often as a pleasant surprise, since many switches in this category use thin plastic that flexes or cracks over time. On the downside, a few buyers note that it costs more than the most basic unmanaged switches on the market, and wonder whether the extra spend is worth it if you only need two or three ports. That said, the long warranty period seems to ease most of that hesitation, with reviewers framing it as a one-time purchase rather than a recurring expense.