UGREEN 5-Port 2.5Gb Desktop Switch Review: Specs, Pros and Cons
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In this ugreen 5 port 2 5gb desktop switch review, we look at the UGREEN CM953. It is a compact networking device designed to expand your wired connections. The unit features five ports, each supporting speeds up to 2.5 Gbps. This configuration provides a total switching capacity of 25 Gbps. The switch operates without drivers, allowing for immediate plug-and-play setup. It also maintains backward compatibility with standard 1 Gbps and 100 Mbps devices. This hardware focuses on delivering consistent throughput for home and small office networks.
What stands out
- Five ports, each capable of 2.5 Gbps speeds
- 25 Gbps total switching capacity for non-blocking performance
- Fanless design with bottom and side ventilation for cooling
- Supports both desktop and wall mounting options
- Plug-and-play operation with no software required
Who it fits
Good fit for
This switch suits users upgrading from 1 Gbps networks who need more wired ports. It is ideal for connecting high-speed NAS drives, gaming consoles, or desktop computers that benefit from 2.5 Gbps links. The silent, fanless operation makes it suitable for quiet home offices or living rooms. Its compact size and versatile mounting options fit well on desks or in utility closets. If you have multiple devices requiring fast, stable wired connections, this hardware meets those needs.
Who should skip it
You should look at another option if you require more than five ports. This model does not offer Gigabit downlinks, so it is not designed for legacy-only environments without mixed-speed upgrades. If you need managed features like VLANs or QoS, this plug-and-play unit lacks those controls. Users requiring PoE (Power over Ethernet) to power devices like cameras or access points will find this switch insufficient. It is strictly a data switching device without power delivery capabilities.
Verdict: The UGREEN CM953 delivers reliable 2.5 Gbps connectivity across five ports in a silent, compact form factor. It is a practical choice for expanding fast wired networks without complex configuration.
UGREEN 5-Port Switch Key Specs
Port Count: 5
This switch provides five Ethernet jacks for your wired devices. You can connect up to five gadgets, such as a desktop computer, a gaming console, or network storage, directly to your router. This count is ideal for small home offices or living rooms where you need more wired ports than your router offers. It supports simultaneous connections without requiring additional hubs.
Port Speed: 2.5 Gbps
Each port supports speeds up to 2.5 gigabits per second. This is faster than standard 1 Gbps ports, allowing for quicker file transfers between your computer and network storage. If you move large media files or play online games, this speed reduces latency and buffering. It ensures your local network does not bottleneck your internet connection or internal data flow.
Switching Capacity: 25Gbps
The total internal bandwidth for all ports combined is 25 gigabits per second. This non-blocking capacity ensures that data can move between all five ports simultaneously without slowdowns. It prevents congestion when multiple devices are transferring data at once. This figure confirms the switch can handle full-speed traffic on all ports concurrently, maintaining stability during heavy usage.
Mounting Type: Desktop, Wall
You can place this unit on a desk or attach it to a wall. The design includes non-slip feet for stable desktop placement or holes for wall mounting. This flexibility allows you to hide the device in tight spaces or keep it accessible for cable management. It fits well in various home networking setups without requiring dedicated rack space.
Design and build of the switch
The UGREEN CM953 switch has a compact form factor that suits tight spaces. The listing provides specific dimensions of 6.6 inches in length, 4.2 inches in width, and 1.2 inches in height. These measurements indicate a low-profile unit that will not dominate your desk or shelf. The device is finished in black, a neutral color that blends with most home office or gaming setups. This color choice helps the hardware remain visually unobtrusive when placed in plain sight.
You can position this switch in two ways: on a desktop or mounted on a wall. The listing notes the inclusion of non-slip feet, which provide stability when the unit sits flat on a surface. This feature prevents the device from sliding during cable connections or accidental bumps. For wall mounting, the design allows for vertical installation, saving valuable desk real estate. This versatility means you can place the switch near your router, under a desk, or behind a TV without worrying about space constraints.
According to the listing, the switch features a fanless design. This means there are no moving parts to generate noise or wear out over time. The unit relies on ventilation holes on the bottom and sides to dissipate heat. This passive cooling approach ensures silent operation, which is ideal for quiet environments like home offices or bedrooms. The lack of a fan also reduces the risk of dust accumulation inside the chassis, potentially extending the lifespan of the device. The build focuses on durability and quiet performance rather than flashy aesthetics.
Setup and everyday use
Setting up the UGREEN CM953 requires no configuration or software. The listing describes it as a plug-and-play device. You simply connect the power adapter and attach your Ethernet cables to the five ports. Auto-negotiation handles the rest. It automatically detects the speed of each connected device. This means you can mix 2.5 Gbps, 1 Gbps, and 100 Mbps devices without manual settings. The switch is fully backward compatible with older hardware. This makes upgrading from a 1 Gbps network straightforward. You do not need to install drivers or change router settings. The unit uses a fanless design. It relies on ventilation holes on the bottom and sides for cooling. This allows for silent operation. You can place it on a desk or mount it on a wall. The non-slip feet keep it stable on flat surfaces. Indicator lights help you monitor connection status. In daily use, the 25 Gbps switching capacity ensures smooth traffic flow. It prevents bottlenecks when multiple devices transfer data simultaneously. The low-latency performance supports activities like gaming and large file transfers. The compact size fits easily into home offices or entertainment centers. It operates quietly, so it does not disturb your environment. The design prioritizes reliable, hassle-free networking. You get consistent performance without overheating concerns during heavy use. The straightforward setup and silent operation make it suitable for continuous daily use.
Before You Buy This Switch
This UGREEN CM953 expands your wired network capacity. You need a compatible router or gateway that supports 2.5Gb uplinks to fully utilize the speed. If your current equipment only handles 1Gb, the switch still works but limits performance. Check your NAS devices and desktop PCs to ensure they have 2.5Gb Ethernet ports. Without these, you will not see the advertised speed increases. The unit is fanless and silent, so it fits well in living spaces or offices. It requires a power adapter, which is not always included in switch bundles, so verify your power availability. Maintenance is minimal. You only need to ensure the ventilation slots on the bottom and sides remain clear of dust and debris. This device complements mesh WiFi systems by providing stable, high-speed wired connections for stationary devices. It does not replace your mesh nodes but enhances the backbone of your home network.
Check before you buy
- Verify your router supports 2.5Gb uplink speeds
- Ensure connected devices have 2.5Gb Ethernet ports
- Check for available power outlet near installation
- Confirm clearance for bottom ventilation slots
The product at a glance
UGREEN 5-Port 2.5Gb Desktop Switch
Best for: upgrading small networks to 2.5G
- Port Count
- 5
- Port Speed
- 2.5 Gbps
- Management Type
- Unmanaged
- Switching Capacity
- 25Gbps
- Mounting Type
- Desktop/Wall Mount
- Number of Ports
- 5 Ports
View on Amazon: UGREEN 5-Port 2.5Gb Desktop Switch Affiliate link
This UGREEN switch offers five 2.5 Gbps ports for a total 25 Gbps switching capacity. It supports plug-and-play setup without drivers. The device works with 1 Gbps and 100 Mbps equipment. It features a fanless design for silent operation. You can mount it on a desk or wall. The unit measures 6.6 by 4.2 by 1.2 inches.
Pros
- Five ports all support 2.5 Gbps speeds
- 25 Gbps non-blocking switching capacity
- Plug-and-play setup with no drivers needed
- Fanless design ensures silent operation
Cons
- Only five ports available
- No mention of Power over Ethernet support
- Desktop form factor takes up desk space
Good fit if
- You need to upgrade multiple devices to 2.5 Gbps
- You want silent operation without fans
- You prefer a simple plug-and-play setup
Skip if
- You need more than five ports
- You require Power over Ethernet for devices
- You need a rack-mountable unit
Verdict: UGREEN 5-Port 2.5Gb Desktop Switch provides fast 2.5 Gbps connectivity for five devices. It suits users who need silent, plug-and-play networking for NAS or gaming setups.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | UGREEN 5-Port 2.5Gb Desktop Switch |
|---|---|
| Port Count | 5 |
| Port Speed | 2.5 Gbps |
| Management Type | Unmanaged |
| Switching Capacity | 25Gbps |
| Mounting Type | Desktop/Wall Mount |
| Number of Ports | 5 Ports |
| Dimensions | 6.6 × 4.2 × 1.2 inches |
| Color | Black |
| Model | CM953 |
Frequently asked questions
Does the UGREEN 5-Port 2.5Gb switch require drivers?
No, this device does not require any drivers or software installation. It is designed as a plug-and-play networking solution. You simply connect the power adapter and plug your Ethernet cables into the five available ports. The hardware handles all necessary negotiations automatically, allowing you to start using the expanded ports immediately without configuration.
Is the UGREEN CM953 switch silent during operation?
Yes, the UGREEN CM953 operates silently. It lacks active cooling components like fans, which eliminates noise during use. This makes it suitable for placement in quiet environments such as home offices or living rooms. The passive design ensures that it does not generate audible hums or whines while transferring data between your connected devices.
What are the physical dimensions of the UGREEN 5-port switch?
The UGREEN CM953 measures 6.6 inches in length, 4.2 inches in width, and 1.2 inches in height. This compact, low-profile form factor allows it to fit easily into tight spaces. You can place it on a desk or shelf without it taking up significant room. The black finish helps it blend into most home or office setups.
Can this switch connect more than five devices?
No, the UGREEN 5-Port 2.5Gb switch provides exactly five Ethernet ports. You can connect up to five wired devices simultaneously, such as a NAS, desktop PC, or gaming console. If you need to connect more than five devices, you would need a switch with a higher port count or daisy-chain another switch to expand your network further.
Does the UGREEN switch support 10Gb speeds?
No, the UGREEN CM953 supports speeds up to 2.5 Gbps per port. It does not support 10Gb connections. While it offers faster speeds than standard 1Gb switches, it is not designed for 10Gb networking. Ensure your connected devices and router uplink also support 2.5G to take full advantage of the increased bandwidth provided by this unit.
Is the UGREEN switch suitable for gaming setups?
Yes, the UGREEN 5-Port 2.5Gb switch is suitable for gaming setups. It provides fast 2.5 Gbps connectivity for multiple devices. The silent operation ensures it does not distract during gameplay. You can connect your gaming console, PC, and other peripherals directly to the switch for stable, high-speed wired connections without the latency often associated with wireless networks.