The 4-port 2.5GbE and 2-port SFP+ 10GbE switch market is awesome. Based on inexpensive Realtek NIC chips, this market has gone from not really existing a few years ago to having many options at low prices. The ienRon HG0402XG-P is now the cheapest 4+2 switch we have seen, and it also includes PoE capabilities.
If you want to check the current pricing, we purchased this from Amazon. Here is an affiliate link to the one we bought.
ienRon HG0402XG-P Overview
We first covered this switch in our 2024 Mega round-up, which you can find here:
We have also added this switch to the Ultimate Cheap Fanless 2.5GbE Switch Buyer’s Guide, which lists 40+ models. Bookmark that page to get the latest. We will like all of these reviews from that page.
We are doing this one today for a simple reason: it is on sale at 50% off in a limited-time promotion that brings the price to $32. There is apparently a 10% off coupon as well, which would bring the price down to under $30. On a cost per Gbps basis, this is now much cheaper than most low-cost 1GbE switches with a metal case. Of course, we are going to review this more at its standard $64 price, but for however long the promotion lasts, this is certainly the cheapest switch we have seen in its class.
ienRon HG0402XG-P Hardware Overview
On the front of the switch, we have almost everything you need to see. There are four 2.5GbE ports and two SFP+ 10GbE ports. The 2.5GbE ports have LED indicators below them for PoE delivery status.
This switch has a VLAN OFF/ON switch. We have seen several switches with that toggle, and turns on port isolation on the 2.5GbE ports. The power input is also on the front of the switch. Some of our readers prefer everything on the front, while others prefer the power to be on the rear. This is one of the front options.
On both sides, there are vents.
The rear is a featureless piece of sheet metal.
On the bottom, we get a standard label and wall mounting points.
Inside the switch we see something familiar, but with a small twist.
Here, we can see one of the larger 4+2 switch PCBs, and one we have seen before.
Here is a view of the Nicgiga NIC-S250402. Both use the HG0402XG switch PCB and are identical except for the second PCB.
There is a PoE+ power board sitting just above and behind the 2.5GbE ports.
Next, let us get to management, performance, and power consumption.
iEnron, Nicgiga LOL
I think they are having a grand old time competing with each other on who can move the most product with the worst names.
Enron…
I’ve been wanting to experiment with 2.5G PoE for a while now and, at this price, I decided to go for it.
Cheap switches – Do you get what you don’t pay for?
I also wonder if you have to notify your local fire brigade and liability agent if you use these cheap goods?
Just wondering if this switch will pass vlan tagged traffic? If so it’d be ideal for a few WiFi 7 AP’s that have multiple networks. It be great to include this test with all poe+ 2.5gbe switches, since I think it’s a great use-case for them.
Would be good to know how it handles 802.1q. does it pass through?
I get mine delivered tomorrow and will report on 802.1q passthrough unless someone beats me to it!
@rgb The people creating these brand names are not a native speakers of English. They are accidental edgelords.
Confirmed 802.1q tag passthrough.
I’m also relieved that I can use DAC cables without ground loops.
Perfect, thanks, going to order it.