Continuing our low-cost 10GbE switch series, we have our review of the TRENDnet TL2-F7120. This is a 12-port SFP+ managed switch. While it is often not the cheapest option out there, it is still relatively inexpensive and it is from a brand many have heard of. We snagged a great deal on the switch and decided to add it to The Ultimate Cheap 10GbE Switch Buyers Guide.
TRENDnet TL2-F7120 Pricing
Normally, this switch costs $315 or so at online shops. We snagged a deal for one for only $221, which is how it got into the review budget.
![TRENDnet TL F7120 Pricing](https://www.servethehome.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/TRENDnet-TL-F7120-Pricing.jpg)
To us, the $315 price puts it in a different price band on these cheap switches. That is only $100 less than the 16-port MikroTik CRS317-1G-16S+RM with redundant power supplies, or $100 more than the MikroTik CRS309-1G-8S+IN passively cooled switch.
Pricing changes all the time. If you want to check current pricing, here is an Amazon Affiliate Link.
TRENDnet TL2-F7120 Hardware Overview
On the front of the switch we have most of our major features. Those include the console port, status LEDs, and the twelve SFP+ ports.
![TRENDnet TL F7120 Front 1](https://www.servethehome.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/TRENDnet-TL-F7120-Front-1-800x453.jpg)
The switch comes with rack mounting ears, and as a half-width switch, you can purchase a side-by-side mounting kit. For those with 10″ racks, you can use this switch, but it will require finding or fabricating a rack ear solution for one of the sides.
![TRENDnet TL F7120 Side 1](https://www.servethehome.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/TRENDnet-TL-F7120-Side-1-800x336.jpg)
Other than that, there is not much on the sides of this switch.
![TRENDnet TL F7120 Side 2](https://www.servethehome.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/TRENDnet-TL-F7120-Side-2-800x354.jpg)
On the bottom, we get a label with a number of regulatory, compliance, and safety markings.
![TRENDnet TL F7120 Bottom](https://www.servethehome.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/TRENDnet-TL-F7120-Bottom-800x534.jpg)
On the back we get a fan as well as an AC input.
![TRENDnet TL F7120 Rear](https://www.servethehome.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/TRENDnet-TL-F7120-Rear-800x400.jpg)
Getting inside the switch, we see the internal power supply and the fan along with the main switch PCB.
![TRENDnet TL F7120 Internal Overview](https://www.servethehome.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/TRENDnet-TL-F7120-Internal-Overview-800x546.jpg)
The fan is a 40mm Sunon unit.
![TRENDnet TL F7120 Fan](https://www.servethehome.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/TRENDnet-TL-F7120-Fan-800x445.jpg)
Here is a look at the power supply.
![TRENDnet TL F7120 Internal Power Supply](https://www.servethehome.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/TRENDnet-TL-F7120-Internal-Power-Supply-800x534.jpg)
The switch chip is a bit of a challenge. We can see the Nanya DRAM package alongside the chip’s heatsink.
![TRENDnet TL F7120 Switch Chip](https://www.servethehome.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/TRENDnet-TL-F7120-Switch-Chip-800x557.jpg)
The heatsink was soldered into the PCB. We did not want to remove it since that might impact how the switch functions.
![TRENDnet TL F7120 Switch Chip And Heatsink Profile](https://www.servethehome.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/TRENDnet-TL-F7120-Switch-Chip-and-Heatsink-Profile-800x565.jpg)
TRENDnet is using Realtek chips for controlling things like blinking lights.
![TRENDnet TL F7120 Between Power Connector And SFP Cages 1](https://www.servethehome.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/TRENDnet-TL-F7120-Between-Power-Connector-and-SFP-Cages-1-800x432.jpg)
Here is a close-up of the Realtek RTL8231 chips which are GPIO expanders usually to control lights.
![TRENDnet TL F7120 RTL8231 Top](https://www.servethehome.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/TRENDnet-TL-F7120-RTL8231-Top-800x589.jpg)
We found another one of these chips on the bottom of the PCB.
![TRENDnet TL F7120 Bottom Of Switch PCB](https://www.servethehome.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/TRENDnet-TL-F7120-Bottom-of-Switch-PCB-800x539.jpg)
Next, let us get to the management.
Interesting one
Thank you for the review. Would be exciting to also review this switch: https://de.aliexpress.com/item/1005007131497062.html?src=google
Mine changed the passwords for all accounts and now I need to reset it.
For the price it’s interesting, it’s possible put two of this in the same U ?
Yes. They sell a bracket to allow that.