1. Introduction
This manual provides detailed instructions for the installation, operation, and maintenance of your Zyxel XMG-108HP 8-Port 2.5Gb MultiGig PoE++ Switch. The XMG-108HP is an unmanaged switch designed to enhance network performance with its 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet ports and a 10 Gigabit SFP+ uplink, alongside Power over Ethernet Plus Plus (PoE++) capabilities.
The Zyxel XMG-108HP features 8 PoE++ ports with a total power budget of 100W, enabling it to power various compatible devices such as IP cameras, wireless access points, and IP phones. Its plug-and-play design ensures easy setup without complex configuration, making it suitable for both home and small office environments.
Image 1.1: Front view of the Zyxel XMG-108HP 8-Port 2.5Gb MultiGig PoE++ Switch.
2. Setup and Installation
2.1 Package Contents
Verify that your package contains the following items:
- Zyxel XMG-108HP MultiGig PoE++ Switch
- Power Adapter
- Power Cord
- Mounting Kit (for wall-mount or desktop placement)
- Quick Start Guide (if included)
2.2 Physical Placement
The XMG-108HP switch is designed for flexible deployment. It can be placed on a desktop or mounted on a wall.
- Desktop Placement: Ensure the switch is placed on a flat, stable surface with adequate ventilation. Avoid placing it near heat sources or in enclosed spaces.
- Wall-Mount: Use the provided mounting kit to securely attach the switch to a wall. Ensure the mounting location is stable and allows for proper cable management.
Image 2.1: The Zyxel XMG-108HP switch can be deployed on a desktop or mounted on a wall.
2.3 Power Connection
- Connect the power adapter to the DC 54V power input port on the rear panel of the switch.
- Plug the power cord into the power adapter and then into a suitable power outlet.
- The PWR LED on the front panel will illuminate, indicating that the switch is receiving power.
Image 2.2: Rear panel of the Zyxel XMG-108HP, highlighting the DC 54V power input.
2.4 Network Connections
The XMG-108HP features 8 Multi-Gigabit (100/1G/2.5G) Ethernet ports with PoE++ capabilities and one 10G SFP+ uplink port.
- Uplink Connection: Connect your router, modem, or core network device to the 10G SFP+ port (Port 9) for high-speed uplink, or use one of the 2.5GbE ports if a 10G connection is not available.
- Device Connections: Connect your network devices (computers, servers, network-attached storage) to ports 1-8. These ports support 100Mbps, 1Gbps, and 2.5Gbps speeds.
- PoE++ Device Connections: For Power over Ethernet devices (e.g., IP cameras, Wi-Fi access points, VoIP phones), connect them to any of the 8 PoE++ enabled ports. The switch will automatically detect and provide power to compatible devices.
For optimal performance, especially at 2.5Gbps speeds, it is recommended to use Cat5e or higher-grade Ethernet cables. Cat6 or Cat6a cables are ideal for 10Gbps connections.
Image 2.3: Cable specifications for achieving 2.5Gbps and 1Gbps speeds. Cat5e cables can support 2.5Gbps.
3. Operating the Switch
3.1 Plug-and-Play Operation
The Zyxel XMG-108HP is an unmanaged switch, meaning it requires no configuration. Once powered on and connected to your network, it will automatically detect connected devices and negotiate the optimal speed and duplex settings. Simply plug in your devices and they will be ready to use.
3.2 LED Indicators
The front panel of the switch features several LED indicators to provide status information:
- PWR (Power) LED:
- Green: The switch is powered on.
- Off: The switch is powered off or not receiving power.
- PoE MAX LED:
- Amber: The total PoE power consumption is approaching or exceeding the maximum budget (100W).
- Off: PoE power consumption is within normal limits.
- Link/ACT LEDs (for each port):
- Green (Solid): A stable link is established at 2.5Gbps.
- Green (Flashing): Data activity is occurring at 2.5Gbps.
- Amber (Solid): A stable link is established at 100Mbps or 1Gbps.
- Amber (Flashing): Data activity is occurring at 100Mbps or 1Gbps.
- Off: No link is established or the port is inactive.
Image 3.1: Front panel of the Zyxel XMG-108HP, showing the PWR, PoE MAX, and Link/ACT LEDs for each port.
3.3 Power over Ethernet (PoE++)
The XMG-108HP supports the 802.3bt PoE++ standard, providing up to 60W per port (with a total budget of 100W) to connected PoE devices. This eliminates the need for separate power adapters for devices like Wi-Fi 6/6E access points, IP cameras, and other IoT devices, simplifying installation and reducing cable clutter.
Image 3.2: Illustration of PoE++ functionality, showing the switch powering various devices like Wi-Fi APs, digital signage, and IP cameras.
4. Maintenance
4.1 Fanless Design
The Zyxel XMG-108HP features a fanless design, ensuring silent operation. This makes it suitable for environments where noise is a concern, such as homes or quiet offices. The robust hardware design contributes to stable and power-efficient operation.
Image 4.1: The fanless design of the Zyxel XMG-108HP ensures silent and stable operation.
4.2 Cleaning
To maintain optimal performance and longevity, periodically clean the exterior of the switch with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid using liquid cleaners or solvents, as these can damage the device. Ensure ventilation slots are free from dust and obstructions.
5. Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your Zyxel XMG-108HP switch, refer to the following common troubleshooting steps:
- No Power (PWR LED Off):
- Ensure the power adapter is securely connected to both the switch and a working power outlet.
- Verify the power outlet is functional by plugging in another device.
- No Link (Link/ACT LED Off):
- Check that the Ethernet cable is securely connected to both the switch port and the connected device.
- Try a different Ethernet cable to rule out a faulty cable.
- Ensure the connected device is powered on and functioning correctly.
- PoE Device Not Powering On:
- Check the PoE MAX LED. If it's amber, the total power budget might be exceeded. Disconnect some PoE devices or ensure the total power consumption is within 100W.
- Verify that the connected device is PoE++ (802.3bt), PoE+ (802.3at), or PoE (802.3af) compatible.
- Ensure the Ethernet cable length does not exceed 100 meters (328 feet) for reliable PoE delivery.
- Slow Network Speeds:
- Confirm that both the switch port and the connected device support the desired speed (e.g., 2.5Gbps).
- Use appropriate Ethernet cables (Cat5e or higher for 2.5Gbps, Cat6/6a for 10Gbps SFP+ uplink).
- Check for network congestion or issues with other devices on your network.
6. Specifications
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Brand | ZYXEL |
| Model Number | XMG-108HP |
| Number of Ports | 9 (8x 2.5GbE RJ-45, 1x 10G SFP+) |
| Data Transfer Rate | 1000 Megabits Per Second (supports 100M/1G/2.5G on RJ-45 ports) |
| Interface Type | PoE, SFP |
| PoE Standard | 802.3bt PoE++ (also supports 802.3af/at) |
| Total PoE Budget | 100W |
| Maximum Power (per port) | 60 Watts |
| Product Dimensions | 4.13 x 9.45 x 1.06 inches |
| Item Weight | 1.76 pounds (800 Grams) |
| Case Material | Plastic (Note: Product images suggest metal casing for heat dissipation, but spec says plastic. Assuming plastic as per spec.) |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop, IP Cameras, Access Points, IP Phones, etc. |
| UPC | 760559130282 |
7. Warranty Information
The Zyxel XMG-108HP MultiGig Ethernet switch comes with a limited lifetime warranty. For specific terms and conditions, please refer to the official Zyxel warranty policy available on their website.
8. Support
For further assistance, technical support, firmware updates, or detailed product documentation, please visit the official Zyxel Networks support website. You can typically find support resources by searching for your product model (XMG-108HP) on their site.
Official Zyxel Networks Website: www.zyxel.com
