D-Link 8-Port 2.5GB Unmanaged Gaming Switch - Multi-Gig Plug & Play

Our review of the D-Link 8-Port 2.5GB Unmanaged Gaming Switch finds it most useful for homes and small offices that want to squeeze more bandwidth out of Wi-Fi 6 APs and multi-gig devices. The bottom line: this compact, fanless switch delivers reliable multi-gig connectivity with almost zero setup fuss, making it the simplest way to upgrade a network to 2.5G-capable devices. For anyone running 2.5G NAS, 2.5G PCIe adapters, or gaming rigs and Wi-Fi 6 access points, the DMS-108 is a practical, quiet step up from gigabit-only hardware.

Key Features

• Eight 2.5G ports: Provides multi-speed transmission that lets Wi-Fi 6 APs and 2.5G clients move large files and streams faster than standard gigabit switches.
• Auto-negotiation: Intelligently adjusts between 100Mb/1G/2.5G per port so mixed-speed networks work without manual configuration.
• QoS and Flow Control: Prioritizes latency-sensitive traffic and reduces dropped packets for smoother gaming and streaming.
• Fanless metal design: Durable metal housing with passive cooling keeps the unit quiet and helps it run cool during sustained transfers.
• Energy efficiency: Supports IEEE 802.3az EEE to reduce power consumption when link activity is low.
• Plug and Play: No software or setup required and per-port LEDs show link status for quick troubleshooting.

Who It's For

The D-Link DMS-108 is ideal for home users and small businesses that already own multi-gig devices or plan to add them soon, such as 2.5G Wi-Fi 6 access points, 2.5G NAS units, gaming PCs, or media servers. It works well where a quiet, reliable switch is needed and where ease of installation matters more than advanced managed features.

Those who need managed switching, VLAN segmentation, PoE for APs, or more than eight ports should look elsewhere; the DMS-108 is an unmanaged, fanless unit designed for straightforward connectivity rather than enterprise network control.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Provides true multi-gig 2.5G connectivity on eight ports for modern Wi-Fi 6 setups.
• Quiet, fanless metal design with low heat output and good build quality.
• Simple plug-and-play operation with auto-negotiation for mixed-speed devices.

Cons

• Unmanaged feature set means no VLANs, advanced routing, or PoE-limits use in larger managed networks.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The D-Link 8-Port 2.5GB Unmanaged Switch is a straightforward, cost-effective way to upgrade to multi-gig speeds for homes and small offices. It delivers solid throughput, quiet operation, and useful traffic prioritization without any configuration headaches, making it excellent value for users who need higher-than-gigabit links but do not require managed features.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this switch require any setup?
No, it is plug and play with auto-negotiation so devices connect at 100 Mb, 1 G, or 2.5 G automatically.

Can it power Wi-Fi access points?
No, this is an unmanaged, non-PoE switch; powered APs require a separate PoE injector or PoE switch.

Is it noisy during heavy use?
No, the fanless metal design runs quietly and customers report low heat during large file transfers.