The FS s2800s-8T smart managed L2+ switch is one of the most compact Ethernet switches I have tested to date and, as expected, it has been designed for small business networks and even for home use. This proves that FS is also focusing on the needs of users outside the enterprise-level market, but what value for money can the FS S2800S-8T actually offer?
Even though it is a smart switch, the FS s2800s-8T still seems to support the entire Suite of L2+ features that you get with most other FS Ethernet switches that cost less than (although there are no L3 features). However, it offers a switching capacity of 16 Gbit / s and a transfer rate of 11.9 Mpps, which makes it suitable for small and perhaps even medium (non-demanding) networks.
There is also no PoE support, so not only can you turn on the wireless access point with an Ethernet cable, and you will also not find SFP slots to connect fiber optic modules, but I guess this was expected given the price of the Ethernet switch. However, what makes me curious is whether the FS s2800s-8T can maintain a decent internal temperature given its ultra-compact size and its ability to handle a congested network. So, let’s put it to the test and find out.
Quality of design and manufacture
As I mentioned in the Intro, the FS s2800s-8T is the most compact Ethernet switch I’ve tested so far, and it’s almost pocket-sized at 7.48 x 4.72 x 1.38 inches (19.0 x 12.0 x 3.5 cm). If only it were a little narrower, it could even compete with current flagship smartphones. Due to its size, you cannot mount the FS s2800s-8T in a Rack unless you don’t mind using a tray. However, you have the option of mounting the Ethernet switch on the wall thanks to the two dedicated holes at the bottom (if only TP-Link had the same idea with the TL-ER7206 gateway).
Of course, you can just leave the device on the desktop, because it doesn’t really take up that much space. That being said, the switch is made entirely of metal, rectangular, and the sides of the device are covered with numerous holes drilled for ventilation. In fact, the FS S2800S-8T is fanless and relies on these holes to keep the internal temperature at a decent level.
As you can see in The thermal image (taken with The AGM Glory Pro), The Ethernet switch does not overheat and it is usually a little hot. While the housing is covered with a matte black finish, the front side is light gray and this is where you will find the connectors and the LEDs.
From the left is the recessed reset button (which allows the device to be reset to factory defaults), followed by the PWR indicator light and the block of eight Gigabit Ethernet ports, each with its own LEDs. One indicates the connection speed at which the connection was established (10/100 Mbps – yellow and 1000 Mbps – green) and the other flashes to inform you that data is being transferred to this port. When you turn the FS S2800S-8T, you will see the power connector, followed by the on/off switch, the ground screw and the Kensington slot.
That’s about it, so overall, the FS s2800s-8T is a fairly simple Ethernet switch. But I should mention that the top cover (made of metal) is not firmly connected to the rest of the cover, so a slight movement is especially noticeable when you press your finger on the top of the Ethernet switch.
Internal Equipment (FS S2800S-8T demolition)
If you want to open the FS S2800S-8T, you should know that if there is a broken sticker on the bottom, there is a big loss of warranty and yes, it is very easy to tear. If you don’t mind the possibility of losing the Warranty, remove the two screws from the bottom of the cover, then gently slide the upper part, exposing the card.
