"Everything Can Be Unboxed" Tenda 5-Port Full-Gigabit Small Switch

Preface

It's been a while since I've done an unboxing post. I've bought quite a few things recently, but haven't had the time to write about them.

I had been wanting to change my router for a long time, but I didn't expect the router that came with my broadband package to hold out for so long...

The first time I thought about changing it was when I bought a NAS and found that transferring files from my desktop to the NAS was very slow. So I bought an AX210 network card, but it still couldn't reach full speed. I began to realize the router's Wi-Fi bandwidth was too low. I originally wanted to get a new router, but since I was too lazy to shop around, I just bought a few meters of Cat6 cable for a few bucks. As soon as I connected it, it instantly hit full gigabit LAN speed~

The second time (which is this time) I thought about changing the router was because streaming my desktop to my laptop always caused stuttering. However, since there's also an Ethernet cable in the room, I thought I'd put it to use. But the router only has 2 LAN ports, which were already occupied by the desktop and NAS, so there was no place left to plug in another cable.

A small switch for a few tens of bucks works wonderfully. In the end, this router still didn't get replaced...

Packaging

Should I get a new mouse pad?

Back

Unboxing

The included accessories are simple: a power adapter, a quick start guide, and the switch itself.

Let's take a look at the 5 Ethernet ports on the back.

User Experience

After connecting with a network cable, I indeed no longer encountered network signal issues during streaming.

However, if I run OBS screen recording on the laptop while streaming, it still becomes very laggy.

At first, I thought it was a configuration problem, and no matter how I adjusted it, it wasn't right.

Later, I opened hwinfo to monitor the CPU and GPU power and temperatures, only to discover it was a heat dissipation issue with the laptop.

The specific symptom is that under normal use, the CPU power can reach up to 22W, but once the temperature exceeds 60°C, it throttles down, reducing power to 15W or even lower. No wonder it becomes unbearably laggy with even a slight load.

By the way, I'm streaming using the original Matebook14, which I've been using for many years without ever replacing the thermal paste or cleaning out the dust. It's not surprising that heat dissipation would become a problem.

Q & A

• Q: Why not use a MacBook for streaming?
• A: I've tried it, but I'm not used to the key layout.
• Q: Why not get a new laptop?
• A: I've already placed an order. An unboxing article will be coming soon, but I'm keeping it as a surprise for now.

And...

There's also a little side story. Didn't I buy a Thinkplus docking station last time? It has a Gigabit Ethernet port.

But when I tried to use it, it just wouldn't be recognized no matter what.

So I went to JD.com and contacted customer service, and they asked me to exchange it.

After getting the replacement, I found the network still wasn't working.

When I checked the configuration，I realized—oh no—I had set up the network during a training session previously and forgot to change it back...

This time, it’s my own fault. I made a rookie mistake, lol 😂