Comparison of Switch XMG-100 Series and MG-100 Series

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Zyxel offers a robust selection of networking switches, and two of the standout series are the XMG-100 and MG-100. Both series cater to different needs, offering unique features and benefits. Here’s a detailed comparison to help you decide which switch is best for your requirements.

Overview

XMG-100 Series:

• Designed for home/SOHO/small office users requiring higher bandwidth for online gaming, multimedia streaming, or faster wireless network connectivity.
• Includes 5-port and 8-port models with additional 10G uplink capability.
• Features Multi-Gig Ethernet ports supporting up to 2.5G speeds.
• Available with PoE++ support for higher power delivery.

MG-100 Series:

• Targeted towards users needing efficient network performance without additional uplink capability.
• Includes models with 5 or 8 Multi-Gig ports supporting up to 2.5G speeds.
• No PoE support, focusing on straightforward, unmanaged network connectivity.

Key Specifications

Feature	XMG-100 Series	MG-100 Series
Models	XMG-108, XMG-105HP, XMG-108HP	MG-105, MG-108
Ports	5/8 x 2.5GbE + 1 x 10G SFP+	5/8 x 2.5GbE
PoE Support	XMG-105HP: 70W, XMG-108HP: 100W	None
Switching Capacity	45 Gbps (XMG-105HP), 60 Gbps (XMG-108/XMG-108HP)	25 Gbps (MG-105), 40 Gbps (MG-108)
Forwarding Rate	33.5 Mpps (XMG-105HP), 44.6 Mpps (XMG-108/XMG-108HP)	18.6 Mpps
Power Consumption	Max 90W (XMG-105), Max 9.12W (XMG-108), Max 120W (XMG-108HP)	Max 9.34W (MG-105), Max 12.24W (MG-108)
Operating Temperature	-20°C to 40°C	0°C to 40°C
Dimensions (WxDxH) (mm)	160x110x26 (XMG-105), 40x105x27 (XMG-108/XMG-108HP)	160x110x26 (MG-105), 40x106x26 (MG-108)

Use Cases

XMG-100 Series:

• Ideal for environments with high bandwidth needs, such as homes or small offices with multiple high-demand devices.
• Supports 10G uplink for connecting to high-speed network backbones or network-attached storage (NAS).
• PoE++ models can power devices like IP cameras, wireless access points, and other PoE-compatible devices.

MG-100 Series:

• Best suited for users looking for reliable and straightforward network connectivity.
• Perfect for basic home networking, connecting devices like computers, smart TVs, and gaming consoles with enhanced speed.

Feature Comparison

Feature	XMG-100 Series	MG-100 Series
Multi-Gig Support	2.5G on all ports	2.5G on all ports
10G Uplink	Yes (1 x 10G SFP+)	No
PoE++	Available on XMG-105HP (70W) and XMG-108HP (100W)	No
Silent Operation	Fanless design for silent operation	Fanless design for silent operation
Plug-and-Play	Yes, no configuration required	Yes, no configuration required
QoS Support	Yes	Yes

Conclusion

Both the XMG-100 and MG-100 series provide excellent networking solutions but cater to different needs. The XMG-100 series is more versatile, offering higher bandwidth and PoE support, making it suitable for high-demand environments. On the other hand, the MG-100 series is ideal for users seeking straightforward, unmanaged switches without the need for additional power or uplink capabilities.

Choosing between these two will largely depend on your specific network requirements, including whether you need PoE support, higher bandwidth capabilities, or simply a reliable, unmanaged switch for home use.

For more detailed specifications and to find the right model for your needs, visit the Zyxel product pages:

• https://www.zyxel.com/global/en/products/switch/5-8-port-2-5g-unmanaged-switch-with-10g-uplink-xmg100-series/overview
• https://www.zyxel.com/global/en/products/switch/5-8-port-2-5gbe-unmanaged-switch-mg100-series/overview