Choosing gear for homelab networking & firewalls gets confusing when one comparison pairs a connectivity device with a rack accessory. The key question is simple: do you need extra wired ports, or do you need a cleaner way to house a TP-Link ER605 V2? The TL-SG105 and the ER605 V2 1U mount solve different problems, so the right choice depends on the job-not on treating them as interchangeable network devices.
Quick verdict
Choose the TP-Link TL-SG105 when the goal is straightforward wired expansion. Choose the ER605 V2 1U Network Rack Mount when you need a rack-oriented home for that router. These are different jobs: one is an unmanaged switch; the other is a physical mount. The price gap is secondary, because paying for a mount does not add network ports.
Listed-price comparison
| Product | Listed price | Role |
|---|---|---|
| ER605 V2 1U Network Rack Mount | $40.99 | Physical mount |
| TP-Link TL-SG105 | $29.99 | Unmanaged network switch |
The absolute listed-price spread is $11.
Where each product wins
Where the ER605 V2 1U Network Rack Mount wins
The mount wins when the ER605 V2 is the chosen router and rack organization is the problem. Its 10-inch 1U format, open-frame construction, and access to ports and LEDs address physical placement directly. Natural airflow is part of that design, while white PETG is the specified construction material. The advantage is therefore about housing the router neatly, not adding Ethernet connections or replacing a switch.
Where the TP-Link TL-SG105 wins
The TL-SG105 wins when the homelab needs more wired connections. Five Gigabit Ethernet ports, an RJ-45 interface, and plug-and-play operation make its purpose clear without introducing a mounting project. The standalone form factor keeps the comparison grounded in desktop networking. Its unmanaged design also separates it from the ER605 V2 mount: it is intended to connect wired equipment, not provide physical support for a router.
Product notes
ER605 V2 1U Network Rack Mount
Choose the mount when the TP-Link ER605 V2 is already the router at the center of your homelab and the next task is giving it a dedicated rack position. This is a 10-inch 1U network rack mount with white PETG construction, an open-frame layout, access to ports and LEDs, and natural airflow. Those details make it the more relevant choice for physical organization, not for adding wired connections. The limitation is straightforward: it is a mount rather than a network switch, so it cannot provide the TL-SG105's five-port connectivity. At $40.99, it is also the higher-priced item, which is harder to justify when the only goal is expanding a wired network.
TP-Link TL-SG105 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Switch
The TL-SG105 fits a different need: expanding a wired home lab with five Gigabit Ethernet ports through an RJ-45 interface. Its unmanaged, plug-and-play design keeps the choice focused on straightforward connectivity, and its standalone form factor suits a desktop network setup. The limitation is equally concrete: it is not a rack mount for the TP-Link ER605 V2, so choosing it will not solve an equipment-organization task. Its unmanaged role also makes it a poor match for a purchase centered on mounting hardware rather than connecting Ethernet devices.
Final choice by use case
- Choose the TP-Link TL-SG105 for wired network expansion. Its switch role is the concrete match for that task.
- Choose the ER605 V2 1U Network Rack Mount when the goal is rack organization for a TP-Link ER605 V2. Its mount role is the deciding detail.
- For homelab networking & firewalls, decide whether the next purchase is connectivity or organization. The TL-SG105 handles the former; the mount addresses the latter and does not replace the router itself.
