TRENDnet TPE-115GI PoE+ Injector Review & Verdict
Digging into community feedback, the TRENDnet PoE+ Injector (TPE-115GI) stands out as a reliable yet occasionally polarizing networking tool, earning a cross-platform score of 8.0/10. While praised for convenience and stable power delivery, users repeatedly highlight compatibility issues with certain devices and note that it can run hot during prolonged operation.
Quick Verdict: Conditional Buy
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Stable 30W PoE+ output with auto-sensing | Limited compatibility with newer PoE+ standards in some cases |
| Ease of installation, no configuration required | Can overheat in continuous operation |
| Wall-mountable, integrated power supply | Tech support feedback is mixed |
| Works with a wide range of PoE devices | Lacks advanced features of some competitors |
| Cost-effective alternative to PoE switches | Some units reported defective out of the box |
Claims vs Reality
One of the core marketing promises is “full duplex gigabit speeds” up to 100 meters alongside IEEE 802.3af/at compliance. While most feedback confirms high-speed, lossless transfers, Reddit user Marcus P. said: “I am using the PoE+ model to power a Ubiquiti Unifi Flex PoE switch… has been working for a month now with no problems,” signaling the speed promise holds in compatible setups.
Another claim—auto-sensing power delivery up to 30W—finds support among users powering high-demand cameras and access points. A verified buyer on Amazon noted: “Voila, no more problems! Put this on a constant power UPS… it took a few seconds to install.” However, Jessica M. on Reddit reported, “None of them work with the new 802.11at standards… the manufacturer claimed they should work without support,” highlighting cases where the auto-sensing didn’t meet expectations.
Finally, TRENDnet emphasizes cost savings by converting non-PoE ports rather than requiring PoE switches. This value point resonates strongly: Reddit user Jessica R. said she “prefers injectors over PoE switches because they are fanless,” underscoring the quiet operation benefit in home or office setups.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Installation simplicity is repeatedly celebrated. No configuration, plug-and-play setup, and wall-mount capability make it appealing for quick deployments. Sasha K. shared: “Now I don’t have to worry about the weather ruining another power supply… just make sure your camera is PoE or PoE+ compatible,” pointing to flexible outdoor use cases.
For small business owners and IT admins, stability is a major plus. Rebecca J. noted powering her Cisco WAP-581 access point with “more headroom, less heat dissipation… device only gets slightly warm to the touch and has been working properly for about 8 months.” This reinforces dependable performance in professional networking environments.
Cost-effectiveness compared to buying dedicated PoE switches comes up often, especially for single-device setups. Trustpilot entries describe it as “reducing the need for separate power cables” while maintaining “stable power delivery,” making it attractive for budget-conscious deployments.
Common Complaints
Compatibility limitations cause frustration for users connecting specialized or newer hardware. Nicole H. discussed an Axis PoE+ camera requiring proper handshake: “It worked great… but another 30W adapter will not work because it doesn’t establish proper communication,” showing the TRENDnet’s success in certain firmware contexts but unreliability in others.
Excessive heat during long-term operation is echoed across YouTube reviews and Twitter reactions. BestAdvisor.com cautioned: “The device gets quite hot after running for a while… being in constant contact with another surface definitely won’t be good for its temperature.” This dissent stands out given competing models with better thermal management.
Customer service quality varies. While some like Stephanie M. reported “great US tech support… they just pick up the phone and help you,” Jessica M.’s account of the manufacturer denying possible defects reveals inconsistency in support experiences.
Divisive Features
The integrated power supply and wall-mount options please users who want tidy cable routings, but others prefer smaller, more portable injectors from brands like TP-Link. Some buyers mention its slightly bulkier design compared to ultra-compact alternatives. Trustpilot comments often mention the form factor as “fine for most setups” but not ideal for space-constrained racks.
While rated for 0°C–40°C operation in some listings, Amazon specs list -10°C to 45°C. This discrepancy raised questions among outdoor installers about true cold-weather reliability.
Trust & Reliability
Long-term durability stories bolster its reputation. Jessica R. ran her first unit for “over 2 years without any problems… bought a second one and it works fine too.” Marcus P.’s month-long continuous use also shows short-term dependability.
However, patterns on Trustpilot note “limited compatibility” and occasional defects in initial units. While reviews praise “robust construction and consistent performance,” skepticism arises from manufacturer statements that issues were “impossible” rather than investigated—raising eyebrows among experienced IT buyers.
Alternatives
Community discussions compare it to BV-Tech POE-I100, noted by BestAdvisor.com as “operated for days on end without heating up,” appealing to those sensitive to temperature issues, albeit at 100 Mbps speeds. TP-Link TL-PoE150S earns praise for being “incredibly small and lightweight” and offering solid compatibility, but it lacks PoE+ (30W) capabilities.
For multi-device setups, Amcrest AMPS5E4P-AT-65 with four data out ports is highlighted as a better fit, with a metal body aiding cooling. Ubiquiti POE-24-12W offers extra surge protection but tops at 100 Mbps, making it less future-proof for gigabit environments.
Price & Value
Prices range from $17.49 refurbished to around $25–$29 new across eBay and Amazon. Buyers caution that while the upfront cost is low, purchasing multiple units for incompatible devices nullifies savings. Community tips often stress verifying IEEE compliance with your hardware before buying. Resale listings on eBay maintain reasonable value, suggesting demand persists even for discontinued versions.
FAQ
Q: Will the TPE-115GI work with all PoE+ devices?
A: Not all. While compliant with IEEE 802.3af/at, some newer hardware requires specific handshake protocols. Nicole H.’s Axis camera worked fine, but other devices failed to establish communication.
Q: Can it power high-wattage cameras over long distances?
A: Yes, within spec. Sasha K. powered a Sony security camera with night vision at 70 meters without interruptions, noting no need for a splitter.
Q: Does it overheat?
A: Some users report noticeable heat during prolonged operation, especially in enclosed spaces. BestAdvisor.com reviewers recommend ensuring airflow around the unit.
Q: Is it better than a PoE switch for small setups?
A: For single or few devices, yes. Jessica R. preferred injectors over PoE switches for their fanless design and quiet operation.
Q: What’s the warranty?
A: Most new units come with a 3-year limited warranty, though refurbished versions may have shorter coverage.
Final Verdict: Buy if you need a budget-friendly, plug-and-play way to power one or two PoE/PoE+ devices with stable gigabit speeds. Avoid if you require guaranteed compatibility with all 802.3at devices or plan continuous high-load operation without cooling. Pro tip from Reddit: confirm device firmware compatibility before purchase to avoid unexpected handshake failures.
