Introduction: Meet the RG-ES216GC-V2 — 16‑Port Gigabit Cloud Switch
The RG-ES216GC-V2 is a compact, rack-mountable Layer‑2 smart switch that brings gigabit connectivity, cloud management and a low‑power, fanless design to small and mid‑size networks. With 16 × 10/100/1000Base‑T RJ‑45 ports, cloud provisioning through Ruijie Cloud / Reyee, and a toolbox of Layer‑2 features, this switch is aimed at office racks, NVR/CCTV aggregations and branch sites where quiet operation, remote management and predictable performance matter.
Key features at a glance
- 16 gigabit RJ‑45 ports:Full‑speed connectivity for cameras, workstations and servers.
- Cloud management:Zero‑touch provisioning, monitoring and remote configuration via Ruijie Cloud / Reyee app.
- Layer‑2 smart functions:VLANs, port isolation, QoS, DHCP snooping, port mirroring and broadcast suppression.
- Fanless, low power:Typical power consumption ≤ 12 W — ideal for quiet environments and energy-conscious deployments.
- Form factor:19" rack‑mountable steel chassis with desktop placement option.
- CCTV-friendly tools:Camera recognition, per‑port reboot and extend mode for long cable runs.
- 3‑year warranty:Manufacturer coverage for added peace of mind.
Detailed specifications and benefits
The RG-ES216GC-V2 is designed around practical specifications that translate into real benefits for installers, integrators and IT administrators. Below is an organized breakdown of the switch's key technical and operational details and what they mean in practice.
- 16 × 10/100/1000Base‑T RJ‑45 ports:Gigabit ports allow full‑speed connectivity for IP cameras, desktop clients, wireless AP uplinks and local servers. A non‑PoE design means lower cost and power draw when PoE is not required.
- No SFP ports listed:The model focuses on copper connectivity. If fibre uplinks are required, plan for a separate media converter or a different model with SFP slots.
- Chassis and cooling:Approximately 440 × 165 × 44 mm in a 19" steel chassis, with fanless cooling for silent operation. Fanless designs reduce maintenance and eliminate audible noise in quiet rooms (NVR racks, offices).
- Switching capacity:32 Gbps switching fabric with a forwarding rate of 23.81 Mpps — suitable for typical SMB and CCTV aggregation traffic patterns.
- MAC address table:8,000 entries, which is adequate for small to medium deployments and camera-dense installations.
- Packet buffer:Approximately 4.1 Mbit of buffering to help absorb traffic bursts and reduce packet loss during transient congestion.
- Cloud & local management:Ruijie Cloud and the Reyee app enable centralised monitoring, zero‑touch provisioning and remote troubleshooting. A web/HTTP GUI is available for on‑site configuration.
- Layer‑2 capabilities:VLANs for logical separation, port isolation for security, loop protection for network stability, QoS to prioritise important traffic and DHCP snooping to mitigate rogue DHCP servers.
- CCTV features:Camera recognition simplifies mass deployments, per‑port reboot lets you power-cycle IP cameras remotely (via supported PoE switches or camera power management), and extend mode supports longer cable runs common in CCTV deployments.
- AC input:100–240 V input for global deployment without special power equipment.
- Low power draw:Typical ≤ 12 W operation reduces ongoing energy costs and allows safe use in enclosed NVR cabinets without active ventilation.
- Surge protection & MTBF:Reported per‑port surge protection around 4 kV and an MTBF greater than 200,000 hours indicate suitability for professional installations, though site grounding and surge planning remain advisable.
Use cases and scenarios where the RG‑ES216GC‑V2 excels
This switch is tailored for a range of real‑world deployments. Here are the scenarios where it particularly shines:
- Camera recognition and extend mode make the RG‑ES216GC‑V2 a strong choice for aggregating IP cameras into an NVR room. Even without PoE, it can be used at the distribution layer or in camera closets when paired with PoE injectors or midspan injectors.
- Per‑port reboot capability (where power management is available) simplifies remote recovery of misbehaving cameras without a truck roll.
- Small businesses that need centralised, cloud‑based monitoring and minimal on‑site IT staff will benefit from the Ruijie Cloud integration: roll out policy, firmware updates and troubleshooting remotely.
- Fanless, low power operation suits quiet office areas and reduces operational expenses in distributed branch environments.
- Managed via a central cloud portal, integrators can standardise deployments, push configurations, and respond to alerts across multiple client sites from a single interface.
- 3‑year warranty and CE/RoHS compliance simplify procurement for commercial projects (verify UKCA locally if required).
How it compares with similar products on the market
The RG‑ES216GC‑V2 sits in a crowded segment of small managed switches. Its main differentiators are cloud integration, a fanless design and CCTV‑oriented features. When comparing it to other options, consider these tradeoffs:
- Vs. unmanaged switches:Unmanaged gigabit switches are cheaper but lack VLANs, QoS and centralised management. For sites needing segmentation, security and remote troubleshooting, the RG‑ES216GC‑V2 is the better choice.
- Vs. PoE-enabled switches:PoE switches are essential when powering cameras and wireless APs from the switch itself. The RG‑ES216GC‑V2 is non‑PoE; choose it if PoE is not required or pair it with PoE injectors or a separate PoE switch for the edge.
- Vs. enterprise managed switches:Higher-end enterprise switches may offer advanced Layer‑3 routing, more extensive QoS, redundant power and SFP uplinks. The RG‑ES216GC‑V2 focuses on affordability and simplicity for SMB and CCTV use and is a good middle ground between consumer gear and full‑blown enterprise platforms.
- Cloud management ecosystems:Compared with other cloud‑managed brands (Ubiquiti, Cisco Meraki alternatives, TP‑Link Omada), Ruijie Cloud/Reyee provides similar zero‑touch provisioning features. Choose based on ecosystem preference, licensing model and existing site standards.
Customer feedback and reviews
No specific, verified customer testimonials are included here, but installers and administrators who evaluate the RG‑ES216GC‑V2 typically comment on a few recurring strengths and limitations:
- Common positives:Quiet fanless operation, straightforward cloud onboarding, solid Layer‑2 feature set and compact rack‑friendly design.
- Common caveats:The non‑PoE nature means an extra purchase if you need to power cameras or APs. Also, sites requiring fibre uplinks will need a different model or converters since SFP ports are not listed.
If you are considering this switch, ask your reseller for recent reference projects or a trial unit to verify cloud workflows and compatibility with your camera and NVR systems.
Conclusion: Why choose the RG‑ES216GC‑V2?
The RG‑ES216GC‑V2 is a pragmatic, cost‑aware choice for small‑to‑medium networks, CCTV aggregations and branch locations that value cloud management, silent operation and an approachable feature set. It balances performance and energy efficiency with reliable Layer‑2 functionality and CCTV‑friendly tools that reduce on‑site maintenance and support remote troubleshooting.
Choose this switch if you need an affordable, centrally manageable gigabit access switch without the complexity or cost of higher‑end enterprise gear, and if PoE is not a strict requirement. For camera aggregation, office edge switching, or multi‑site integrator deployments, the RG‑ES216GC‑V2 delivers the essentials — gigabit capacity, remote control and quiet, low‑power operation — all backed by a 3‑year warranty.
Note:Verify UKCA marking requirements for your market, ensure certified installation by qualified personnel, and check the latest firmware and cloud service terms with your vendor before deployment.
