DS-3E1526P-EI 24‑Port Gigabit Smart‑Managed PoE+ Switch, 370W

Introduction: What the DS-3E1526P-EI delivers

DS-3E1526P-EI 24‑Port Gigabit Smart‑Managed PoE+ Switch, 370Wis a purpose‑built Layer‑2 smart PoE switch designed primarily for CCTV and security deployments. Offering 24 Gigabit PoE+ RJ‑45 ports plus a dedicated gigabit uplink, intelligent PoE management tools and 6 kV surge protection on PoE ports, it addresses the core needs of system integrators and site managers who must power, connect and monitor multiple IP cameras reliably. Priced competitively for its class, this switch targets installations where predictable PoE power, remote health monitoring and basic smart management features are essential.

Key features at a glance

• 24 × Gigabit PoE+ RJ‑45 ports (IEEE 802.3af/at)
• Dedicated gigabit uplink (regional variants may offer SFP options)
• Intelligent PoE management: PoE Watchdog (auto restart), long‑range mode, port isolation
• 370 W total PoE budget reported for the listed variant (confirm SKU before purchase)
• Layer‑2 smart features: VLAN, QoS, link aggregation (LAG), STP/RSTP, SNMP
• Topology/cloud monitoring support for remote troubleshooting
• 6 kV surge protection on PoE ports to improve resilience of cameras and cabling
• Rackable 1U metal chassis with desk or wall mounting options

Detailed specifications and benefits

The DS-3E1526P-EI combines essential hardware specifications with software features that make life easier for installers and administrators. Its core hardware stats include roughly 56 Gbps switching capacity, an approximate forwarding rate of 41.66 Mpps, an 8K MAC address table and about 4.1 Mbit buffer memory — all sufficient for multi‑camera CCTV networks and other PoE deployments at small to medium sites.

• 24 PoE+ Gigabit RJ‑45 ports: Each port supports IEEE 802.3af/at with a typical maximum per‑port power allowance of around 30 W, allowing for high‑power cameras, IR illuminators or other devices.
• Total PoE budget: The supplied listing indicates a 370 W budget. This supports many modern cameras simultaneously, but buyers must confirm the exact SKU/variant and PoE budget with their supplier because variants exist.
• Uplink flexibility: A dedicated gigabit uplink simplifies integration into larger network architectures; some regions provide an SFP uplink variant for fiber connections.

• Layer‑2 smart management: VLAN, QoS, link aggregation and STP/RSTP facilitate traffic control and redundancy in multi‑device networks.
• PoE management tools: PoE Watchdog automatically restarts hung devices, long‑range mode supports extended cabling lengths when required, and port isolation reduces broadcast/domain exposure for cameras.
• Remote topology and health monitoring: Enables quick diagnosis and remote troubleshooting, which reduces truck rolls and speeds up fault resolution.
• 6 kV surge protection on PoE ports: A notable hardware safeguard that helps protect attached cameras and cabling from power transients and lightning‑related spikes, particularly important for outdoor camera deployments.

• Form factor: 1U rackable metal chassis, also mountable on desk or wall — flexible for network room or distributed field closet installation.
• Typical dimensions and weight: Approximately 440 × 44 × 220 mm and around 3 kg, so it fits standard racks with minimal space impact.
• Operating conditions: Designed for typical commercial environments (0 °C to 45 °C operating temperature, 5–95% non‑condensing humidity).

Benefits in everyday deployments

The DS-3E1526P-EI is built to reduce common pain points in CCTV and security network installations. Intelligent PoE management cuts down on manual resets and simplifies power budgeting; PoE Watchdog can automatically restart a frozen camera, long‑range mode supports more distant cameras without extra repeaters, and topology monitoring helps locate faults quickly. The 6 kV surge protection reduces replacement costs and downtime caused by electrical events, and the smart Layer‑2 features mean the switch can be integrated into managed networks without requiring costly enterprise‑grade hardware.

Use cases and scenarios where the switch excels

This product is especially well suited to the following environments:

• Mid‑sized CCTV systems: Multi‑floor office buildings, retail centers and school campuses that need to power dozens of cameras from a single switch while keeping management simple.
• Distributed branch locations: Retail chains or franchises where remote topology monitoring and cloud management reduce the need for local IT expertise.
• Outdoor camera farms and perimeter security: Sites where surge protection and reliable PoE power are essential due to exposure to the elements and the higher cost of camera replacement.
• Temporary or event deployments: The switch’s PoE budget and rackable/portable form factor make it suitable for temporary setups where many PoE cameras or devices must be powered quickly and consistently.
• Small system integrator projects: Installers who need a reliable, cost‑effective switch that supports VLANs, QoS and port isolation for secure, segmented camera networks.

Comparisons with similar products in the market

When evaluating the DS-3E1526P-EI, it helps to compare it with other 24‑port PoE+ smart switches from well‑known brands. Key comparison points are PoE budget, smart management features, surge protection and price.

Enterprise brands such as Cisco and Aruba often provide richer feature sets, higher scalability and broader support options, but they come at a significantly higher price. For many CCTV use cases the DS-3E1526P-EI delivers the necessary Layer‑2 features and PoE capacity at a lower TCO, making it a practical choice where enterprise‑grade features (like extensive L3 routing or advanced telemetry) are not required.

Competing SMB models from Ubiquiti or TP‑Link may offer attractive cloud management ecosystems and familiar UIs, and some include integrated NVR or controller features. The DS-3E1526P-EI separates itself with built‑in 6 kV surge protection on PoE ports and specific PoE management tools aimed at CCTV (PoE Watchdog, long‑range mode). Price‑wise it sits competitively; installers should weigh management ecosystem preference, required PoE budget and surge protection needs when choosing.

Hikvision publishes several model variants (EI, EI/M, SI, etc.) that differ by uplink options, PoE budget and firmware features. The DS-3E1526P-EI is positioned as a smart, CCTV‑focused model with strong PoE and protection features; confirm the exact SKU and PoE budget (370 W reported for the listed variant) before specifying to ensure it meets your power requirements.

Customer feedback and installer notes

While individual experiences vary by deployment, common installer feedback for switches in this class typically highlights a few recurring themes:

• Easy deployment: Installers appreciate that the switch provides straightforward Layer‑2 management, simple VLAN configuration and PoE diagnostics, which speed up commissioning.
• Effective PoE tools: PoE Watchdog and port level controls reduce the frequency of site visits because cameras can be restarted remotely or power budgets can be adjusted without onsite work.
• Surge protection value: Customers with outdoor cameras often note that built‑in surge protection reduces camera failures after storms or electrical events compared with unprotected setups.
• Variant caution: Several integrators advise double‑checking the exact model and PoE budget from the supplier to avoid underpowered installations — a reminder that SKU differences do matter.

Note: These are representative installer impressions based on common field requirements for this class of product. For verified customer testimonials refer to supplier or resellers who can provide real‑world case studies and references.

Important considerations before purchase and installation

• Confirm SKU and PoE budget: Hikvision offers variants — always verify the exact model and its total PoE budget with your supplier.
• Compliance & certification: Confirm CE/UKCA and any regional compliance requirements with your supplier before sale.
• Qualified installation: Installation should be performed by a qualified installer following local electrical regulations. Isolate power before wiring and use proper grounding for surge protection to be effective.
• Power planning: Add headroom to your PoE calculations — account for peak power needs, camera heaters/IR and future expansion when choosing the PoE budget.

Conclusion: Why this switch is a strong choice for CCTV and security networks

The DS-3E1526P-EI 24‑Port Gigabit Smart‑Managed PoE+ Switch combines practical Layer‑2 management, targeted PoE features and physical protection that align closely with the needs of CCTV installers and site managers. Its mix of PoE Watchdog, long‑range mode, port isolation, topology monitoring and 6 kV surge protection delivers tangible operational benefits: fewer truck rolls, better uptime for cameras and simplified power management. For mid‑sized camera deployments and distributed site networks where enterprise‑grade features are unnecessary, this switch offers a cost‑effective balance of capability and protection. As always, verify the specific SKU, PoE budget and regional compliance with your supplier before purchase, and plan power and grounding carefully during installation to get the best long‑term results.

Pricing note: The listed suggested price is $429.00 (cost price indicated as $257.26). Pricing, shipping and warranty terms will vary by vendor and region; check with your reseller for current offers and support options.