Introduction to the Hikvision DS-3E1326P-EI(B) and its key features
The Hikvision DS-3E1326P-EI(B) is a 24-port Fast Ethernet smart-managed PoE switch purpose-built for surveillance and IP camera deployments. With 24×10/100 Mbps PoE ports, two gigabit combo uplinks, a generous 370 W PoE budget and features such as long-range PoE and a PoE watchdog, this unit is aimed squarely at installers and systems integrators who need reliable centralized power and basic L2 management for mid-sized CCTV networks. Rack-mountable, metal-housed and equipped with surge protection, it balances practical site-ready design with useful software integration into Hikvision’s ecosystem.
- 24 PoE portssupporting IEEE 802.3af/at (up to 30 W per port).
- 370 W total PoE budgetto power dozens of cameras and other devices.
- Long-range PoE supportfor extended cable runs (extend mode up to ~300 m depending on camera and cable).
- PoE watchdogthat can detect and automatically restart unresponsive cameras.
- Smart L2 managementincluding VLANs, QoS, port isolation, STP/RSTP and LLDP for basic traffic control and monitoring.
- Practical deployment featuressuch as 2× gigabit uplinks (RJ45/SFP), 6 kV surge protection on PoE ports and rack-mount metal chassis.
Detailed specifications and benefits
Below is a breakdown of the technical specifications and the practical benefits they bring to real-world installations.
- 24× 10/100 Mbps PoE RJ45 ports:All ports supply PoE (802.3af/at) and support devices such as PoE cameras, access points and other small PoE endpoints. While ports are Fast Ethernet (10/100), they are optimized for video surveillance traffic where individual camera throughput is often within 100 Mbps limits.
- 2× Gigabit combo uplinks (RJ45/SFP):These uplinks provide higher-speed aggregation to NVRs, core switches or network backbone equipment. SFP slots allow for fiber connections to reduce interference or to span longer distances between racks or buildings.
- PoE standard:IEEE 802.3af/at compatibility allows powering of both standard and mid-power cameras including many motorized domes and IR models.
- Max PoE per port:Up to 30 W per port supports 802.3at devices.
- Total PoE budget — 370 W:Enough capacity to power a full 24-port field of cameras at moderate power draw, or a mixed setup with some high-power devices. This reduces the need for external power injectors or mid-span solutions.
- Long-range PoE:Extend mode offers the ability to power devices at distances up to roughly 300 m (actual usable distance varies by camera model and cable quality). This is particularly useful on sites where running fiber or adding mid-span power is impractical.
- PoE watchdog:Automatic detection and restart of ports with unresponsive cameras increases system uptime and reduces on-site maintenance visits. This is a valuable feature for remote or widely distributed camera deployments.
- Switching capacity:14.8 Gbps and a forwarding rate of 11.01 Mpps — ample for Fast Ethernet switching across 26 ports.
- MAC table & buffering:16K MAC addresses and a 4 Mbit packet buffer help maintain stable forwarding and reduce packet loss during bursts.
- Basic L2 smart management:A web management interface enables 802.1Q VLANs, port isolation, static link aggregation (LAG), STP/RSTP, QoS, and port mirroring to segment and prioritize camera streams.
- LLDP (802.1ab):Useful for device discovery and topology mapping in larger systems.
- Integration with Hikvision platforms:Compatibility with Hik-Central Pro and Hik-Partner Pro can simplify topology views, PoE usage monitoring and alarm integration for customers already using Hikvision VMS solutions.
- Chassis:Robust metal rack-mount housing with rack ears included eases installation into standard 19" racks.
- Power input and consumption:100–240 V AC input; typical power consumption is approx. 30 W idle and up to ~400 W maximum (including PoE), consistent with its 370 W PoE budget.
- Operating conditions:Designed for typical server room or equipment cabinet environments (0 °C to 45 °C operating temperature and 5%–95% non‑condensing humidity).
- Surge protection:6 kV surge protection on PoE ports helps safeguard connected cameras against lightning and transient events, especially important for outdoor-facing devices or sites with frequent electrical disturbances.
Use cases and scenarios where the product excels
The Hikvision DS-3E1326P-EI(B) is engineered for surveillance-centric networks but its features make it a fit for a variety of mid-sized installations:
- Retail chains and shopping centres:Centralised PoE simplifies powering of multiple point-of-sale cameras, entrance and storage area cameras. VLANs and QoS ensure critical streams reach NVRs with priority.
- Commercial offices and campuses:Ideal for multi-floor camera deployments where rack-mounted switches feed each floor’s devices back to a core switch via the gigabit uplinks.
- Light industrial and warehousing:Long cable runs in warehouses can benefit from the extend mode to place cameras where needed without adding power distribution points.
- Multi-site deployments and installers:PoE watchdog and Hikvision VMS integration reduce on-site maintenance and let integrators monitor PoE consumption and device health remotely.
- Temporary or remote installations:When fiber or mid-span power isn’t available, the extend mode and high PoE budget allow flexible placement of cameras over longer distances.
Comparisons with similar products in the market
When evaluating PoE switches, buyers typically weigh port speed (Fast Ethernet vs Gigabit), PoE budget, management features and ecosystem integration.
- Fast Ethernet vs Gigabit switches:Many modern switches now provide 24×Gigabit PoE ports. Compared to a full-gigabit switch, the DS-3E1326P-EI(B)’s 10/100 ports may be a limitation if the network carries non-camera bulk data (file servers, client PCs) through the same switch. However, for camera-focused deployments where each camera’s bitrate commonly fits within 100 Mbps, Fast Ethernet can offer a cost-effective solution with higher PoE port density for the price.
- PoE budget comparisons:At 370 W, the DS-3E1326P-EI(B)’s PoE budget is competitive for 24-port devices and comparable to many 24-port mid-range competitors. If a project requires sustained power for many 30 W devices simultaneously, buyers should compare total budget figures closely.
- Feature and management level:This model is smart-managed (L2) rather than a fully managed enterprise switch. Competitors from other brands may offer deeper L3 routing features or more sophisticated QoS and monitoring, but usually at higher cost and complexity. For integrators focused on surveillance, the Hikvision integration and PoE-focused utilities can simplify deployment.
- Unique differentiators:Long-range PoE and PoE watchdog functions are especially useful for CCTV installations; not all general-purpose switches include these surveillance-oriented features out of the box.
Customer feedback and typical reviews
There are no individual customer testimonials provided here, but based on the design and target audience, common installer feedback themes for a product like the DS-3E1326P-EI(B) typically include:
- Positive:Reliable PoE delivery with a healthy total budget; ease of rack-mount installation; useful long-range PoE options for difficult cable runs; the PoE watchdog reduces unnecessary site visits; integration with Hikvision VMS is convenient for customers already in that ecosystem.
- Constructive critiques:Some users may prefer gigabit ports for uplinks or camera feeds that exceed 100 Mbps (e.g., newer multi‑stream 4K cameras). Others expecting full enterprise L3 features may find the smart-managed feature set intentionally limited for simplicity and affordability.
In short, installers tend to praise the product for its fit-for-purpose surveillance features and solid build quality while noting the Fast Ethernet port speeds as a consideration when high-bandwidth non-camera traffic shares the same switch.
Conclusion: why choose the Hikvision DS-3E1326P-EI(B)?
The Hikvision DS-3E1326P-EI(B) is a pragmatic and cost-conscious PoE switch tailored to surveillance integrators and site managers who need dependable power delivery, remote recovery tools and basic L2 management without the complexity (and cost) of full enterprise switches. Its 24 PoE ports and 370 W budget make it well suited for mid-sized CCTV projects, while long-range PoE and PoE watchdog features address common field challenges such as distant mounting locations and device resets.
For deployments that prioritise camera power and uptime over ultra-high per-port network speeds, this switch provides a strong value proposition — particularly when used alongside Hikvision NVRs and management software. With a suggested retail price of approximately $299.99, it presents an attractive balance of features to price for its intended market.
As always, consider the specific needs of your site: if you require full gigabit throughput for mixed client/data traffic or advanced routing capabilities, a different model may be preferable. If your core requirement is a durable, surveillance-optimised PoE switch with intelligent but straightforward management, the DS-3E1326P-EI(B) is an excellent candidate.
