Hikvision DS-3E0505-O 5‑Port Gigabit Unmanaged Switch, Metal Case

Introduction: compact performance for small LANs and CCTV

The Hikvision DS-3E0505-O is a compact, 5-port Gigabit unmanaged Ethernet switch built for small networks and edge CCTV deployments. In a small metal chassis with a fan-free design, it delivers wire-speed forwarding, low power consumption and simple, reliable operation. Whether youre connecting a handful of IP cameras to an NVR, expanding wired ports for a home office, or aggregating network endpoints in a retail or kiosk environment, the DS-3E0505-O aims to be a no-fuss, cost-effective network building block.

Key features at a glance

• 5 Gigabit RJ45 ports(10/100/1000 Mbps) for camera, NVR and device connectivity.
• 10 Gbps switching capacitywith a forwarding rate of approximately 7.44 Mpps for line-rate traffic on typical small networks.
• Fan-free metal chassisfor quiet, robust operation and better heat dissipation than many plastic housings.
• Low power use: 5 V DC, 0.6 A (max ≈3 W; idle ≈0.25 W).
• 6 kV surge protectionsuitable for edge network/CCTV installations where transient protection is important.
• Store-and-forward switchingand a 2K MAC address table for simple, stable switching behaviour.

Detailed specifications and benefits

The DS-3E0505-O packs practical technical details into a small package. Below are the standout specifications and why they matter in real-world deployments.

• 5 × RJ45 10/100/1000 Mbps:All five ports support full Gigabit Ethernet, allowing camera feeds, NVRs, access points and workstations to run at maximum wired speeds without bottlenecks typical of older 10/100 switches.
• 10 Gbps switching capacity & ≈7.44 Mpps forwarding rate:Adequate for simultaneous full-duplex traffic across multiple ports in small installations. It ensures smooth video delivery for several IP cameras and routine data transfers.

• Metal chassis, fan-free design:A metal case improves heat dissipation and physical durability compared with many plastic desktop switches. The absence of a fan reduces noise and removes moving-parts failure modes, making it well suited for indoor environments where silent operation is desirable.
• 6 kV surge protection:Built-in surge tolerance helps protect sensitive network gear (cameras, recorders) from line transients commonly experienced at network edges or near outdoor cable runs that enter buildings. This is a practical feature for CCTV edge installations.

• Low power consumption:The switch runs from 5 V DC at up to 0.6 A. Maximum draw is approximately 3 W with idle power around 0.25 W. This makes the device suitable for battery-backed or solar-assisted systems and reduces operating costs in always-on CCTV scenarios.
• Form factor & mounting:Small footprint (105.00 × 27.60 × 83.10 mm) and light weight (~0.17 kg) allow desk placement or wall mounting close to cameras and NVRs, reducing cabling complexity.

• Store-and-forward switching:Ensures packets are checked for errors before forwarding, contributing to stable traffic behaviour.
• 2K MAC address table:Holds up to ~2048 learned MAC addresses, which is more than sufficient for small office networks and typical camera installations.

Use cases and scenarios where the product excels

The DS-3E0505-O is aimed at straightforward, low-maintenance networks. Typical scenarios include:

• Install it near a cluster of IP cameras and the local NVR to provide dedicated Gigabit links for video streams. The metal housing and surge protection are practical advantages at network edges.
• Its low power draw suits installations where power budgets are tight or where devices are powered via compact DC supplies.

• Provide reliable wired connectivity for a handful of desktops, printers, wired access points and NAS devices. Gigabit speeds keep file transfers and backups speedy.
• Unmanaged design means plug-and-play simplicity for users who do not need VLANs, QoS configuration or remote management.

• Lightweight, wall-mountable and low-power, the switch can be hidden behind displays, in cabinets or mounted near equipment racks at point-of-sale locations.

• Use it to aggregate several wired endpoints into a single uplink to a router or PoE injector. Its handy where unmanaged simplicity and physical robustness are preferred over advanced features.

Comparisons with similar products in the market

There are many 5-port unmanaged Gigabit switches on the market from vendors like TP-Link, Netgear and D-Link. Heres how the Hikvision DS-3E0505-O stacks up on important dimensions:

• Many consumer switches (e.g., plastic-housed TL-SG105 or GS105 equivalents) use plastic cases. The DS-3E0505-Os metal chassis offers better mechanical protection and thermal behaviour, an advantage in semi-industrial or exposed indoor locations.

• Not all small switches include explicit surge protection. The 6 kV rating on this Hikvision model is a differentiator for CCTV and edge deployments where cable runs may pick up transients from nearby equipment or external wiring.

• Fanless operation and very low power draw are comparable to many small unmanaged models. The DS-3E0505-Os idle power (~0.25 W) is particularly low, which may be better than some competing devices.

• As an unmanaged switch it lacks VLANs, QoS configuration, port mirroring and PoE. If you need PoE for cameras, a PoE-capable switch or PoE injector will be necessary. For users who require remote management and advanced features, a small managed switch from Netgears business line or TP-Links JetStream series would be more appropriate.

Customer feedback and reviews

There are limited formal customer testimonials specifically tied to this model in this summary. However, typical feedback for switches in this class and from Hikvision commonly highlights:

• Reliability and quiet operation:Users often appreciate the fanless design and solid metal build for installations where noise and durability matter.
• Value for money:Budget-conscious installers and small businesses frequently cite the balance of Gigabit ports and edge protections at a modest price point as a strong selling point.
• Easy setup:Plug-and-play simplicity is a major plus for non-IT users setting up CCTV or expanding a home network.

If you need firsthand user reviews, check retailer pages or forum threads for installations resembling your environment (CCTV, small office, kiosk). Reviews often call out compatibility with NVRs and IP cameras, and whether the metal housing stands up to the deployment environment.

Conclusion: who should choose the Hikvision DS-3E0505-O?

The Hikvision DS-3E0505-O 5-Port Gigabit Unmanaged Switch is a practical, budget-friendly choice for anyone who needs simple, reliable wired connectivity with a few features that matter at the network edge: a robust metal case, fan-free operation, low power draw and surge protection. Its especially well suited to CCTV installers and small networks where plug-and-play operation and physical durability are priorities.

While it does not provide advanced managed switching features or PoE, its compact footprint, mounting flexibility and modest price make it an attractive option for small-scale deployments. If you require VLANs, bandwidth shaping or Power over Ethernet, consider managed or PoE-capable alternatives; but for straight Gigabit port expansion with an emphasis on reliability and edge protection, the DS-3E0505-O is a sensible, cost-effective tool.

Practical note:The device is intended for indoor use in ventilated, dry environments. For CCTV and other edge uses, install it close to cameras and NVRs where possible, protect it from extreme temperatures and condensation, and consult the official Hikvision datasheet for installation and safety guidance.