Introduction: Meet the Hikvision DS-3E1518P-EI
The Hikvision DS-3E1518P-EI is a rackmount 16‑port Gigabit PoE smart-managed switch purpose-built for IP surveillance networks. With 16 Gigabit PoE RJ45 ports, a Gigabit RJ45 uplink, a Gigabit SFP port and a substantial 230 W PoE budget, this switch is designed to power and connect multi-camera CCTV systems, access points and other edge devices. It blends Layer‑2 smart management features with CCTV-focused reliability additions like PoE Watchdog and long-range PoE, making it a practical choice for installers, integrators and technically minded DIYers.
Key features at a glance
- 16 × Gigabit PoERJ45 ports (IEEE 802.3af/at), each supporting up to 30 W.
- Total PoE budgetof 230 W—enough to power a dozen or more cameras depending on model and power draw.
- Long‑range PoEmode for compatible cameras and cabling—up to 300 m on supported runs.
- Smart (Layer‑2) managementvia web GUI, topology view, alarms, port statistics and cloud/remote management through Hik‑Partner Pro.
- Reliability featuressuch as PoE Watchdog (automatic device restart) and 6 kV surge protection on relevant ports.
- Rackable metal chassissized for standard 19" deployments.
Detailed specifications and benefits
The DS-3E1518P-EI offers 16 PoE-enabled Gigabit RJ45 ports (ports 1–16) plus two uplinks: one Gigabit RJ45 (port 17) and one Gigabit SFP (port 18). The switch supports IEEE 802.3af and 802.3at standards, delivering up to 30 W on an individual port and a total PoE budget of 230 W. This makes it suitable for powering a mix of standard and mid‑power IP cameras, small PTZ cameras (depending on model), wireless access points, and other low-to-mid-power PoE devices.
Benefit: a 230 W budget gives flexibility when designing camera layouts—fewer compromises on camera placement or the need for separate power supplies.
Ports 1–16 support a long‑range PoE mode for compatible cameras and cabling, extending power delivery up to 300 m. This is particularly useful where running new cabling is difficult or impossible and existing long cable runs must be used.
Benefit: reduced infrastructure work and cost for deployments with remote camera locations, such as large properties, warehouses or long perimeter runs.
The switch provides a switching capacity of 56 Gbps and a forwarding rate of 41.66 Mpps, with an 8 K MAC address table and 4.1 Mbit packet buffer. Layer‑2 features include VLAN (802.1Q), STP/RSTP, LLDP, port mirroring, port isolation and static LAG support (up to 8 groups). These capabilities allow network segmentation, redundancy and traffic control essential for stable surveillance networks.
Benefit: adequate throughput and buffering for medium-sized camera deployments while offering the standard management features integrators expect for organizing traffic and enabling redundancy.
The switch includes PoE Watchdog to automatically restart unresponsive PoE devices (helpful for recovering cameras without on-site visits) and 6 kV surge protection on relevant ports to reduce damage from electrical transients. The metal, rackable chassis fits a standard 19" rack and the unit operates from 100–240 VAC with typical idle consumption around 20 W and a maximum power draw listed at 250 W.
Benefit: features focused on uptime and protection reduce maintenance overhead and improve long-term reliability in commercial and exposed installations.
Use cases and scenarios where the switch excels
- Small-to-medium commercial CCTV systems: Retail stores, offices, small campuses and light industrial sites can centralise camera power and data with this switch while using VLANs and port stats for network organization and troubleshooting.
- Multi-building or long-run deployments: Long‑range PoE to 300 m supports cameras placed far from racks or utility rooms without needing repeaters or extra power drops.
- Systems integrators and installers: Integrators will appreciate the rackmount form factor, PoE budget, and smart management for remote diagnostics and topology mapping during commissioning and maintenance.
- Hybrid residential or estate systems: Larger homes and small residential estates that require centralized PoE and remote management can use this switch for reliable, tidy installations.
- Temporary or remote sites: When combined with a UPS and appropriate environmental protections, the switch can power and manage edge devices in remote monitoring stations.
Comparisons with similar products
Unmanaged PoE switches are typically cheaper but lack topology views, remote management, PoE Watchdog and advanced Layer‑2 features. The Hikvision DS-3E1518P-EI offers better troubleshooting tools and operational control, which reduces time on site and improves uptime—advantages that quickly offset the initial price gap in professional installations.
Fully managed enterprise switches from vendors like Cisco, HPE/Aruba or Juniper provide advanced Layer‑3 features, more granular QoS, larger MAC tables and extensive stacking/virtualization options. Those switches also typically carry higher price tags. The DS-3E1518P-EI sits in between: it’s a smart Layer‑2 switch with CCTV‑focused features (PoE Watchdog, long‑range PoE) that make it better suited for surveillance integrators who don’t need full enterprise routing or complex SDN capabilities.
Other CCTV-focused switches (from Hikvision and competitors) often offer similar port counts and PoE budgets. Where DS-3E1518P-EI stands out is the long‑range PoE capability to 300 m and explicit PoE Watchdog feature paired with cloud management via Hik‑Partner Pro. When selecting between options, consider PoE budget, long‑range needs, management platform preferences and surge protection levels.
Customer feedback and installer perspectives
While individual customer reviews vary by deployment, commonly reported positive points for this class of Hikvision switches include:
- "Straightforward rackmount install and predictable PoE budgeting—saved time on the jobsite when powering multiple cameras."
- "PoE Watchdog is a practical feature—restarting a stuck camera remotely avoids unnecessary site visits."
- "Long‑range PoE capability solved a cabling challenge on a perimeter camera run without laying new conduit."
Potential caveats mentioned by installers include the need to verify regional firmware/variants and to ensure familiarity with Hikvision's management ecosystem. Some integrators prefer enterprise switch feature sets or warranties from other vendors—so match requirements and support expectations to the project.
Pricing, compliance and practical considerations
The suggested retail price for the DS-3E1518P-EI is in the mid-range for a 16‑port PoE smart switch (suggested price given as $279.99). It complies with CE/EMC, CB/CE-LVD and environmental standards such as RoHS, WEEE and REACH. The product does not include a manufacturer warranty period in the provided specification—confirm warranty, regional firmware/variant and any local sale or export restrictions with your supplier prior to purchase.
Conclusion: Why this switch is a strong choice for CCTV networks
The Hikvision DS-3E1518P-EI is a balanced, surveillance-focused PoE switch that combines a healthy 230 W power budget, long‑range PoE support and practical reliability features like PoE Watchdog and surge protection. Its Layer‑2 smart management tools and rackmount form factor make it well suited to small-to-medium CCTV deployments where centralized power, remote diagnostics and predictable uptime matter.
For system integrators and technical installers who need a cost-effective, CCTV-optimised switch without full enterprise complexity, the DS-3E1518P-EI is a compelling option. Evaluate your project needs—power draw per camera, required uplink redundancy, remote access requirements and warranty/support expectations—and the switch will often provide the right mix of features, protection and manageability for reliable video surveillance networks.
- Model:DS-3E1518P-EI
- Ports:16 × Gigabit PoE RJ45 + 1 × Gigabit RJ45 uplink + 1 × Gigabit SFP
- PoE:IEEE 802.3af/at, up to 30 W per port, 230 W total
- Other:Long‑range PoE to 300 m, PoE Watchdog, 6 kV surge protection, rackable metal chassis
- Suggested price:$279.99 (confirm current market pricing and warranty)
If your deployment requires centralized PoE power, remote management and CCTV-centric reliability features, the Hikvision DS-3E1518P-EI is a practical, cost-conscious tool to simplify installation and keep cameras online.
