Introduction: Meet the DS-3E1518P-SI — a surveillance-focused PoE switch
DS-3E1518P-SI 16-Port Smart Managed Gigabit PoE Switch, 2×SFP, 225Wis a purpose-built network switch aimed at CCTV and security deployments. It combines 16 Gigabit PoE ports with two Gigabit SFP uplinks, a 225 W PoE budget and a set of smart Layer‑2 features that simplify camera networks and NVR connections. Compact in a 1U metal rack chassis and equipped with hardware protections such as 6 kV surge protection on PoE ports, this switch is intended to reduce cabling complexity, improve uptime and deliver predictable power to IP cameras and other PoE devices.
Key features at a glance
- 16 × 1 Gbps PoE RJ45 ports with support for IEEE 802.3af/at (up to 30 W per port).
- 2 × 1 Gbps SFP fibre uplink ports for long-distance backbone links.
- Total PoE budget of 225 W, suitable for medium-sized camera installations.
- Smart Layer‑2 management: VLANs, STP/RSTP, LLDP, SNMP, link aggregation and QoS.
- Surveillance-focused tools: PoE Watchdog to auto‑restart unresponsive cameras and Extend Mode for long‑reach transmission up to 300 m.
- 6 kV surge protection on PoE ports and a 1U rack‑mount metal chassis for secure installations.
Detailed specifications and benefits
The DS-3E1518P-SI offers 16 Gigabit PoE RJ45 ports and two Gigabit SFP slots. With a switching capacity of 36 Gbps and a forwarding rate of 26.784 Mpps, it is sized for multi‑camera networks and general site connectivity. The MAC table supports 8K entries and a 4.1 Mbit buffer helps smooth traffic bursts, which is useful when multiple high‑bitrate streams are active during peak event recording.
PoE is the central selling point. The switch complies with IEEE 802.3af/at, supports up to 30 W per port and provides a generous 225 W total PoE budget—enough to power many contemporary cameras, including some PTZ or IR models when power demands are considered. Pinouts for both end‑span and mid‑span deployments are supported. Practical enhancements like a PoE Watchdog can detect and automatically restart cameras that stop responding, reducing on‑site maintenance visits. For deployments that require extended copper runs, the Extend Mode supports transmission up to 300 m—handy for legacy cabling scenarios where fibre or additional power points aren’t available. Hardware surge protection (6 kV) on PoE ports adds resilience in electrically noisy environments or outdoor camera feeds routed near power lines.
This is a smart managed Layer‑2 switch with a web UI and SNMP v1/v2c support. It includes typical surveillance-focused features: VLAN segmentation (up to 4094 VLAN IDs), STP/RSTP for loop protection, LLDP for topology discovery, link aggregation (LAG) for uplink redundancy or higher throughput, port isolation and port mirroring for troubleshooting. QoS features such as WRR and strict priority (SP) let administrators prioritise video traffic to reduce packet loss and latency during network congestion. Firmware can be upgraded remotely and system logging and time synchronization options are provided for easier management in multi‑device sites.
Input power ranges from 100–240 VAC at 50/60 Hz. Maximum consumption is specified as 250 W with idle consumption around 25 W. These figures are useful when planning site power and UPS sizing; remember to budget for the difference between PoE budget (225 W) and maximum consumption to allow headroom for the switch’s own electronics.
Housed in a 1U metal chassis measuring 440 × 44 × 220.8 mm and weighing about 2.735 kg, the switch is rack‑mountable and intended for secure equipment cabinets. Operating temperatures span −10 °C to 55 °C and humidity tolerance is 5%–95% non‑condensing. Ethernet standards supported include IEEE 802.3 family variants for broad compatibility with existing network equipment.
The supplied record notes insufficient data on CE/UKCA markings—buyers should verify regional certifications before installation. Manufacturer warranty details were not provided in the data set; confirm warranty and support terms with the vendor prior to purchase and installation.
Where this switch excels — use cases and scenarios
The DS-3E1518P-SI is particularly well matched to security and video surveillance environments. Typical use cases include:
- Small-to-medium CCTV systems: A single switch can power and connect 8–16 cameras depending on their power draw and resolution settings, making it ideal for retail stores, small campus buildings, bank branches and office suites.
- Distributed camera feeds with fibre uplinks: Use the two SFP ports to connect to a fibre backbone or to link to an NVR or central headend without consuming copper ports.
- Outdoor camera installations with surge risk: The 6 kV surge protection on PoE ports protects cameras from voltage spikes caused by lightning or nearby electrical disturbance, reducing the risk of camera damage.
- Installations with remote cameras on long runs: Extend Mode enables copper runs up to 300 m where fibre or intermediate power sources aren’t feasible—useful in historical buildings or temporary installs.
- Managed surveillance networks: VLANs, QoS and port isolation let administrators segregate camera traffic, prioritise streams to avoid dropped frames, and secure the camera VLAN from other network segments.
How it compares to other switches on the market
When evaluating the DS-3E1518P-SI, consider three broad categories of competition:
- Unmanaged PoE switches— Typically lower cost, plug‑and‑play devices lack the management features (VLANs, QoS, PoE watchdog) crucial for surveillance networks. For simple, small deployments the unmanaged option may suffice, but the DS-3E1518P-SI offers valuable operational control and monitoring for professional installs.
- Smart‑managed/mid‑market PoE switches— This is the DS-3E1518P-SI’s direct competitive set. Similar switches from other vendors provide comparable port counts and PoE budgets. Key differentiators to compare are PoE budget per chassis, presence of surveillance features (auto‑reboot/Watchdog, Extend Mode), surge protection levels and available management protocols. The inclusion of 6 kV PoE surge protection and an explicit PoE Watchdog gives this model an edge in reliability-focused CCTV deployments.
- Fully managed enterprise switches— Higher‑end enterprise gear includes advanced Layer‑3 routing, extensive monitoring (sFlow, NetFlow), and broader authentication options (RADIUS/TACACS+). These switches often cost significantly more and may be overkill for purely camera networks. The DS-3E1518P-SI provides a practical middle ground: more control than unmanaged gear but a simpler, cost‑effective alternative to full enterprise switches.
Customer feedback and typical installer impressions
Specific public testimonials for this exact model were not supplied with the product record. However, installers and integrators evaluating switches in this category commonly praise the following attributes when present:
- Reliable PoE delivery and adequate budget — valued for powering multiple cameras without separate injectors.
- Surveillance‑oriented tools such as PoE Watchdog — reduces truck rolls by automatically rebooting unresponsive cameras.
- Built‑in surge protection — appreciated for outdoor camera runs that are exposed to electrical transients.
- Rack‑mountable metal chassis — regarded as durable and easy to integrate into standard equipment racks.
Common concerns installers might express about switches in this mid‑market space include requests for extended warranty options, richer SNMP/telemetry for large multi‑site operations, or Layer‑3 capabilities for more complex networks. Prospective buyers should match the switch’s capabilities to their operational and support expectations.
Conclusion: Why the DS-3E1518P-SI is a strong choice for CCTV and mid‑size PoE networks
The DS-3E1518P-SI 16‑port smart managed PoE switch is designed with surveillance integrators in mind. It combines a healthy PoE budget (225 W), per‑port power (up to 30 W), smart Layer‑2 features and surveillance‑specific conveniences such as PoE Watchdog and Extend Mode. Physical protections like 6 kV surge protection and a 1U metal rack chassis improve resilience in real‑world deployments. For organisations building camera networks that require centralised management, predictable power delivery and some environmental protections, this switch represents a practical, cost‑effective option compared with unmanaged alternatives and a simpler, lower‑cost choice than full enterprise switches.
Price context:the suggested retail price is listed at 279.00 (currency as provided by the vendor). Before purchasing, verify regional certification details (CE/UKCA), warranty terms and vendor support options to ensure the switch meets site and compliance needs.
In short, if you are deploying 8–16 IP cameras, connecting them to an NVR or fibre backbone and need a durable, surveillance‑aware PoE switch with intelligent management features, the DS-3E1518P-SI is worth serious consideration.
