Introduction: compact, protected PoE for small camera systems
Hikvision DS-3E0105P-E(B) 4-Port 10/100 PoE Switchis a small, unmanaged Power over Ethernet (PoE) switch designed specifically for compact CCTV and IP camera deployments. With four PoE ports, one uplink, fan‑less operation and built‑in surge protection, it aims to be a simple, low‑cost power and connectivity hub for single‑room, entry‑point or small multi‑camera systems. The unit supports both IEEE 802.3af and 802.3at (PoE+) standards and offers an extend mode for longer cable runs — features that make it flexible for a range of installations where easy plug‑and‑play connectivity is required.
Key features at a glance
- 4 × 10/100 Mbps PoE ports(Ports 1–4) plus 1 × 10/100 Mbps RJ45 uplink for simple network integration.
- 802.3af/802.3at support(PoE and PoE+), allowing power delivery to a wide range of cameras and devices.
- Surge protection(6 kV) built into the switch to help protect connected video equipment from transients.
- Fan‑less metal housingfor quiet, reliable operation — suitable for desk or wall mounting.
- Compact form factorand straightforward plug‑and‑play operation for installers and end users.
Detailed specifications and benefits
The DS-3E0105P-E(B) provides four PoE‑capable 10/100 Mbps ports and one uplink 10/100 Mbps RJ45 port. For small camera systems this layout covers the typical requirement: multiple powered cameras locally connected with a single uplink to an NVR or switch. The Fast Ethernet port speed is appropriate for many IP cameras, especially sub‑megapixel and 2‑4 MP models; however, for multi‑channel high‑bitrate streams or future upgrades to 4K cameras, a gigabit solution might be preferable.
Support for both IEEE 802.3af and 802.3at (PoE+) lets the switch power a wide range of devices. Important: Hikvision lists regional variants with different PoE power budgets — either approximately 35 W or 60 W total depending on the SKU/region. That means available power per port and the number of PoE cameras you can run simultaneously will vary. Always confirm the exact variant (check the unit label or datasheet) before finalising camera counts. Typical benefits of the PoE features include simplified installation (no separate mains power to cameras), centralised power control and support for higher‑power cameras or devices via PoE+ where needed.
The unit is an unmanaged Fast Ethernet switch with around 1 Gbps switching capacity and a forwarding rate in the order of ~0.74 Mpps. It is not a managed switch — there are no VLANs, QoS configuration options beyond prioritized/ VIP port behaviour for video, or SNMP monitoring. For straightforward CCTV setups, this keeps the device easy to use and cost‑effective. The MAC address table and forwarding behaviour are adequate for small networks, though large or complex deployments should consider managed alternatives.
Built‑in surge protection (6 kV) helps protect video equipment from common electrical transients — a valuable feature for devices connected to outdoor cameras or mixed cabling runs. The metal, fan‑less housing reduces noise, increases durability and suits indoor or sheltered outdoor‑adjacent installations. Product listings reference CE, FCC and UL/CB approvals; installers should follow local wiring and safety regulations and confirm approvals for the variant they are using.
The compact dimensions and light weight make the switch easy to mount on a wall or a desk in a cabinet. It operates in typical indoor temperature ranges and is intended for quiet indoor use. The small footprint and simple design reduce installation complexity and visual impact in discreet surveillance locations.
Use cases and scenarios where the DS-3E0105P-E(B) excels
- Small retail shops and offices:Ideal where up to four PoE cameras are needed to cover shopfronts, reception areas or offices, and a simple uplink to the NVR or router is required.
- Entry points and residences:A tidy solution for powering doorbell cameras, porch cameras and a single additional camera without running mains cables to each device.
- Temporary or phased camera installations:For temporary sites or when expanding an existing system in stages, the plug‑and‑play design lets installers add cameras and power quickly.
- Edge deployments with extend mode:The extend mode to support longer runs is useful where camera locations are further from the switch than standard PoE cable limits, although attention to bandwidth and power drop on long cables remains important.
- Noise‑sensitive installations:Fan‑less operation suits quiet environments — small offices, retail counters or residential areas where audible fan noise would be undesirable.
How it compares with similar products
When evaluating the DS-3E0105P-E(B) against other small PoE switches, consider three main axes: port speed (Fast Ethernet vs Gigabit), PoE budget, and additional features like surge protection or management.
Many competing models in the market offer gigabit ports (e.g., 10/100/1000) which provide higher bandwidth headroom for multiple high‑resolution cameras or when the uplink carries aggregated traffic. The Hikvision DS-3E0105P-E(B) is a 10/100 Mbps device — perfectly adequate for many 2–4 MP camera setups, lower bitrate configurations, or where network bandwidth is not a limiting factor. If your cameras stream at high bitrates or you plan substantial future upgrades, a gigabit PoE switch may be a better investment.
Some competitors offer higher fixed PoE budgets (e.g., 53 W or higher) which let you run multiple PoE+ cameras at full power. Hikvision’s variant‑dependent budget (35 W or 60 W) means you must confirm the model; when the higher budget variant is selected it becomes much more competitive with rivals. For installations with multiple high‑draw devices (PTZ cameras, heaters, IRs), check the per‑port and total power carefully.
Built‑in 6 kV surge protection is a differentiator in this class — not all compact unmanaged switches include surge protection. For installations exposed to lightning or electrical transients, having integrated protection reduces the need for additional surge devices and protects camera investments.
Managed switches add configurability (VLANs, PoE scheduling, QoS), but at greater cost and complexity. The Hikvision unit targets plug‑and‑play simplicity. If you need VLAN segmentation, remote monitoring or advanced QoS, consider a managed alternative; if you want low cost and quick deployment, an unmanaged unit such as the DS-3E0105P-E(B) is often preferable.
Customer feedback and typical user impressions
There are limited formal testimonials bundled with this product brief, but installer and end‑user feedback for similar Hikvision small PoE switches typically centers on a few recurring themes:
- Positive:Ease of installation, compact footprint, quiet operation, and reliable PoE delivery for small camera sets. Users appreciate integrated surge protection and the familiar Hikvision build quality.
- Considerations:Buyers should check the exact PoE budget and ensure 10/100 ports meet their bandwidth needs. Some users moving to higher‑resolution multi‑camera systems choose gigabit models instead.
Sample illustrative quotes (representative, not from named individuals):
- "Perfect for a small shop — four cameras powered and connected with one tidy box on the wall."
- "Quiet and compact, and the surge protection gave me extra peace of mind for rooftop cameras."
- "Watch the PoE budget — I upgraded to the higher budget variant to support two PTZs at full power."
Conclusion: who should choose the DS-3E0105P-E(B)?
The Hikvision DS-3E0105P-E(B) is a focused solution for small, practical PoE deployments. Its strengths are simplicity, compactness, quiet operation and integrated surge protection. It represents solid value for installers, small businesses and homeowners who need a low‑cost, reliable PoE hub for up to four cameras and a single uplink. At a suggested retail price around $44.99, it presents an economical option compared with higher‑end managed switches.
Before purchasing, confirm the exact SKU/variant to verify the PoE budget and input ratings for your region, and match the port speed to your camera bandwidth needs. If you need managed features or full gigabit throughput for many high‑resolution cameras, consider a managed gigabit PoE switch instead. For straightforward, budget‑minded CCTV installations where ease of use and protection matter, the DS-3E0105P-E(B) is a practical and dependable choice.
