Hikvision DS-3E1326P-EI 24-Port Smart-Managed PoE Switch 370 W

Introduction: Meet the Hikvision DS-3E1326P-EI and its key features

TheHikvision DS-3E1326P-EIis a 24-port smart-managed Power over Ethernet (PoE) access switch designed for surveillance-focused networks and other PoE endpoint deployments. With a substantial370 W PoE budget, support for IEEE 802.3af/at, and per-port delivery up to 30 W, this switch is built to power cameras, access control devices and wireless access points while offering smart management features that make it suitable for small-to-medium business (SMB) and enterprise edge networks.

Key highlights include 24 PoE-enabled 10/100 Mbps ports, two gigabit combo uplinks (RJ45/SFP), smart management features (VLANs, STP/RSTP, link aggregation), a PoE watchdog to automatically restart stalled devices, long-range (Extend) PoE capability up to 300 m for compatible cameras and cabling, and 6 kV surge protection on PoE ports. The metal, fan-free chassis is rack-mountable, offering quiet operation for offices or plant rooms.

At a suggested retail price of$299.99and a manufacturer-stated warranty of3 years, the DS-3E1326P-EI positions itself as a cost-effective, surveillance-oriented PoE switch with features that go beyond basic unmanaged hardware.

Detailed specifications and benefits

• Access ports:24 x 10/100 Mbps PoE RJ45 (ports 1–24)
• Uplinks:2 x Gigabit combo (RJ45 / SFP)
• PoE standard:IEEE 802.3af / 802.3at;Max per port:30 W;Total PoE budget:370 W
• Long-range PoE:Extend mode up to 300 m (dependent on camera and cabling)
• PoE Watchdog:Auto-restart for unresponsive devices
• Surge protection:6 kV on PoE ports

Benefits: The 370 W budget and 30 W-per-port capability support a mixture of high-power cameras and other endpoints. The PoE Watchdog reduces on-site maintenance by rebooting hung devices automatically. Extend mode is especially useful for deployments where cameras are installed beyond the standard 100 m Ethernet limit — for example, in parking lots or perimeter areas — although success depends on compatible devices and cable quality.

• Switching capacity:8.8 Gbps
• Forwarding rate:6.55 Mpps
• MAC table:16 K entries
• Buffer:4 Mbit

Benefits: The switching capacity and forwarding rate are appropriate for access-layer aggregation of IP cameras and PoE devices. A 16K MAC table and 4 Mbit buffer help the switch handle dozens of devices and bursty traffic typical of surveillance video streams without excessive packet loss.

• VLAN:802.1Q VLAN support
• Spanning Tree:STP / RSTP
• Link aggregation:Static link aggregation supported
• Port isolation & statistics:Yes
• Topology visualization:Built-in network topology view (smart-managed)

Benefits: Smart-managed features let installers segment traffic (keep camera streams separate from IT traffic), avoid loops using STP/RSTP, increase uplink capacity with link aggregation, and monitor port statistics for troubleshooting. These features provide a balance between simple plug-and-play switches and fully-managed enterprise-class devices at a lower cost and complexity.

• Power input:100–240 VAC (internal)
• Max power consumption:Approx. 400 W (device + PoE)
• Idle power:Approx. 30 W
• Operating temperature:Typically 0–45 °C (regional variations may apply)
• Chassis:Metal, fan-free;Mounting:Rack-mountable with ears
• Dimensions & weight:440 x 44 x 221 mm; Approx. 2.83 kg

Benefits: The fan-free metal chassis enables silent operation and lower maintenance (no fan replacements), making it suitable for office or control-room installations. Internal universal AC input simplifies global deployments. Note the near-400 W maximum power draw when fully loaded with PoE devices — plan your power provisioning accordingly.

• Approvals:CE, FCC, UL, RoHS, REACH, WEEE (verify regional compliance such as UKCA before purchase)

Benefits: Standard global environmental and safety certifications reduce regulatory friction for many regions, but installers should confirm any local approval requirements prior to deployment.

Use cases and scenarios where this switch excels

The DS-3E1326P-EI is tailored to environments that need reliable PoE delivery and basic network intelligence without the cost and complexity of a full managed switch. Typical use cases include:

• CCTV & physical security networks:Access-layer switch for ONVIF IP camera systems—supports mixed camera power requirements and can remotely reboot cameras via PoE Watchdog.
• Distributed sites & SMB branches:Deployments where a manageable feature set (VLANs, link aggregation, topology view) is required for segmentation and troubleshooting without skilled network teams.
• Long-distance camera runs:Parking lots, sports fields or perimeter surveillance where Extend mode (up to 300 m) reduces the need for extra fiber or local power at camera locations (verify compatibility and cable type).
• Wireless access point aggregation:Power and connect multiple access points in a retail store or campus edge, using uplink redundancy and port statistics to monitor health.
• Access control and IoT endpoints:Power door controllers, intercoms and other PoE devices while isolating their traffic from core IT networks.

Deployment tips: Always plan the PoE budget based on peak device draws (30 W-capable cameras may not always draw full power, but account for worst-case), verify cable quality for long-range mode, and check regional approval and installation safety instructions before powering on.

How it compares to similar products

Compared with unmanaged 24-port PoE switches, the DS-3E1326P-EI offers VLANs, STP/RSTP, link aggregation and topology visualization — essential for medium-sized installations where basic segmentation and resilience are needed. Against higher-end fully-managed switches, it trades advanced routing, dynamic link aggregation (LACP), and deeper QoS controls for a more approachable interface and lower price.

Compared to competitive smart-managed switches in the same category (for example offerings from mainstream vendors focused on SMB networking), the key differentiators of the DS-3E1326P-EI are its surveillance-oriented features: PoE Watchdog, long-range Extend mode up to 300 m, and 6 kV PoE surge protection. These features make it particularly attractive to security integrators and installers handling outdoor camera deployments.

Price-wise, a suggested retail price of$299.99represents strong value for 24 PoE ports and a 370 W budget. Buyers should compare support and firmware update policies, local technical assistance, and regional compliance when selecting between vendors.

Customer testimonials and field feedback (illustrative)

Official customer reviews for specific products can vary by region and channel. The statements below are illustrative examples of the types of feedback installers and end-users commonly report for a product with this feature set:

• "Great value for surveillance installs — the PoE budget handled all our cameras and the PoE Watchdog cut down on site visits to reboot cameras."
• "Quiet, rack-mountable and reliable. The fan-free design is perfect for small control rooms."
• "Extend mode saved us from running fiber in a few perimeter sites, but we had to test cable runs first to confirm compatibility."
• "Smart-managed features like VLANs and port stats made troubleshooting much faster than an unmanaged switch."

Note: These example comments reflect common installer experiences with surveillance-focused smart PoE switches and are intended to help prospective buyers understand likely benefits rather than represent verified testimonials for this exact SKU.

Conclusion: Why the DS-3E1326P-EI is a strong choice

The Hikvision DS-3E1326P-EI 24-Port Smart-Managed PoE Switch (370 W) is a purpose-built access switch that balances power, protection and practical management features for surveillance and PoE endpoint deployments. With 24 PoE ports, a generous 370 W budget, per-port 30 W capability, PoE Watchdog, long-range Extend mode and surge protection, it is well suited to CCTV systems, SMB sites and edge deployments that need reliability without the cost or complexity of full enterprise switches.

For installers and IT teams, the advantages are clear: simplified management for segmentation and troubleshooting, fewer truck rolls due to remote reboot capability, and hardware designed for quiet, rack-mounted installations. At a competitive suggested price and with standard safety and environmental certifications, it represents a pragmatic choice for projects where surveillance and PoE endpoints are the primary focus.

Before purchase and installation, verify local regulatory approvals, plan the PoE budget and cable runs (especially for long-range mode), and follow safety guidance such as disconnecting power before wiring. When used within its intended scope, the DS-3E1326P-EI delivers an effective, cost-conscious platform for powering and managing edge PoE devices.