Introduction: What the Hikvision DS-3E0310HP-E brings to your network
Hikvision DS-3E0310HP-E (DS-3E0310HP-E(C)) — 8‑Port Unmanaged PoE Switch, Hi‑PoE 90W, 110W Budgetis an affordable, compact PoE access switch designed for CCTV and small edge networks. It pairs eight 10/100 Mbps PoE ports (including a single Hi‑PoE port capable of delivering up to 90 W) with two Gigabit uplinks to provide a simple yet powerful solution for powering cameras, access points and other PoE devices at the network edge. With a 110 W total PoE budget, long‑range PoE options, built‑in PoE management features and 6 kV surge protection on the PoE ports, this Hikvision switch targets installers and small businesses that need reliable PoE power and sensible protection without the complexity or cost of managed switches.
Key features at a glance
- Ports:8 × 10/100 Mbps PoE downlinks (port 1 is Hi‑PoE), plus 2 × Gigabit RJ45 uplinks.
- Hi‑PoE support:Port 1 supports IEEE 802.3bt up to 90 W to power PTZ cameras, heaters or other high‑power devices.
- Total PoE budget:110 W, enough to power multiple cameras and mid‑power edge devices.
- Long‑range PoE:Ports 1–8 can operate in long‑range mode to supply PoE to devices at distances up to ~300 m (dependent on cabling and device requirements).
- Intelligent PoE management:Priority/VIP port settings and watchdog‑style functions to improve device availability.
- Durability:6 kV surge protection on PoE ports and a fan‑less metal enclosure for quiet, rugged installs.
- Compact mounting:Desk or wall mountable — suitable for small NVR rooms, comms cupboards or exposed field enclosures.
Detailed specifications and benefits
- Switching capacity and throughput:5.60 Gbps switching capacity and a forwarding rate of 4.17 Mpps. For typical CCTV and small‑site use this provides reliable packet forwarding for dozens of camera streams when uplinks are sized appropriately.
- MAC table & buffering:8K MAC addresses and 4 Mbit internal buffer help the switch handle bursts and multiple devices without dropping frames in small networks.
- Form factor:Metal, fan‑less enclosure measuring 217.6 × 27.8 × 103.55 mm and weighing about 0.55 kg — compact enough for discreet wall or shelf mounting.
- PoE standards:Supports IEEE 802.3af, 802.3at and 802.3bt — giving backwards compatibility with older cameras and power headroom for high‑power devices.
- Port power:Port 1 can deliver up to 90 W (Hi‑PoE). Ports 2–8 can supply up to 30 W each. The total PoE power budget for the unit is 110 W.
- Power input and consumption:Requires a 48 VDC, 2.5 A power source; maximum power consumption is listed at around 120 W with an idle consumption of approximately 10 W.
- Long‑range PoE option:Enables powering devices at extended distances — useful where running additional power cabling is impractical. Actual reach and device compatibility depend on cable gauge and device power draw.
- Intelligent PoE features:Priority/VIP port assignment and watchdog‑style capabilities help ensure critical cameras remain up if the overall PoE budget is stressed (the switch can prioritise power to a VIP port during overloads or reboots).
- Surge protection:6 kV surge protection on PoE ports reduces risk from lightning and transient surges — a valuable feature for exposed outdoor camera runs.
- Certifications:CE, FCC, IC, RCM, UL/CB/CE‑LVD and RoHS compliance help ensure basic regulatory acceptability in many markets (verify local requirements like UKCA where needed).
- Thermal and acoustic:Fan‑less design reduces maintenance and eliminates audible noise, though it relies on ambient ventilation for cooling within the specified operating temperature range (0 °C to 40 °C).
Use cases and scenarios where this switch excels
The DS-3E0310HP-E is purpose‑built for edge PoE deployments. Typical scenarios include:
- Small to medium CCTV installs:Multiple fixed cameras and one or two high‑power devices (e.g., a PTZ camera, IR illuminator or heater) can be powered directly from this switch. The Hi‑PoE port gives flexibility to support devices with higher draw without a separate injector.
- Retail and small business:Stores needing several PoE cameras and an access point or two can use the two gigabit uplinks to connect to an NVR/VMS and to the wider network with adequate bandwidth.
- Residential multi‑camera systems:Home systems with several PoE cameras benefit from the long‑range option where wiring runs are long and installing local AC power is difficult.
- Remote sites and outdoor enclosures:The surge protection and compact fan‑less enclosure make it suitable for small roadside cabinets, rural properties and sites with exposed cabling (within the device’s thermal limits).
- Temporary or pop‑up deployments:Integrators who need a short‑term, robust PoE solution for events, temporary CCTV or rapid deployments will appreciate the simple plug‑and‑power nature of an unmanaged switch.
How it compares with similar products on the market
In the 8‑port unmanaged PoE switch space there are numerous competitors from vendors such as TP‑Link, Netgear, Ubiquiti and Dahua, often offering models with varying PoE budgets, port speeds and management features. What sets the Hikvision DS-3E0310HP-E apart is a combination of Hi‑PoE on a single port, a 110 W total budget, long‑range PoE capability and explicit surge protection on PoE ports — all in a compact, low‑cost package.
- Vs. basic 8‑port 802.3af switches:Many low‑cost models only support 802.3af and have smaller power budgets (30–60 W). The DS-3E0310HP-E supports up to 802.3bt on port 1 and a 110 W total budget, enabling heavier power devices without additional injectors.
- Vs. managed switches:Managed switches offer VLANs, QoS and monitoring, but at a higher price and complexity. For installers who only need power and simple connectivity at the edge, an unmanaged model like this reduces cost and configuration overhead.
- Vs. competitors with similar specs:Some competitors may match the PoE budget but lack long‑range PoE or the 6 kV surge protection. Others may offer more Gigabit downlinks (useful for bandwidth‑heavy devices) — the trade‑off here is that Hikvision focuses on camera‑centric deployments where 10/100 ports are generally sufficient.
Price positioning is competitive: with a suggested retail price around $79.99, the unit sits below many fully managed or higher‑spec gigabit PoE switches while offering targeted features that CCTV installers value.
Customer feedback and real‑world impressions
Public reviews for niche, OEM‑branded network hardware can be limited. Where installers and small systems integrators have shared impressions, common themes emerge:
- Pros frequently mentioned:The Hi‑PoE port and 110 W budget are praised for allowing a PTZ or heater to run alongside several cameras without additional injectors. Installers also note the convenience of long‑range PoE for remote camera runs and appreciate the surge protection as a risk‑reducing feature in exposed installs.
- Considerations:Because all access ports are 10/100 rather than gigabit, users with high‑resolution multi‑stream cameras or heavy local storage traffic may prefer a gigabit‑port switch. Also, unmanaged operation limits VLAN/QoS control and monitoring — acceptable in many CCTV deployments but not suitable for complex converged networks.
- Installation notes from practitioners:Installers commonly advise following the manufacturer’s guidance on cable types and long‑range mode limits, verifying the total PoE load against the 110 W budget, and including additional surge protection at the site for critical installations.
If you are considering purchasing, check the vendor listing for up‑to‑date firmware and warranty details and read any recent user comments specific to your market.
Conclusion: Why the DS-3E0310HP-E is a practical choice
The Hikvision DS-3E0310HP-E is a focused, cost‑effective PoE access switch tailored for CCTV and small‑site edge installs. It combines a valuable Hi‑PoE port (up to 90 W), an overall 110 W PoE budget, long‑range PoE capability and 6 kV surge protection in a compact, fan‑less enclosure — features that directly address common pain points for installers: powering high‑draw devices, extending PoE runs, and protecting equipment in exposed environments.
For users who need simple plug‑and‑play PoE distribution without the overhead of managed switches, and for integrators who prioritise power flexibility and surge protection, the DS-3E0310HP-E represents strong value. Its suggested price point (around $79.99) makes it an attractive option for budget‑conscious projects where the performance characteristics (10/100 access ports, two gigabit uplinks) match the deployment needs.
As always, validate your total PoE load, confirm local regulatory and warranty details with your vendor, and follow installation best practices for cable selection and grounding to get the most from this device in live deployments.
