Introduction: Meet the Hikvision DS-3E1309P-EI(B)
The Hikvision DS-3E1309P-EI(B) is a focused, cost-effective smart-managed PoE switch designed primarily for IP camera systems and small-to-medium surveillance installations. It pairs eight 10/100 Mbps PoE ports with a single Gigabit uplink and a 110 W PoE budget, delivering centralised power and basic management features in a compact, fanless metal chassis. Whether you are fitting out a small retail site, a school campus building, or a residential multi-camera installation, this switch aims to strike a balance between price, reliability, and the features surveillance installers need.
Key features at a glance
- 8 PoE ports— 8 × 10/100 Mbps PoE (ports 1–8) capable of IEEE 802.3af/at standards.
- 110 W PoE budget— up to 30 W per port (total 110 W) to support cameras with heaters, IR, or analytics appliances.
- Gigabit uplink— a single 1 GbE RJ45 uplink for backbone connectivity or NVR links.
- Smart-managed features— 802.1Q VLANs, STP/RSTP, LLDP, port isolation, port mirroring and PoE watchdog for basic resilience and segmentation.
- Fanless metal design— quiet operation, desk- or wall-mountable, suitable for indoor deployments.
- Long-range PoE— support for PoE transmission up to 300 m (model and cable dependent) for extended camera placement.
Detailed specifications and benefits
The DS-3E1309P-EI(B) provides eight PoE-enabled 10/100 Mbps ports and one Gigabit RJ45 uplink. The switch adheres to IEEE 802.3af/at standards, allowing a per-port power allocation of up to 30 W and a combined PoE budget of 110 W. This configuration supports power-hungry dome cameras (with IR or heaters) and analytics-capable models while preserving headroom across multiple channels.
With a switching capacity of 5.6 Gbps and a forwarding rate of 4.17 Mpps, the unit easily handles multiple video streams from connected IP cameras. An 8 K MAC table and a 4 Mbit buffer help the switch manage traffic and reduce packet loss during bursts — important when several high-motion video feeds are active simultaneously.
Power is supplied via an external 54 V DC, 2.22 A adapter; the device's maximum power consumption is about 120 W with an idle draw around 10 W. The metal, fanless housing keeps noise to a minimum and increases longevity by eliminating fan failures. Its compact footprint (170 × 27.6 × 93.1 mm) and lightweight construction make it easy to place on a desk or mount on a wall in equipment cabinets or discrete locations.
As a smart-managed switch, the DS-3E1309P-EI(B) offers a web UI and compatibility with Hikvision management ecosystems such as Hik-Partner Pro and Hik-Central Pro. Administrators can segment traffic with 802.1Q VLANs, protect network topology with STP/RSTP, and use LLDP for device discovery. Port isolation and port mirroring help secure and debug camera networks, while a PoE watchdog can reboot unresponsive IP cameras automatically — reducing truck rolls and downtime.
The switch operates within a 0 °C to 40 °C range and is designed to meet CE, CB, RoHS, WEEE and REACH standards. For safety and security, follow Hikvisions installation guidance and maintain firmware updates to ensure stable operation and mitigate known vulnerabilities.
Use cases and scenarios where the switch excels
The Hikvision DS-3E1309P-EI(B) is purpose-built for surveillance and small networked environments. Typical installations where it excels include:
- Retail stores and small offices:Centralised PoE delivery for multiple ceiling or exterior cameras feeding a local NVR. The quiet, fanless design makes it suitable for customer-facing areas.
- Small-to-medium commercial sites:Branch offices, clinics, and schools that need network segmentation with VLANs and basic redundancy without the complexity or cost of full enterprise switches.
- Property management and residential complexes:Multi-camera deployments where the 110 W budget supports several cameras with IR and analytics while the Gigabit uplink connects to an onsite recorder or network backbone.
- Remote or hard-to-reach camera runs:Long-range PoE support (up to 300 m) enables extended runs where a local power outlet is unavailable, reducing the need for separate power infrastructure.
- Installer-friendly scenarios:PoE watchdog and port features simplify troubleshooting and remote resets, saving time for field technicians.
Comparisons with similar products
When evaluating an 8-port PoE switch, buyers usually weigh port speed, total PoE budget, management features, and cost. Heres how the DS-3E1309P-EI(B) stacks up in key areas:
- PoE budget vs. port speed:Many entry-level eight-port switches offer Gigabit ports on all interfaces but provide modest PoE budgets (often 3060 W total). The Hikvision model prioritises a higher PoE budget (110 W) to support multiple power-hungry cameras, but its edge ports are 10/100 rather than Gigabit. The built-in Gigabit uplink offsets this limitation for backhaul traffic.
- Long-range capability:Few consumer-grade competitors advertise PoE support beyond standard 100 m. The Hikvisions long-range option (up to 300 m) is a clear advantage for camera placements at extended distances, though actual reach depends on camera and cable quality.
- Management features:Compared with unmanaged switches, the DS-3E1309P-EI(B) offers VLANs, STP/RSTP and LLDP, which are useful for network segmentation and stability. It is more limited than full enterprise switches (with advanced QoS, ACLs, or stacking), but it provides the right balance for SMB surveillance environments.
- Design and noise:Fanless metal builds are common in higher-quality small switches and are ideal where low noise and reliability are priorities. Some cheaper models use plastic cases and active cooling, which can produce audible noise in quiet environments.
- Value for money:With a suggested minimum RRP derived from a 16% gross margin (see pricing notes), the Hikvision unit typically comes in below the price of mid-range managed switches from mainstream networking brands while offering surveillance-centred features that installers appreciate.
Customer feedback and installer impressions
While specific verified customer testimonials are not provided here, typical installer and end-user feedback for products in this category and feature set often highlights the following themes:
- Reliability:Installers often praise fanless metal switches for stable long-term operation, noting fewer failures and quieter field deployments compared with fan-cooled alternatives.
- Practical PoE headroom:A 110 W budget is frequently cited as generous for 46 camera setups that include PTZs, IR domes, or devices requiring up to 30 W each.
- Ease of use:The web UI and basic smart features typically receive positive comments for being straightforward to configure for VLANs, port isolation, and PoE controls without the learning curve of enterprise management platforms.
- Limitations noted:Some users note the lack of Gigabit on each access port as a trade-off; this is only a practical issue when cameras or attached devices require 1 Gb bandwidth per port. For standard surveillance camera streams, 10/100 ports are usually sufficient.
These typical responses align with the DS-3E1309P-EI(B)s intended market: installers and system integrators who prioritise PoE power, quiet operation and simple management over full enterprise feature sets.
Pricing and market positioning
Based on supplied cost data, the suggested minimum RRP for the Hikvision DS-3E1309P-EI(B) is 69.74 (currency same as cost input) to achieve a 16% gross margin over a cost price of 58.58. Regional retail prices vary, and typical competitor listings can range higher depending on brand, warranty, and channel. For retailers and resellers, consider positioning the switch as a value-oriented surveillanceswitch — highlight the 110 W PoE budget, long-range capability, and fanless metal design to differentiate it from unmanaged consumer models.
Conclusion: Why choose the DS-3E1309P-EI(B)?
The Hikvision DS-3E1309P-EI(B) is a focused solution for those building or expanding camera networks who need dependable PoE power, quiet operation, and basic smart features without paying for enterprise-level complexity. Its 110 W budget and support for up to 30 W per port make it well-suited to modern IP cameras, while the Gigabit uplink ensures efficient backhaul. The long-range PoE capability and fanless metal chassis add practical value for installers who require flexible placement and low-noise operation.
In short, if your priority is a reliable, installer-friendly PoE switch optimised for surveillance deployments — offering a balance of power capacity, simple management, and compact design — the DS-3E1309P-EI(B) is a compelling choice. Evaluate port-speed requirements for your cameras, confirm cable runs for long-range PoE use, and consider current regional pricing to position this switch effectively for your customers or site.
