Product Overview
For installers building out medium-scale IP surveillance networks, the Hikvision DS-3E1326P-EI is a 26-port managed PoE switch that centralises both power delivery and network management across up to 24 devices from a single unit. Equipped with 24 Fast Ethernet PoE ports supporting IEEE 802.3af/at and a combined power budget of 370W, it can simultaneously power IP cameras, access points, and intercoms without requiring individual power supplies at each device. Featuring 2 Gigabit uplink ports, VLAN configuration, QoS prioritisation, port isolation, and port mirroring, the DS-3E1326P-EI delivers the management features needed to keep surveillance traffic structured and prioritised on shared networks. It is accessible via a web browser or Hikvision’s management software, making configuration and ongoing monitoring straightforward for both installers and IT administrators. Built with surge protection to safeguard connected devices, it suits small to medium-sized commercial, residential, and industrial surveillance installations where centralised PoE management is a priority.
Key Capabilities
370W Total PoE Budget
With 370W shared across 24 PoE ports supporting IEEE 802.3af/at, this switch can sustain a full mix of standard and high-draw devices including PTZ cameras and wireless access points, without requiring separate power runs to each device location.
24 PoE Ports for Centralised Cabling
All 24 access ports support PoE, allowing cameras and devices to receive both data and power over a single Cat5e or Cat6 cable run. This simplifies installations across multi-camera sites and eliminates the need for power adapters or injectors at each endpoint.
2 Gigabit Uplink Ports
The 2 dedicated Gigabit uplink ports allow high-throughput connections to an NVR, core switch, or router, ensuring aggregated camera traffic moves efficiently upstream without creating a bottleneck at the network edge.
VLAN, QoS and Port Isolation
VLAN support segments surveillance traffic from other network users, while QoS ensures camera data is prioritised over lower-priority traffic. Port isolation prevents cross-device communication on the access layer, improving security between connected endpoints.
Web and Software Management
The DS-3E1326P-EI is configurable through a standard web browser or Hikvision’s management software, giving installers and administrators access to port-level controls, traffic monitoring, and switch configuration without specialist networking tools.
Best For
- Medium IP Camera Deployments: The 24-port PoE capacity suits installations with 16 to 24 cameras, covering retail stores, office buildings, residential complexes, and light industrial sites without requiring multiple switches.
- Installers Wanting Managed Control: VLAN, QoS, port mirroring, and port isolation give installers the configuration flexibility needed to separate surveillance traffic and troubleshoot network issues per port.
- Hikvision NVR and Camera Systems: Native compatibility with Hikvision’s software ecosystem simplifies switch management alongside existing Hikvision NVRs, IP cameras, and access control devices.
- Sites with Centralised Comms Rooms: The switch suits rack or wall-mounted comms room installations where all cameras home-run to a central distribution point and individual device power supplies are not practical.
Why Choose the DS-3E1326P-EI
The DS-3E1326P-EI goes beyond basic unmanaged PoE switches by providing full Layer 2 management features that matter in real surveillance deployments. The 370W power budget is sufficient for a full complement of 24 standard cameras or a mixed load including PTZ cameras and wireless access points drawing higher PoE wattages. The 2 dedicated Gigabit uplinks prevent the upstream bottleneck that occurs when aggregated camera streams share a 100Mbps connection to an NVR or core switch. VLAN and port isolation features protect surveillance traffic from interference with other network services sharing the same infrastructure. Port mirroring simplifies troubleshooting without additional hardware. Surge protection extends the life of connected devices in environments where power fluctuations are a risk. Available through Security Wholesalers, the DS-3E1326P-EI is a practical choice for integrators and installers who need structured, manageable PoE delivery across a full camera deployment.
Buyer Decision Tips
PoE Budget Planning: The 370W total budget is shared across all 24 ports. Standard IEEE 802.3af devices draw up to 15.4W each, while 802.3at devices can draw up to 30W. Before specifying this switch, calculate the total wattage of all connected devices including PTZ cameras and wireless access points to confirm the budget is sufficient for your specific device mix. Overloading the budget will result in some ports not powering connected devices.
Fast Ethernet PoE Ports vs Gigabit Uplinks: The 24 PoE access ports on the DS-3E1326P-EI operate at Fast Ethernet (100Mbps), which is adequate for most IP cameras at standard recording resolutions. However, if your deployment includes cameras with very high bitrate requirements such as 4K streams at high frame rates, confirm that the per-camera bitrate stays well within the 100Mbps per-port ceiling. The 2 Gigabit uplinks handle aggregated throughput to your NVR or core network.
Key Features & Technical Specifications
| Model |
DS-3E1326P-EI(B) |
| Total Ports |
26 (24 PoE + 2 Gigabit uplink) |
| PoE Ports |
24 x Fast Ethernet (10/100Mbps) |
| Uplink Ports |
2 x Gigabit Ethernet |
| PoE Standard |
IEEE 802.3af / IEEE 802.3at |
| Total PoE Power Budget |
370W |
| Switch Type |
Managed (Smart) |
| VLAN Support |
Yes |
| QoS |
Yes |
| Port Isolation |
Yes |
| Port Mirroring |
Yes |
| Traffic Control |
Yes |
| Surge Protection |
Yes |
| Management Interface |
Web browser / Hikvision software |
| Brand |
Hikvision |
Ideal Use Cases
Commercial Office Buildings
With 24 PoE ports and VLAN support, the DS-3E1326P-EI can segment surveillance cameras from standard office network traffic, ensuring video streams do not interfere with business applications on a shared network infrastructure.
Retail and Shopping Centres
Retail sites with cameras across entry points, aisles, and stockrooms benefit from centralised PoE delivery across 24 ports, reducing individual power infrastructure at each camera location and simplifying the overall installation footprint.
Residential Complexes and Strata
Apartment buildings and strata properties with cameras across car parks, entry lobbies, lifts, and common areas can consolidate all device connections into a single managed switch installed in a central comms room or services cupboard.
Industrial Facilities and Warehouses
The surge protection built into the DS-3E1326P-EI helps safeguard connected cameras in industrial environments where voltage fluctuations from heavy machinery are a risk, extending the operational life of both the switch and attached devices.
Mixed-Device Surveillance Networks
Sites running a mix of IP cameras, access control readers, intercoms, and wireless access points can use the 370W PoE budget and QoS settings to prioritise camera traffic while still powering all connected devices from the one switch.
Choosing the Right Model
- Choose this model if: You need managed PoE switching for 16 to 24 IP cameras or mixed PoE devices, require VLAN and QoS for network segmentation, and want Gigabit uplink throughput to an NVR or core switch without the cost of a full enterprise-grade switch.
- Choose a different model if: Your cameras require Gigabit speed at every access port rather than 100Mbps, as the PoE ports on this switch are Fast Ethernet. If all 24 cameras are high-bitrate 4K devices at maximum resolution and frame rate, a Gigabit PoE switch would be better suited to avoid per-port throughput constraints.
- Choose a different model if: Your deployment has 8 cameras or fewer and a full 24-port managed switch exceeds the project budget. A smaller unmanaged or managed PoE switch with fewer ports may be a more appropriate scale for the installation.
FAQs
- What is the maximum number of cameras the DS-3E1326P-EI can power?
The switch has 24 PoE ports, so it can connect up to 24 IP cameras. However, the actual number that can be simultaneously powered depends on the wattage draw of each device. The total shared budget is 370W. Standard 802.3af cameras drawing around 7-10W each can comfortably fill all 24 ports, while higher-draw 802.3at devices will reduce the number of simultaneously powered ports.
- Are the PoE ports on this switch Gigabit or Fast Ethernet?
The 24 PoE access ports on the DS-3E1326P-EI operate at Fast Ethernet (10/100Mbps). The 2 uplink ports are Gigabit. For the vast majority of IP surveillance cameras at standard and Full HD resolutions, 100Mbps per port is more than sufficient. Only very high-bitrate 4K streams at maximum settings may approach per-port limits.
- Does the DS-3E1326P-EI support IEEE 802.3at (PoE+) for PTZ cameras?
Yes. All 24 PoE ports support both IEEE 802.3af (up to 15.4W per port) and IEEE 802.3at (up to 30W per port). PTZ cameras, which typically draw more power than fixed cameras, are compatible with this switch provided the total draw across all active ports does not exceed the 370W combined budget.
- How do I configure and manage the DS-3E1326P-EI?
The switch is managed through a web browser interface accessible from any device on the same network, or through Hikvision’s management software. From either interface, you can configure VLANs, set QoS rules, enable port isolation, run port mirroring for traffic diagnostics, and monitor per-port status and power consumption.
- Can this switch be used with non-Hikvision cameras and devices?
Yes. The DS-3E1326P-EI is a standard IEEE 802.3af/at PoE switch and will power any compliant PoE device regardless of brand, including third-party IP cameras, access control readers, wireless access points, and intercoms. Hikvision’s management software integration provides additional convenience when the switch is used within an all-Hikvision deployment.
- What protection does the switch offer for connected cameras?
The DS-3E1326P-EI includes surge protection and power management features designed to protect connected PoE devices against voltage spikes and fluctuations. This is particularly relevant in industrial or commercial environments where power quality may vary. Port isolation also limits the blast radius of any single compromised device on the network.
- Where can I access the datasheet and technical documentation for the DS-3E1326P-EI?
The full datasheet for the DS-3E1326P-EI(B) is available through Security Wholesalers and is linked in the Additional Information section below. It covers full electrical specifications, switching capacity, VLAN feature sets, and physical dimensions for installation planning.
Cabling Considerations
- Cable Type: Cat5e minimum for PoE device connections. Cat6 is recommended for new installations to support higher data rates and reduce crosstalk across bundled runs.
- Maximum Cable Run: 100 metres per IEEE 802.3 standard for both Fast Ethernet PoE ports and Gigabit uplink ports. Runs exceeding 100 metres will require a PoE extender or intermediate switch.
- PoE Considerations: Power loss increases over longer cable runs. For devices at or near the 30W 802.3at maximum draw, keep cable runs as short as practically possible to ensure full rated power is delivered at the device end.
- Wiring Tips: Home-run all camera cables back to the central switch location rather than daisy-chaining through intermediate points. Label each port at the switch with the corresponding camera location during installation to simplify future fault-finding and port-level configuration changes.
Additional Information
