Product SKU: DS-3E1520P-EI
Product Overview
The Hikvision DS-3E1520P-EI is a 16-port Gigabit smart managed PoE switch built for medium-sized IP surveillance networks that need dependable camera power, full Gigabit connectivity and practical remote management. It provides 16 Gigabit PoE ports, two additional Gigabit RJ45 ports and two Gigabit SFP fibre optical ports, giving installers flexible connections for cameras, recorders, network switches and fibre backbones. A 230 W shared PoE budget supports compatible powered devices across the system, while PoE Watchdog can detect and restart cameras that stop responding. The switch also supports visualised network topology, cable diagnostics, VLAN configuration, port isolation, link aggregation and remote maintenance through compatible Hikvision management platforms. Its metal enclosure and rack-mount capability make it well suited to warehouses, offices, retail premises, schools, larger homes and other installations where organised network infrastructure and easier troubleshooting are important.
Key Capabilities
Sixteen Gigabit PoE Connections
Connect and power up to 16 compatible PoE cameras or network devices through individual Gigabit ports. This reduces the need for separate local power supplies and keeps structured surveillance cabling easier to organise and maintain.
230 W Shared PoE Budget
The 230 W total PoE budget provides useful capacity for multi-camera installations containing devices with different power requirements. Each PoE port supports up to 30 W, subject to the combined system remaining within the overall available budget.
Copper and Fibre Uplinks
Two Gigabit RJ45 ports and two Gigabit SFP fibre optical ports provide several ways to connect the switch to an NVR, another network switch or a fibre backbone between communications areas.
PoE Watchdog Recovery
PoE Watchdog monitors cameras connected to ports 1 to 16 and can restart devices that stop responding. This can reduce avoidable service visits where a temporary fault only requires the camera to be power-cycled.
Long-Range PoE Mode
Ports 1 to 16 support PoE transmission up to 300 metres in long-range mode. This is useful for distant cameras around warehouses, boundaries and larger properties, subject to the connected camera model and cable condition.
Remote Network Management
Compatible Hikvision platforms can display topology, port rates, bandwidth use, PoE consumption and alarm status. Installers can also restart ports and devices, enable long-range mode and perform supported remote upgrades.
Best For
- Medium-Sized CCTV Networks: Suitable for systems requiring up to 16 directly powered IP cameras or compatible PoE devices.
- Commercial Equipment Racks: The metal enclosure and rack-mount design suit structured communications cabinets and equipment rooms.
- Sites Requiring Fibre Connectivity: Two SFP ports provide a pathway for fibre uplinks when suitable optical modules and fibre components are selected.
- Remotely Maintained Installations: PoE Watchdog, cable diagnostics and remote management tools help simplify fault finding and ongoing support.
- Long Camera Cable Runs: Long-range mode supports selected installations where standard Ethernet distances are not sufficient.
Why Choose the DS-3E1520P-EI
The DS-3E1520P-EI provides more control and serviceability than a basic unmanaged PoE switch. Its combination of 16 Gigabit PoE ports, separate copper uplinks, SFP fibre connectivity and a 230 W PoE budget makes it a practical foundation for organised surveillance networks. The key difference for many installers is the ability to view network status, monitor PoE consumption, diagnose cable faults and restart an unresponsive camera without immediately attending the site. VLAN support, port isolation, loop prevention, DHCP Snooping and static link aggregation also give greater flexibility when the CCTV system shares infrastructure with a broader business network. Available through Security Wholesalers, this model is better suited to installations that need manageable PoE distribution, structured expansion and ongoing remote support rather than simple plug-and-play switching.
Buyer Decision Tips
Buyer Tip: Add together the maximum power requirements of every connected camera or PoE device before installation. Each port supports up to 30 W, but the combined demand across all 16 PoE ports must remain within the switch’s shared 230 W PoE budget.
Buyer Tip: Long-range mode supports transmission up to 300 metres, but actual performance depends on the camera model and cable condition. Use appropriate network cabling, confirm device suitability and test the complete run before relying on the maximum distance.
Key Features & Technical Specifications
| Product Type |
16-port Gigabit smart managed PoE network switch. |
| Gigabit PoE Ports |
16 × Gigabit PoE RJ45 ports. |
| Gigabit RJ45 Ports |
2 × additional Gigabit RJ45 ports. |
| Fibre Ports |
2 × Gigabit SFP fibre optical ports. |
| PoE Standards |
IEEE 802.3af and IEEE 802.3at. |
| Maximum Port Power |
Up to 30 W per PoE port. |
| Total PoE Budget |
230 W shared across ports 1 to 16. |
| Long-Range PoE |
Up to 300 metres on ports 1 to 16, subject to camera model and cable condition. |
| PoE Watchdog |
Automatically detects and restarts cameras that stop responding on ports 1 to 16. |
| Switching Capacity |
68 Gbps. |
| Packet Forwarding Rate |
50.59 Mpps. |
| MAC Address Table |
16 K entries. |
| Internal Cache |
8.4 Mbits. |
| VLAN Support |
802.1Q, VLAN IDs 1–4094, Access and Trunk modes, with support for up to 1024 VLANs. |
| Network Functions |
Port isolation, QoS, STP, RSTP, static link aggregation, port mirroring, LLDP and DHCP Snooping. |
| Link Aggregation |
Static link aggregation with support for up to eight aggregation groups. |
| Cable Diagnostics |
Detects cable length, abnormal open circuits and short circuits. |
| Management |
Web management, Hik-Partner Pro remote management and HikCentral Professional support. |
| SFP Diagnostics |
Supports digital diagnostic monitoring of compatible optical modules. |
| Surge Protection |
6 kV. |
| Power Supply |
100–240 V AC, 50/60 Hz, maximum 4 A. |
| Maximum Power Consumption |
250 W. |
| Idle Power Consumption |
20 W. |
| Operating Temperature |
0°C to 45°C. |
| Operating Humidity |
5% to 95%, non-condensing. |
| Dimensions |
440.0 mm × 44.0 mm × 220.8 mm. |
| Installation |
Desktop or rack installation with mounting ears. |
| Enclosure |
Metal construction. |
Ideal Use Cases
Warehouses
Centralises PoE connectivity for cameras covering loading docks, aisles, entrances, storage areas and building perimeters.
Retail Premises
Supports multi-camera networks covering shopfloors, stockrooms, counters, entrances and external access areas.
Offices
Suitable for structured camera networks where managed switching, rack installation and traffic separation are useful.
Schools and Campuses
Provides organised power and data distribution for cameras around buildings, corridors, entrances and shared outdoor areas.
Large Residential Properties
A practical option for homes requiring numerous cameras, managed network functions and a structured central switch.
Multi-Building Networks
The SFP ports provide fibre uplink options between communications areas when compatible optical modules are installed.
Choosing the Right Model
- Choose this model if: The installation requires up to 16 Gigabit PoE connections, a 230 W PoE budget, copper and fibre uplinks, rack mounting and managed network functions.
- Choose a simpler switch if: The system only uses a small number of low-power devices and does not require VLANs, remote diagnostics, fibre connectivity or managed configuration.
- Choose a larger switch if: More than 16 powered devices are required or the projected PoE load exceeds 230 W after allowing for future expansion.
FAQs
- How many PoE devices can the Hikvision DS-3E1520P-EI connect?
The DS-3E1520P-EI provides 16 Gigabit PoE RJ45 ports, so it can connect and power up to 16 compatible PoE devices directly. Each port supports up to 30 W, while the combined PoE power budget is 230 W. Before installation, add together the maximum power demand of every connected device to confirm the total remains within that shared budget.
- Does the DS-3E1520P-EI support long-distance PoE transmission?
Yes. Ports 1 to 16 support long-range PoE transmission up to 300 metres. Hikvision notes that actual long-range performance depends on the connected camera model and cable condition. For a permanent installation, use appropriate network cabling, confirm the powered device is suitable for the intended run and test the complete link before commissioning the system.
- What uplink connections does the DS-3E1520P-EI provide?
The DS-3E1520P-EI includes two Gigabit RJ45 ports and two Gigabit SFP fibre optical ports in addition to its 16 PoE ports. This gives installers flexible options for linking the switch to a recorder, another switch or a fibre backbone. Optical modules and associated fibre components are not stated as included and should be selected separately where required.
- Can the DS-3E1520P-EI restart an unresponsive camera automatically?
Yes. PoE Watchdog on ports 1 to 16 can detect and restart cameras that stop responding. This is useful for remotely maintained surveillance systems because a temporary camera fault may be resolved without manually disconnecting power at the site. Correct configuration and compatible connected equipment remain important for reliable operation.
- How can the Hikvision DS-3E1520P-EI be managed?
The DS-3E1520P-EI supports web-based device management, Hik-Partner Pro remote management and management through HikCentral Professional. Supported functions include checking port rates, bandwidth utilisation, PoE power usage, topology information and alarm status. Installers can also restart ports and devices, enable long-range mode and perform remote upgrades through supported management workflows.
- Is the DS-3E1520P-EI suitable for rack installation?
Yes. The DS-3E1520P-EI supports both desktop and rack installation and is equipped with mounting ears. Its metal enclosure measures 440.0 mm wide, 44.0 mm high and 220.8 mm deep, making it appropriate for organised communications cabinets and equipment rooms where a full-width managed PoE switch is preferred.
- What should I check before buying the DS-3E1520P-EI?
Check the required number of PoE connections, the combined wattage of all powered devices, the need for copper or fibre uplinks and whether the installation requires managed functions such as VLANs, link aggregation or remote diagnostics. The DS-3E1520P-EI is available through Security Wholesalers for systems that match its 16-port layout and 230 W PoE budget.
- Does the DS-3E1520P-EI support VLANs and network protection functions?
Yes. The DS-3E1520P-EI supports 802.1Q VLANs, Access and Trunk port modes, port isolation, DHCP Snooping, STP, RSTP, port mirroring, LLDP and static link aggregation. These functions give an installer more control than a basic unmanaged switch, but they should be configured by someone who understands the wider network design and security requirements.
Additional Information
Hikvision DS-3E1520P-EI_Datasheet
