TP-Link 18-Port 10/100/1000Mbps Gigabit Easy Smart Switch with 16-Port PoE+ – TL-SG1218MPE

The TP-Link TL-SG1218MPE is a robust 18-port Gigabit Easy Smart Switch designed for small to medium-sized businesses needing high-performance networking with Power over Ethernet (PoE+) support. This switch is ideal for powering a range of network devices such as IP cameras, VoIP phones, and wireless access points, while offering basic smart management capabilities.

Key Features and Capabilities:

Port Configuration

• 16 x Gigabit PoE+ Ports: These ports can transmit both data and power, making them ideal for powering PoE-compatible devices like IP cameras, VoIP phones, and wireless access points.
• 2 x Gigabit SFP/RJ45 Combo Ports: These versatile ports offer flexibility for high-speed uplinks, whether connecting to other switches or using fiber-optic connections with SFP modules.

PoE+ Support

• Up to 30W per PoE+ Port: The PoE+ ports comply with the 802.3at standard, delivering up to 30W of power per port, enough to support a variety of high-power devices.
• Total PoE Power Budget: The total PoE power budget is designed to meet the power needs of multiple connected PoE devices. Be sure to calculate the total power consumption to avoid exceeding this limit.

Easy Smart Features

• VLAN Support: The TL-SG1218MPE allows for the creation of Virtual LANs (VLANs) to segment your network for improved security and performance.
• Quality of Service (QoS): Prioritize network traffic with QoS settings, ensuring that critical applications like video calls and streaming receive the necessary bandwidth.
• IGMP Snooping: Efficiently manage multicast traffic, reducing unnecessary data congestion and ensuring smoother delivery of video streams.

Rack-Mountable Design

• Rack-Mount Ready: The switch is designed for easy rack-mounted installation, making it suitable for deployment in server rooms or network closets for organized infrastructure management.

Energy-Efficient Design

• Energy-Efficient Ethernet: With IEEE 802.3az technology, the switch automatically reduces power consumption during periods of low network activity, contributing to lower operational costs and energy savings.

Fanless Design

• Silent Operation: The fanless design ensures quiet operation, making the TL-SG1218MPE ideal for office environments where noise levels need to be minimized.

Web-Based Management

• User-Friendly Interface: Manage your network with ease through the intuitive web-based interface, which provides control over VLANs, QoS, and security settings without needing in-depth technical knowledge.

Security Features

• MAC Address Binding: Enhance network security by limiting access to specific devices through MAC address binding, reducing the risk of unauthorized connections.

Quality of Service (QoS)

• Traffic Prioritization: With QoS, you can designate priority for time-sensitive applications such as VoIP or video streaming, ensuring smooth and uninterrupted performance.

VLAN Support

• Network Segmentation: Use VLANs to segment and isolate parts of your network, increasing security and improving overall network efficiency.

Specifications:

• Total Ports: 18 Ports
  • 16 x Gigabit PoE+ Ports
  • 2 x Gigabit SFP/RJ45 Combo Ports
• PoE Standard: 802.3at/af compliant PoE+
• PoE Power Budget: Total of 150W
• Switching Capacity: 36Gbps
• Forwarding Rate: 26.78Mpps
• VLANs: Supports up to 64 VLANs simultaneously (4K VLAN IDs)
• QoS: 802.1p/DSCP QoS
• Energy-Efficient Ethernet: IEEE 802.3az
• Dimensions: 17.32 x 7.1 x 1.7 inches (440 x 180 x 44 mm)
• Mounting Options: Rack-mountable
• Power Consumption: 170W (maximum with full PoE load)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. How many devices can I connect using PoE+?
The TL-SG1218MPE has 16 PoE+ ports, allowing you to connect and power up to 16 PoE-compatible devices such as IP cameras, VoIP phones, and access points.

2. What is the total PoE power budget?
The switch provides a total PoE power budget of 150W, which is distributed among the 16 PoE+ ports. Ensure that the combined power requirements of all connected devices do not exceed this limit.

3. Can I use the SFP slots for fiber-optic connections?
Yes, the two Gigabit SFP/RJ45 combo ports are designed for high-speed fiber-optic connections using SFP modules, offering flexibility for long-distance network expansion.

4. Does the switch support VLAN configuration?
Yes, the TL-SG1218MPE supports VLANs, allowing you to segment your network for improved security and efficiency.

5. Is the switch easy to set up?
Yes, the switch offers plug-and-play functionality for basic use. However, advanced settings like VLANs and QoS can be configured via the user-friendly web-based interface.

6. Can I use non-PoE devices with this switch?
Yes, non-PoE devices can be connected to any of the 16 PoE+ ports, and the switch will function as a normal Ethernet port for them.

7. Does the switch make noise?
No, the TL-SG1218MPE features a fanless design, ensuring silent operation—ideal for environments where noise is a concern.

8. Can I prioritize certain types of traffic?
Yes, the switch includes Quality of Service (QoS) features that allow you to prioritize traffic for critical applications like VoIP or video streaming.