Hikvision 16-Port Gigabit Smart Managed PoE Switch – If you’re looking for a reliable PoE switch for CCTV or office networking, the Hikvision DS-3E1518P-EI/M is one of the most popular choices. In this review, we’ll outline its features, performance, pros and cons, and whether it’s worth buying in 2026.
Designed by Hikvision, this smart managed switch is built for stable and efficient network distribution—especially for IP camera systems.
Overview
The DS-3E1518P-EI/M is a 16-port Gigabit Smart PoE Managed Switch that supports both data and power transmission over a single Ethernet cable.
Key Highlights:
- 16 × Gigabit PoE ports
- Smart managed features (VLAN, monitoring)
- Long-distance PoE support
- Designed for CCTV and network systems
Key Features Explained
There are 4 main features available on the Hikvision DS-3E1518P-EI/M, namely Smart Managed Function, Power over Ethernet (PoE), Long Distance Transmission and Stable Gigabit Performance.
1. Smart Managed Function
Unlike unmanaged switches, this model allows configuration via web interface. This is useful for separating CCTV traffic from office networks.
- VLAN setup
- Port monitoring
- Traffic control
2. Power over Ethernet (PoE)
Say goodbye to the power supply adapter, because by using this device, the CCTV camera voltage will be distributed directly using an internet cable. No need for separate power cables—cleaner installation.
You can also power devices such as:
- Access points
- VoIP phones
3. Long Distance Transmission
Supports extended PoE range (mode-dependent). The Hikvision DS-3E1518P-EI/M 16-Port Gigabit Smart Managed PoE Switch can deliver power and data over a range of up to 300 meters.
Which is ideal for:
- Large buildings
- Warehouse CCTV setups
4. Stable Gigabit Performance
Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) is a computer networking technology capable of transmitting data at a speed of 1 Gigabit per second (1 Gbps or 1000 Mbps), much faster than Fast Ethernet (100 Mbps).
Gigabit ports ensure:
- Smooth video streaming
- Faster data transfer
- Reduced lag in multi-device setups
Hikvision DS-3E1518P-EI/M Gigabit Smart Managed PoE Switch: Actual Product Photos and Details
The Product Box
The product box features a photo of the device and highlights some key features of the PoE. The box is red and white, just like other Hikvision products.
Port View
The most important part of the Hikvision Smart PoE Managed Switch is its ports. This product has 16 Gigabit PoE ports, one uplink port, and one SFP port. SFP ports are used to connect network devices to fiber optic cables.
Back of the Product
On the back of the product, there’s a socket for power supply. This Hikvision Smart PoE Switch plugs directly into the mains to power it.
Left and Right Sides
On the right side of the product, you can see a fan that functions to remove heat from the device. Meanwhile, on the left side, there are holes that function as air circulation.
Left Side.
Right Side.
Hikvision DS-3E1518P-EI/M Gigabit Smart Managed PoE Switch Specifications
General
- Shell: Metal material
- Net Weight: 2.7 kg (5.9 lb)
- Gross Weight: 2.9 kg (6.4 lb)
- Dimensions (W × H × D): 440.0 mm × 44.0 mm × 220.8 mm (17.32” × 1.73” × 8.69”)
- Operating Temperature: 0 °C to 45 °C (0 °F to 113 °F)
- Storage Temperature: -40 °C to 85 °C (-40 °F to 185 °F)
- Operating Humidity: 5% to 95% (no condensation)
- Relative Humidity: 5% to 95% (no condensation)
- Power Supply: 100~240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, Max. 2.5 A
- Installation Mode: Rack (equipped with mounting ears)
- Max. Power Consumption: 150 W
- Power Consumption in Idle: 20 W
- Surge Protection: 6 KV
Network
- Port: 16 × Gigabit PoE port,1 × Gigabit RJ45 port,1 × Gigabit fiber optical port
- MAC Address Table: 8K
- Switching Capacity: 56 Gbps
- Packet Forwarding Rate: 41.66 Mpps
- Internal Cache: 4.1 Mbits
PoE Power Supply
- PoE Standard: IEEE 802.3af,IEEE 802.3at
- PoE Power Pin: 8-pin power: 1/2(-), 3/6(+), 4/5(+), 7/8(-)
- PoE Port: PoE: Ports 1 to 16
- Max. Port Power: 30 W
- PoE Power Budget: 130 W
Software Function
- Ports 1 to 16: up to 300 m. Long range performance may vary depend on camera model or cable condition.
- Port Isolation: Ports 1 to 18: port isolation mode to improve network security. Ports in an isolation group cannot communicate with each other, but they can communicate with ports outside the isolation group.
- PoE Watchdog: Ports 1 to 16: auto detect and restart the cameras that do not respond.
- Link Aggregation: Link aggregation is used to aggregate multiple physical ports to form a logical port for load balancing, bandwidth expansion, and port protection. Support static link aggregation. Support 8 aggregation groups.
- QoS: QoS is used to allocate bandwidth to different services so as to provide end-to-end service quality assurance. Support port-based priority configuration. Support SP and WRR priority scheduling modes.
- Loop Prevention: Loop prevention is used to prevent the switching network from forming loops, which will seriously affect network communication. Disabled by default. Support 802.1D STP. Support 802.1w RSTP.
- VLAN: VLAN is used for network scale planning and network health improvement. Support 802.1Q. Configurable VLAN ID from 1-4094. Support Trunk, Access port mode. Support Max. 32 VLAN.
- HPP: Support one-click activation and remote management via Hik-Partner Pro.
Approval
- EMC: CE-EMC (EN 55032: 2015+A11: 2020, EN IEC 61000-3-2: 2019, EN 61000-3-3: 2013+A1: 2019, EN 50130-4: 2011+A1: 2014, EN 55035: 2017+A11: 2020)
- Safety: CB (AMD1:2009, AMD2:2013, IEC 62368-1: 2014 (Second Edition), CE-LVD (EN 62368-1: 2014+A11: 2017)
- Chemistry: CE-RoHS (201165EU); WEEE (201219EU); Reach (Regulation (EC) No.19072006)