D-Link DGS-1100-08PV2 8-Port Gigabit PoE+ Smart Switch: specs and who it suits

The D-Link DGS-1100-08PV2 is a compact eight-port gigabit switch that can also supply power over Ethernet to connected devices. It is a "smart managed" model, so it offers more control than a basic unmanaged switch, and it is small enough for a desk. Here is what the specs mean and how to judge whether it fits your network.

PoE+ and the 64W power limit

Power over Ethernet (PoE) sends electricity and data down the same cable, so devices like IP cameras, wireless access points and VoIP phones need no separate power adapter. D-Link says all eight ports support PoE+ (IEEE 802.3at), with up to 30W per port, and the switch also supports the older 802.3af standard.

The important number is the total PoE power of 64W. Eight ports at 30W would need 240W, so the supply is shared. In practice a mix of lower-power devices works well. For example, many cameras and phones draw well under 15W, but several high-power devices could use it all up. Add up what you plan to connect and leave some headroom.

Gigabit ports

Each port runs at gigabit speed (1,000Mbps), which suits most office and home networks, cameras and wireless access points. Check that your devices and cabling support it.

Smart management features

"Smart managed" means you configure the switch through a web interface, or through a client utility D-Link provides. The features listed include:

• 802.1Q VLANs, which separate traffic into groups, for instance cameras apart from office computers.
• QoS and bandwidth control, which prioritise important traffic such as voice calls.
• IGMP Snooping, which manages multicast traffic.
• Static MAC and Storm Control, listed under security.
• Loopback detection and cable diagnostics, which help find wiring faults. D-Link also lists PD Alive, which checks that powered devices stay responsive.

Quiet and energy-efficient

The switch has no fan, so it runs silently, which suits a desk or an office. It supports 802.3az Energy Efficient Ethernet and D-Link Green technology, which reduce power use when ports are idle. Leave space around it so heat can escape.

Size and compliance

It measures about 6.7 x 4.0 x 1.1 inches (17 x 10 x 2.8 cm) and weighs about 0.8 lb. D-Link lists NDAA compliance and a lifetime warranty after registration. Read the warranty terms on D-Link's own site.

Who it suits

It suits small offices, shops and homes with a few cameras, access points or phones, where VLANs and QoS are useful but a larger switch is unnecessary.

What to check before you buy

• Power needs: total the wattage of your PoE devices against the 64W total.
• Standards: confirm each device uses 802.3af or 802.3at PoE.
• Port count: eight ports include the uplink, so plan for growth.
• Management: check that the web interface has the settings you need.
• Installation: follow the manual, and use quality cabling.
• Hardware version: the V2 label matters, so confirm it.

The short version

• Eight gigabit ports, all with PoE+ at up to 30W each.
• A shared PoE supply of 64W across the ports.
• Web-managed with VLANs, QoS, IGMP Snooping and cable diagnostics.
• Fanless and energy-efficient; NDAA compliant.

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