D-Link DGS-1210-10MP 10-Port PoE+ Smart Switch: features and who it suits

The D-Link DGS-1210-10MP is a smart managed network switch with eight Gigabit Power over Ethernet (PoE+) ports and two SFP ports for fibre or other uplinks. It's meant for small networks that need to power and connect devices such as IP cameras, wireless access points and VoIP phones through a single cable each. Here is what its specifications mean in practice.

What PoE+ and a 130W power limit mean

Power over Ethernet sends electrical power along the same cable that carries data, so a device far from a wall outlet needs just one cable. PoE+ is the 802.3at standard, which allows up to 30W per port. D-Link says each of the eight ports supports up to 30W, with a total of 130W across all of them.

That total matters. Eight devices that each draw 30W would need 240W, more than the switch can supply. Most cameras, access points and phones draw much less than the maximum, so 130W is often enough, but add up the real draw of the devices you plan to use.

Eight copper ports and two SFP ports

The eight PoE ports run at 10/100/1000 Mbps. Two further Gigabit SFP ports accept modules for fibre links, which allow longer cable runs than copper (copper Ethernet is typically limited to about 100 metres) and can link buildings or connect to a core switch. SFP modules are bought separately, and you'll need to match the module type to your fibre.

What "smart managed" and Layer 2+ include

A smart managed switch lets you configure how traffic is handled, usually through a web interface. D-Link lists these features:

• VLANs, which split one physical network into separate logical ones, for example cameras apart from office computers.
• QoS and bandwidth control, to prioritise important traffic such as voice calls.
• Port mirroring, link aggregation and Spanning Tree, for monitoring, combining links and avoiding network loops.
• IGMP snooping, which helps manage multicast traffic.
• Static routing, the "+" in Layer 2+.
• Dual software images, so a firmware update can have a fallback.

Security features

The listing names Access Control Lists (ACL), 802.1X with RADIUS authentication, ARP spoofing prevention and the D-Link Safeguard Engine. In general, these let an administrator control which devices connect and what traffic they may send. They need to be configured to help, so plan time for setup.

Surveillance mode and PD Alive

D-Link says surveillance mode detects ONVIF-compliant devices automatically and optimises video traffic, which can simplify IP camera installations. PD Alive checks powered devices and automatically reboots an unresponsive PoE device, which saves a trip to power-cycle a ceiling-mounted access point.

Size, power and compliance

The switch is fanless, so it makes no fan noise, and works on 100-240V supply. It measures about 13 x 7.1 x 1.7 inches (33 x 18 x 4.3 cm), weighs 3.8 lb (about 1.7 kg) and can sit on a desk or go in a rack. D-Link states it is NDAA compliant and carries a lifetime warranty. Follow the manual and local electrical codes when installing it.

Who it suits

It suits small offices, studios, workshops and homes with a camera system or several access points. The VLAN and security features are also useful where a business needs to separate guest and internal traffic.

What to check before you buy

• Power limit: add up the wattage of every PoE device and compare it with 130W.
• Standards: confirm your devices use 802.3af or 802.3at PoE.
• Port count: eight PoE ports can fill quickly; allow for growth.
• Uplinks: decide whether you need SFP modules and which type.
• Mounting: check the space for desktop use or a rack, and ventilation as the manual describes.
• Configuration: managed features need setup; check you're comfortable with a web interface.

The short version

• 10-port smart managed Gigabit switch: 8 PoE+ ports plus 2 SFP ports.
• 130W total PoE power, up to 30W per port.
• VLANs, QoS, link aggregation, Spanning Tree, ACL, 802.1X and static routing.
• Surveillance mode with ONVIF detection and PD Alive auto-reboot.
• Fanless, desktop or rackmount, NDAA compliant, lifetime warranty.

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