D-Link DGS-1210-10P 10-Port PoE+ Smart Managed Switch: specs and who it suits

The D-Link DGS-1210-10P is a compact network switch with eight Gigabit Ethernet ports that can also power devices, plus two fibre-capable SFP ports. It is a web-managed "smart" switch, so you can set up VLANs, traffic rules and security from a browser. It is aimed at small offices, home labs and IP camera or wireless access point installations.

What PoE+ does

Power over Ethernet sends electricity down the same cable that carries data. That means a camera, access point or VoIP phone needs only one cable and no nearby power outlet. D-Link says each of the eight ports supports up to 30W, which is the PoE+ (802.3at) level. Ports share a total PoE power allowance, though. D-Link's feature list gives it as 65W, while the longer product description mentions 78W, so check the figure in the datasheet for your version.

The total matters more than the per-port limit. Eight devices drawing 8W each fit within it, but several power-hungry devices could exceed it.

Two SFP ports for uplinks

The two Gigabit SFP ports take optical or copper modules, which are bought separately. D-Link says they allow high-speed uplinks and long-distance fibre links. A typical use is connecting this switch to another building or to a core switch over a distance that copper cable can't cover, as standard Ethernet is limited to about 100 metres.

Layer 2+ management

D-Link lists bandwidth control, QoS, VLAN support, port mirroring, link aggregation, spanning tree, IGMP snooping and static routing. In plain terms:

• VLANs split one switch into separate logical networks, for example keeping cameras apart from office computers.
• QoS gives priority to time-sensitive traffic such as voice.
• Link aggregation combines links for more throughput or redundancy.
• Spanning tree prevents loops if cables are connected in a circle.
• Static routing lets the switch route between VLANs in simple setups.

Security features

The listing names access control lists, 802.1X authentication through a RADIUS server, ARP spoofing prevention, DHCP server screening and D-Link's Safeguard Engine, which is designed to protect the switch from traffic floods. These need configuring to be useful, and 802.1X requires an external RADIUS server.

Surveillance mode and PD Alive

Surveillance mode detects ONVIF-compliant cameras and optimizes video traffic. PD Alive checks powered devices and automatically reboots an unresponsive one, which is handy when a camera is on a roof or in a ceiling.

Build and compliance

The switch is fanless, so it makes no fan noise, and works on a desk or in a rack. It measures 11.2 x 5.0 x 1.7 inches (about 28 x 13 x 4 cm) and weighs 3.1 lb (1.4 kg). D-Link says it is NDAA compliant, supports IEEE 802.3az Energy Efficient Ethernet and carries a limited lifetime warranty.

What to check before you buy

• Total PoE draw: add up the wattage of every device you plan to power and compare it with the switch's total PoE power.
• Port count: eight PoE ports plus two SFP; confirm that fits now and allows room to grow.
• SFP modules: these are separate, so choose ones that match your fibre or copper link.
• Management comfort: web-managed switches reward some networking knowledge.
• Mounting: check whether you need a rack kit or a shelf.
• Warranty terms: read the conditions of the lifetime warranty.

The short version

• Eight Gigabit PoE+ ports (up to 30W each) and two Gigabit SFP ports.
• Web-managed Layer 2+ features, including VLANs, QoS, link aggregation and static routing.
• Security tools such as ACLs and 802.1X, plus ONVIF surveillance mode and PD Alive.
• Fanless, desktop or rack mounting, NDAA compliant.
• Total PoE power stated as 65W in the features and 78W in the description.

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