TP-Link Omada SG3428XPP-M2 24-Port 2.5G PoE+ Switch: specs and who it suits

The TP-Link Omada SG3428XPP-M2 (model TL-SG3428XPP-M2) is a managed network switch with 24 multi-gigabit ports and four 10G fibre/DAC uplinks. All 24 copper ports can also supply Power over Ethernet, so cameras, wireless access points and other devices can be powered through the same cable that carries their data. It is aimed at small and mid-sized networks that are moving beyond gigabit speeds.

What 2.5G ports and 10G uplinks mean in practice

The 24 RJ45 ports run at 2.5 Gbps (2.5GBASE-T), which TP-Link positions as a step up from standard gigabit. In general, 2.5G works over the same Cat5e or Cat6 cabling many buildings already have, so a speed upgrade doesn't usually mean re-cabling. Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7 access points, for example, can often exceed 1 Gbps and benefit from a 2.5G link.

Four SFP+ slots provide 10 Gbps uplinks. These accept SFP+ modules (fibre) or direct-attach cables and are typically used to connect to a core switch, a server or another switch. TP-Link describes the switching as non-blocking, meaning the internal fabric is designed to handle all ports at full speed at once.

How the PoE power is divided

Sixteen ports support PoE+ (802.3at/af), with up to 30W per port, and eight support PoE++ (802.3bt/at/af), with up to 60W per port. The switch as a whole supplies up to 500W of PoE power.

That total matters more than the per-port figures. If every port were drawing its maximum, the demand would exceed 500W, so the switch shares the power across connected devices. Add up the real draw of the devices you plan to connect, which is usually well below their maximum, and check that it fits within the total. Devices such as PTZ cameras or high-power access points are the ones most likely to need the 60W ports.

Managing it: Omada SDN and standalone mode

The switch is part of TP-Link's Omada SDN platform, which brings switches, access points and gateways under one interface. TP-Link lists three ways to control it: a hardware controller, a software controller, and a cloud-based controller (listed as "coming soon"). It can also run in standalone mode, configured on its own. The Omada app and cloud access are described as allowing remote management of multiple sites.

Layer 2+ features and security

"L2+" means the switch can do Layer 2 switching plus static routing, which lets it route traffic between internal VLANs without sending everything through a separate router. TP-Link also lists:

• 802.1Q VLAN, QoS and IGMP snooping for separating and prioritising traffic
• ACLs, port security, IP-MAC-Port binding and 802.1X RADIUS authentication for access control
• DoS defence, storm control and DHCP snooping against common network problems
• IPv6 support

These are the tools a network administrator uses to segment guest, camera and office traffic. They take some networking knowledge to configure well.

Size, warranty and support

The unit measures 17.3 x 13.0 x 1.7 inches (about 44 x 33 x 4.3 cm) and weighs 11.2 lb (about 5 kg). The 1.7-inch height is one rack unit, so it suits a standard 19-inch rack, and the listing doesn't mention desktop use. TP-Link states a five-year warranty and technical support from 6am to 6pm PST, Monday to Friday.

Who it suits

It fits home labs, small offices, shops and schools building out a PoE network with multi-gigabit access points and cameras, and anyone who wants VLANs and access control. A basic home network with a handful of devices wouldn't need this many ports or this much management.

What to check before you buy

• Total PoE power: add up the actual draw of your cameras, access points and phones, and compare it with the 500W total.
• Device standards: confirm which of your devices need PoE+ (30W) and which need PoE++ (60W).
• Cabling: check that your cable runs are suitable for 2.5G, and whether you need SFP+ modules or cables for the uplinks, which the listing doesn't mention as included.
• Mounting and cooling: it is a rack-height unit, so plan the space, airflow and noise level of the room.
• Management: decide whether you'll use a controller or standalone mode, and check that the features you need are available in that mode.

The short version

• A 24-port 2.5GBASE-T managed switch with four 10G SFP+ uplinks.
• 16 PoE+ ports (up to 30W) and 8 PoE++ ports (up to 60W), with 500W total PoE power.
• Part of the Omada SDN platform, with standalone mode also available.
• L2+ features including static routing, VLAN, ACL, QoS and 802.1X.
• Five-year warranty stated by TP-Link; 11.2 lb, one rack unit high.

Bloiq is reader-supported. Some links may earn us a commission; it never affects what we write. How we make money.