TP-Link TL-SG1428PE 24-Port Gigabit PoE+ Easy Smart Switch: specs and uses

The TP-Link TL-SG1428PE is a 28-port Easy Smart switch built for small offices, shops and larger homes. Twenty-four of its ports supply Power over Ethernet, so cameras, wireless access points and phones can run off the same cable that carries their data.

Port layout

The switch has 24 PoE+ RJ45 ports that run at 10/100/1000 Mbps, plus two non-PoE gigabit ports and two SFP slots. SFP slots take small plug-in modules, usually fibre or copper, and are commonly used for uplinks to another switch or to a router at a distance. The non-PoE ports suit devices such as computers or a router that need no power from the switch.

What PoE+ and the 250W limit mean

PoE+ follows the IEEE 802.3at standard (the listing also notes 802.3af compatibility). TP-Link says each port provides up to 30W. The switch has a total PoE capacity of 250W shared across all ports. That is the number that matters in planning, because 24 devices drawing the 30W maximum would exceed it. In practice, many devices such as IP cameras and access points draw far less than 30W, so the 250W goes further. Add up the power each device needs from its specification and compare it with 250W.

PoE auto recovery

TP-Link lists a PoE auto recovery feature. The switch detects a powered device that has dropped off or stopped responding, then reboots it, without anyone resetting it by hand. The listing notes that configuration is required. It is handy for equipment mounted high on ceilings or in remote spots.

Easy Smart management

Easy Smart is TP-Link's middle tier between unmanaged and fully managed. You manage the switch through a web interface and a smart configuration utility. The listing names VLAN, QoS, IGMP and LAG among its features. VLANs split traffic into separate groups on the same hardware, which TP-Link says improves security through segmentation. QoS can prioritise certain traffic, IGMP helps with multicast traffic, and LAG combines links.

The listing also says it is plug and play, so with no configuration it works as a basic switch.

Size and mounting

The switch measures about 17.3 x 8.7 x 1.7 inches (44 x 22 x 4.3 cm) and weighs 6.8 lb (3.1 kg). The 17.3-inch width is close to a standard 19-inch rack's footprint, though you should check the mounting kit in the box. Switches with many powered ports often use cooling, so consider fan noise for rooms where people work.

Support

TP-Link states a three-year warranty and technical support from 6am to 6pm Pacific time on weekdays.

Who it suits

It suits anyone who wants to power and connect many devices through one box: a camera system, several wireless access points, VoIP phones. It is a heavy-duty piece of kit if you only need a few ports.

What to check before you buy

• Total power: add up the draw of every PoE device and compare it with 250W.
• Device standards: confirm that your devices use 802.3af or 802.3at.
• Uplink speed: gigabit and SFP uplinks may limit traffic between switches.
• Mounting: check rack or shelf space, ventilation and the supplied hardware.
• Management needs: check the feature list if you need advanced routing, which Easy Smart switches do not do.
• Cabling: use suitable Ethernet cable for the length.

The short version

• A 28-port Easy Smart gigabit switch: 24 PoE+ ports, two gigabit ports and two SFP slots.
• 30W per port, 250W total PoE capacity.
• PoE auto recovery, VLAN, QoS, IGMP and LAG support.
• Web-based management; plug and play out of the box.
• Three-year warranty; about 6.8 lb.

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