Hikvision DS-3E0109P-E/M(B) 8-Port PoE Switch

Hikvision DS-3E0109P-E/M(B) 8-Port PoE Switch: The Budget-Friendly Power Hub

The Hikvision DS-3E0109P-E/M(B) is an unmanaged 8-port Fast Ethernet switch designed as a cost-effective solution for powering and connecting basic IP surveillance and networking equipment. With all eight ports capable of delivering Power over Ethernet, it simplifies installations by centralizing power and data for multiple devices.

Who Is This Switch For? (Ideal Use Cases)

This switch is a perfect fit for:

• Budget-Conscious Security Installations: Powering a small to medium cluster of 4-8 standard definition or 1080p IP cameras.

• Basic IoT and Device Networks: Connecting and powering multiple low-bandwidth devices like VoIP phones or simple access points.

• Retail or Small Business Backrooms: Setting up a simple, reliable network for cameras and point-of-sale systems without a large investment.

• Standalone Camera Systems: Creating a dedicated network for cameras that don’t require high-bandwidth throughput.

Key Features & Benefits (Readability Focus)

1. Maximum PoE Port Density

• What it does: All 8 RJ45 ports support PoE, allowing you to power a full suite of devices from a single, compact unit.

• Why it matters: You can connect up to 8 cameras or other PoE devices without needing a single external power adapter, drastically reducing cable clutter and installation cost.

2. Plug-and-Play Simplicity

• What it does: As an unmanaged switch, it requires zero configuration. Connect your cables, plug it in, and it works immediately.

• Why it matters: Ideal for installers and users who need a reliable, “set-it-and-forget-it” solution without any networking expertise.

3. Cost-Effective Solution

• What it is: By utilizing Fast Ethernet (100Mbps) instead of Gigabit, Hikvision offers a highly affordable 8-port PoE switch.

• Why it matters: It provides the lowest possible entry point for powering a multi-device PoE network, making professional-grade installations accessible on a tight budget.

4. Flexible and Compact Design

• What it does: The switch features a small, metal housing with multiple mounting options: desktop, wall, or DIN rail.

• Why it matters: This versatility allows for discreet installation in electrical cabinets, on walls, or on shelves, making it ideal for space-constrained environments like drop ceilings or utility rooms.

Full Technical Specifications

How to Set Up the DS-3E0109P-E/M(B) (Step-by-Step)

Setup is incredibly straightforward and takes only a few minutes.

1. Mount the Switch: Choose your preferred location and mount the switch on a wall, DIN rail, or simply place it on a desktop.

2. Connect the Power: Plug the integrated power cord into a standard wall outlet. The switch will power on.

3. Connect to Your Network: Use an Ethernet cable to connect one of the ports to your main router or network switch. (Any port can be used as an uplink).

4. Connect Your Devices: Plug your PoE devices (cameras, APs, etc.) into the remaining ports. The switch will automatically detect and power compatible devices.

5. Verify Operation: Check the LED indicators. A green light indicates a link, and an orange light indicates PoE is being supplied to that port.

Power Budget Planning (The Critical Consideration)

The 57W total budget is the most important specification to understand. You cannot run all eight ports at full power simultaneously.

Example Scenarios:

• 8x Standard IP Cameras: (e.g., each using 4-6W) = ~32-48W total. Well within the 57W budget.

• 4x Power-Hungry Devices: (e.g., four motorized varifocal cameras at 10W each) = 40W total. Still within budget.

• 8x High-Power Devices: (e.g., eight devices each needing 10W) = 80W total. This will exceed the budget and cause devices to power off or reboot randomly.

Always add up the maximum power consumption of all connected devices to ensure the total is under 57W.

Understanding the 100Mbps Limitation

It’s crucial to understand what “Fast Ethernet” (100Mbps) means for your network:

• Sufficient for: Most 1080p and even 4MP IP cameras, which typically use between 4-8 Mbps. You could run 10+ cameras on a 100Mbps link without saturating it.

• A Bottleneck for:

  • High-Resolution Video: Multiple 4K/8MP cameras streaming simultaneously.

  • Data Transfers: File transfers between computers on the network will be limited to ~12 MB/s.

  • Gigabit Networks: If your main network is Gigabit, this switch will be a speed bottleneck for any device connected to it.

Verdict: This switch is perfect for dedicated camera systems but not suitable as the main switch for a modern office or home network.

Comparison: Who is it Better Than?

Verdict: The DS-3E0109P-E wins on port count and price for basic camera systems. You sacrifice Gigabit speed and PoE+ power for a lower cost and more ports. The 5-port DS-3E0105P-E is a more versatile choice if you have any devices that need higher speed or more power.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is this switch only for Hikvision cameras?
A: No. It uses standard 802.3af PoE, making it compatible with any PoE-powered device from any brand, including Dahua, Reolink cameras, and basic access points.

Q: Can I power a device that requires PoE+ (802.3at) with this switch?
A: No. This switch only provides standard PoE (802.3af, up to 15.4W per port). A device requiring PoE+ (up to 30W) will not power on or may function erratically.

Q: What happens if I exceed the 57W power budget?
A: The switch has overload protection. It will typically stop powering one or more devices to prevent damage, causing them to reboot or go offline unpredictably.

Q: Is it fanless?
A: Yes. The switch has no moving parts, making it completely silent, which is ideal for office or residential environments.

Q: Can I connect this to a Gigabit network?
A: Yes, but the devices connected to this switch will be limited to 100Mbps speeds when communicating with the rest of your Gigabit network.

Conclusion & Final Recommendation

The Hikvision DS-3E0109P-E/M(B) is a highly specialized tool that excels in one specific area: providing the most affordable way to power and connect up to eight basic PoE devices. Its plug-and-play operation and flexible mounting make it a champion for budget-conscious security installations.