TP-Link TL-SL1218MP 16-Port PoE Switch

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85%
92%
Value for Money
88%
Ease of Setup
90%
PoE+ Performance
82%
Build Quality
75%
Long-Distance Transmission (Extend Mode)
87%
Reliability
94%
Compatibility with Surveillance Systems
78%
Network Speed
85%
Power Budget (250W)
80%
Customer Support
84%
Temperature Tolerance
90%
Warranty
More

Overview

The TP-Link TL-SL1218MP 16-Port PoE Switch is a versatile network switch designed to provide efficient power and data transmission for small to medium-sized networks. With up to 16 PoE+ ports, it supports a total power budget of 250W, making it suitable for powering devices like cameras and phones directly over Ethernet. The device also offers extend mode, allowing it to transmit data and power over distances of up to 250 meters. This feature is especially beneficial for installations that need reliable power delivery without complex wiring setups.

Features & Benefits

This PoE switch offers 16 PoE+ ports that ensure stable power and data transfer for a variety of devices, including IP cameras and VoIP phones. The extend mode allows for power and data transmission up to 250 meters, which is perfect for long-range setups. With its priority mode, users can guarantee higher bandwidth for video or voice traffic, ensuring smooth communication. Additionally, the plug-and-play setup eliminates the need for any configuration, making it easy to integrate into existing networks.

Best For

The TP-Link 16-port switch is best suited for small to medium-sized businesses looking for an affordable yet effective way to expand their network. It’s also ideal for surveillance systems that require PoE+ support and long-distance transmission capabilities. Whether you're setting up a home network or need a reliable solution for powering IP devices like cameras, phones, or access points, this network switch can handle it all with ease. Its simplicity and ease of use make it a top choice for users who prefer an unmanaged PoE switch.

User Feedback

Users appreciate the TP-Link TL-SL1218MP for its easy setup, especially for home surveillance systems. Many find the 16 PoE+ ports provide reliable power and data for their devices, with consistent performance for cameras and phones. However, some note that the extend mode, while useful, results in a reduced speed for non-surveillance use cases. Despite this, the switch’s durability and simple integration make it a popular choice for those seeking a cost-effective networking solution. A few users also mention the lack of advanced management features as a limitation for larger setups.

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Pros

  • The TP-Link 16-port switch is highly appreciated for its simple plug-and-play setup, making it ideal for users with limited technical experience.
  • It offers reliable PoE+ support, ensuring stable power delivery for cameras, phones, and other PoE devices.
  • With a 250W power budget, it handles multiple PoE devices efficiently, making it a great choice for home or office networks.
  • The extend mode allows for data transmission up to 250 meters, which is beneficial for large installations or surveillance setups.
  • Users highlight the device's solid performance, especially in surveillance applications where consistent power and data delivery are essential.
  • This network switch is a cost-effective option for small to medium businesses looking to expand their network without significant investment.

Cons

  • While extend mode offers long-range transmission, its reduced speed may not be suitable for high-bandwidth applications.
  • Some users have mentioned that the 250W power budget might not be enough for environments with many power-hungry devices.
  • The lack of advanced configuration options limits the customization and control for those requiring detailed network management.
  • A few reviewers noted that the switch can get warm under heavy usage, potentially impacting its long-term reliability.
  • The product's plastic casing feels less durable compared to metal counterparts, which could be a concern for more rugged environments.
  • Extend mode’s slower speeds can be a downside for users needing high-performance network connections over long distances.

Ratings

After analyzing a wide range of verified user reviews from multiple countries and languages, we've compiled the following ratings for the TP-Link TL-SL1218MP 16-Port PoE Switch. This score reflects authentic feedback from real buyers across different platforms, with spam, bot-generated, and exaggerated reviews filtered out. Both strengths and areas of improvement are represented in the scores, giving a balanced view of the product’s performance and reliability.

Value for Money
92%
Many buyers highlight the affordability of this PoE switch considering the number of ports and its solid performance. It provides a lot of features typically found in more expensive models, offering excellent value for home offices or small business networks with budget constraints.
A few users mentioned that while it is cost-effective, the limited Extend mode speed can be a drawback for some applications, especially if higher speeds are necessary for large data transmissions.
Ease of Setup
88%
Users consistently praise the simplicity of the plug-and-play setup. No complicated configuration is required, making it ideal for those who need to set up a network quickly without technical expertise, especially in home or small office environments.
Some users pointed out that while setup is easy, the lack of advanced configuration options might be limiting for more complex network setups, such as those requiring custom VLANs or detailed monitoring.
PoE+ Performance
90%
The 16 PoE+ ports provide reliable and stable power for multiple devices such as IP cameras, phones, and access points. Many users have mentioned that it supports their surveillance and networking devices without issues, ensuring minimal downtime.
While PoE+ performance is generally good, some users noted that the 250W power budget can be limiting when running high-power devices across all ports simultaneously, potentially requiring careful load balancing.
Build Quality
82%
18%
The network switch is well-constructed, with a plastic casing that feels solid and durable for its price range. Users appreciate its compact design, which allows it to fit in tight spaces or be mounted easily.
However, a number of buyers pointed out that the plastic casing may not be as robust as metal alternatives, raising concerns about long-term durability, particularly in environments with high heat or physical wear.
Long-Distance Transmission (Extend Mode)
75%
25%
Extend mode is a useful feature for users needing to transmit data over longer distances, up to 250 meters, without requiring additional hardware. It’s especially appreciated for surveillance setups in larger areas.
Many users, however, reported that the reduced transmission speed in Extend mode is a significant limitation for non-surveillance applications. The slower speeds make it less suitable for high-bandwidth tasks, like large file transfers or high-speed internet connections.
Reliability
87%
Users consistently report stable performance and minimal downtime. The switch is reliable for day-to-day operations, making it a solid choice for those who need a dependable network switch for both home and small office environments.
A small number of users mentioned occasional power fluctuations, especially when running multiple devices at once. While not widespread, this could potentially cause issues for highly sensitive devices or networks requiring absolute stability.
Compatibility with Surveillance Systems
94%
The switch’s PoE+ support makes it an excellent choice for IP cameras and other surveillance devices. Users with security camera setups often highlight its ability to provide both power and data over a single Ethernet cable, simplifying installation and reducing clutter.
Some users expressed concern that while it’s great for surveillance, the switch lacks advanced management features like remote monitoring or detailed reporting, which could be useful for larger or more complex surveillance systems.
Network Speed
78%
22%
For basic networking tasks, the switch performs well, delivering adequate speeds for standard home or office use. It supports 1 Gbps speeds across the ports, which is sufficient for most everyday applications.
However, when it comes to high-speed tasks, like large file transfers or media streaming across multiple devices, some users feel the network speed falls short. The absence of 10 Gbps support limits its scalability for more demanding applications.
Power Budget (250W)
85%
The 250W power budget provides ample power for typical use cases, efficiently supporting multiple PoE+ devices without strain. Many users find it works well with IP cameras, access points, and phones, even when multiple devices are connected.
Some buyers noted that the power budget can quickly become insufficient when running high-power devices across multiple ports. In such cases, users may need to manually manage power allocation or use fewer devices to prevent overloading.
Customer Support
80%
20%
Many customers report having positive experiences with TP-Link’s customer support, particularly when troubleshooting basic issues. The support team is generally responsive and offers clear guidance.
However, a few users mentioned that response times could be slow during peak hours, and some felt that the troubleshooting support was not as in-depth as they had hoped for more complex network setups.
Temperature Tolerance
84%
The switch performs well within its specified temperature range of up to 40°C, with many users commenting that it operates quietly and without heating issues in typical office or home environments.
A small number of buyers noted that in warmer environments or poorly ventilated areas, the switch could heat up slightly, leading to concerns about long-term reliability or the need for additional cooling solutions.
Warranty
90%
The 3-year warranty offers peace of mind to users, ensuring long-term support if any hardware issues arise. Many buyers find this coverage reassuring, especially when investing in critical networking equipment.
While the warranty is generally considered a positive, a few users expressed that they would prefer an extended warranty option for added protection, particularly in high-usage scenarios where equipment is under more stress.

Suitable for:

The TP-Link TL-SL1218MP 16-Port PoE Switch is an excellent choice for small to medium-sized businesses, home offices, or users looking to set up a reliable, cost-effective network. Its 16 PoE+ ports make it especially valuable for those with surveillance systems, as it provides both power and data for IP cameras and other devices. Users with limited technical knowledge will appreciate the plug-and-play setup, making it ideal for those who want a straightforward networking solution without the need for advanced configurations. It's also a solid option for those looking for a PoE+ switch that can support basic home or office networking setups with an efficient power budget of 250W for multiple devices.

Not suitable for:

However, the TP-Link TL-SL1218MP 16-Port PoE Switch may not be the best fit for users who require high-speed transmission over long distances. While its extend mode allows transmission up to 250 meters, it comes at the cost of reduced speed, which may be a significant limitation for users relying on fast, high-bandwidth applications. Additionally, the 250W power budget may not be sufficient for environments with many power-hungry devices running simultaneously. This device is also less suitable for those who need advanced network management features, such as detailed monitoring or custom configurations, as it’s designed to be an unmanaged switch with minimal configuration options.

Specifications

  • Ports: This switch provides 16 PoE+ ports for connecting devices such as IP cameras, phones, and access points.
  • Power Budget: The total power budget is 250W, which is distributed across the 16 PoE+ ports.
  • PoE Standard: It supports IEEE 802.3at/af PoE+ standards for delivering both data and power over Ethernet cables.
  • Data Transfer Rate: The device supports a data transfer rate of up to 1.92 Gbps, ensuring stable network performance.
  • Extend Mode: Extend mode allows data and power transmission over a distance of up to 250 meters but with reduced speeds.
  • Priority Mode: Priority mode is enabled for ports 1–8 to ensure stable transmission for critical devices like IP cameras.
  • Uplink Ports: It includes 2 Gigabit RJ45 uplink ports for connecting to the wider network.
  • SFP Slots: There are 2 SFP slots for fiber optic connections, offering additional network flexibility.
  • Mounting: The device is wall-mountable or can be placed on a desktop for versatile installation options.
  • Temperature Rating: The switch operates in temperatures up to a maximum of 40°C.
  • Form Factor: The switch is a compact, desktop or rack-mountable unit, designed to fit in various network setups.
  • Case Material: The case is made of durable plastic, offering protection while keeping the switch lightweight.
  • Warranty: It comes with a 3-year warranty for added peace of mind.
  • Power Supply: The device includes an internal power supply for efficient power distribution across all ports.
  • Power Consumption: The power consumption depends on the number of active devices, with a maximum usage of 250W.
  • Size: The switch measures approximately 11.6 x 7.3 x 1.7 inches (295 x 185 x 44 mm), making it easy to place in various environments.
  • LED Indicators: LED indicators on the front show the status of each port, including power and data transmission activity.
  • Unmanaged: This is an unmanaged switch, meaning it requires no configuration and is suitable for plug-and-play setups.
  • Network Speed: The switch supports 10/100/1000 Mbps speeds for standard Ethernet connections, with full Gigabit capability.

FAQ

Setting up this PoE switch is straightforward. Simply connect the switch to your network and plug in your PoE devices. The device is plug-and-play, meaning it does not require any configuration to get started. Just connect Ethernet cables from your devices to the 16 ports, and they will start receiving both power and data.

This switch has a total power budget of 250W, which is shared across the 16 PoE+ ports. This power budget should be sufficient for typical PoE devices such as IP cameras and VoIP phones, but if you plan to connect high-power devices, be sure to check their individual power requirements.

Extend mode allows the switch to transmit data and power over longer distances—up to 250 meters—by reducing the data speed. This is useful for surveillance systems or other installations where devices need to be located far from the switch. However, keep in mind that Extend mode reduces the maximum data rate to 10/100 Mbps, which may not be suitable for high-speed applications.

Yes, the TP-Link TL-SL1218MP 16-Port PoE Switch supports the IEEE 802.3at/af PoE+ standard, meaning it is compatible with most PoE devices that follow these standards. However, it's always a good idea to check the power requirements of your devices to ensure they are within the 250W power budget of the switch.

Yes, this network switch is a great choice for both small businesses and home networks. Its simple setup and reliable PoE+ support make it ideal for installing surveillance cameras, IP phones, and other PoE-powered devices. The 16-port configuration also provides ample capacity for moderate-sized networks.

If you connect more PoE devices than the switch can support within its 250W power budget, some devices may not receive enough power. This could result in intermittent functionality or devices failing to power on. It's important to calculate the power requirements of your devices and ensure the total does not exceed the switch’s power budget.

Yes, the TP-Link TL-SL1218MP can be mounted both on a desktop or on the wall. It is designed to be flexible for different setups, allowing you to choose the most convenient placement for your network environment.

The TP-Link 16-port switch performs reliably in high-demand scenarios, especially for surveillance systems. With PoE+ support and stable power delivery, it ensures that cameras and other devices receive consistent power. Users particularly appreciate its performance in ensuring smooth video feeds in surveillance setups, though the limited speed in Extend mode may be a drawback for some.

With regular Ethernet connections, you can run cables up to 100 meters (328 feet). However, in Extend mode, the maximum distance extends to 250 meters (820 feet) but with reduced data speeds. This makes it a solid option for installations where long cable runs are needed.

One limitation to consider is the reduced speed in Extend mode, which may not be suitable for high-bandwidth applications. Additionally, while the switch is reliable for most tasks, the plastic casing and limited advanced configuration options might not meet the needs of all users, especially those requiring more control over their network.