What are the best brands of 24-port PoE switches?

When choosing the best 24-port PoE switches, several factors come into play, such as the required PoE standard (e.g., PoE, PoE+, or PoE++), the total power budget, reliability, and feature set (e.g., Layer 2/3 support, QoS, security features, etc.). Below are some of the top brands offering high-quality 24-port PoE switches with varying features to cater to different business needs.

1. Cisco

Cisco is a leading brand known for its high-performance, reliable networking equipment. Their PoE switches are robust and feature-rich, offering a wide range of models for both small businesses and large enterprises.

Popular Models:

--- Cisco Catalyst 2960-X: Known for its reliability and ease of management, this series supports both PoE and PoE+ (IEEE 802.3af/at). It’s ideal for small to mid-sized businesses and provides features like QoS, security, and VLAN support.

--- Cisco Catalyst 9200 Series: Offers higher performance and scalability with more advanced features like Layer 3 routing capabilities and superior security. Ideal for larger networks and enterprises.

Key Features:

--- High reliability and scalability

--- Extensive configuration options (Layer 2/Layer 3)

--- Advanced security and monitoring tools

--- Support for both standard PoE and PoE+

Best For: Enterprise environments, businesses that require extensive network management and security features, and those already using other Cisco networking equipment.

2. Ubiquiti Networks

Ubiquiti Networks has made a name for itself with affordable yet powerful networking equipment that’s user-friendly and highly configurable. Their PoE switches are widely used by SMBs and home offices.

Popular Models:

--- UniFi Switch 24 PoE (US-24-250W): This is a 24-port PoE+ switch with a 250W power budget, suitable for powering devices like IP cameras, VoIP phones, and access points.

--- UniFi Switch 24 PoE Pro (US-24-500W): A more robust option with a 500W power budget, offering higher performance and more power for demanding applications.

Key Features:

--- Web-based management via UniFi Controller

--- Affordable price point for small to mid-sized businesses

--- Good integration with other Ubiquiti products (e.g., access points, cameras)

--- Simple setup and scalability

Best For: Small to mid-sized businesses and home office environments, especially those using other Ubiquiti products for seamless integration.

3. Netgear

Netgear offers a broad portfolio of networking switches, including 24-port PoE models that cater to businesses of all sizes. Netgear’s PoE switches are known for their solid performance, ease of use, and value for money.

Popular Models:

--- Netgear GS724TP: A 24 port PoE switch with a 190W power budget, offering a good balance of features and affordability for small businesses.

--- Netgear M4250 Series: A more advanced option designed specifically for AV-over-IP installations, with features like QoS and AV VLAN support.

--- Netgear ProSafe GS728TPv2: A Layer 2 managed switch with PoE+ support, ideal for businesses that need robust, reliable performance without breaking the bank.

Key Features:

--- Easy-to-use web interface and management options

--- Good value for the price

--- Power budgets ranging from 190W to 500W

--- PoE+ and some models with PoE++

Best For: SMBs, especially those looking for reliable, cost-effective solutions with manageable features for simple deployments.

4. Aruba Networks (a Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company)

Aruba Networks offers high-performance, secure, and scalable PoE switches designed for modern enterprise and cloud-based networking. Their switches are commonly used in large office environments, educational institutions, and data centers.

Popular Models:

--- Aruba 2530 24G PoE+ Switch: A Layer 2 managed switch with PoE+ support and a power budget of 370W. This switch offers essential features for businesses that need a secure and reliable PoE solution.

--- Aruba 2930F Series: More advanced models that support Layer 3 static routing and enhanced security features, ideal for growing networks and cloud-based applications.

Key Features:

--- Excellent security features (e.g., Aruba ClearPass for network access control)

--- Seamless integration with other Aruba and HPE products

--- Advanced management features like centralized management with Aruba AirWave

--- PoE+ and PoE++ support

Best For: Mid to large enterprises, educational institutions, and businesses with complex networking and security needs.

5. TP-Link

TP-Link offers affordable, reliable PoE switches for businesses that need a balance of performance and budget-friendliness. TP-Link’s switches are easy to use and configure, with a range of options for small to medium-sized networks.

Popular Models:

--- TP-Link TL-SG1024P: A 24-port gigabit PoE+ switch with a 250W power budget. Suitable for small businesses that need to power devices like IP cameras or phones.

--- TP-Link T2600G-28MPS: A Layer 2+ managed switch with 24 PoE+ ports and a 370W power budget. It supports VLANs, QoS, and more advanced management features.

Key Features:

--- Affordable pricing with solid performance

--- PoE+ support and good power budget

--- Easy setup with user-friendly web interface

--- VLAN and QoS support for better network management

Best For: Small to medium-sized businesses that need reliable, budget-friendly PoE switches with basic to moderate management capabilities.

6. Juniper Networks

Juniper Networks is known for its high-performance and scalable networking solutions. Juniper’s PoE switches are often used in large enterprise environments where reliability and scalability are paramount.

Popular Models:

--- EX2300 Series: These are stackable Layer 2 PoE switches with a variety of configurations, including 24 ports of Gigabit PoE+.

--- EX3400 Series: These provide higher scalability with up to 48 ports and more advanced features like Layer 3 routing.

Key Features:

--- High-performance, enterprise-class PoE solutions

--- Scalable and stackable design for growing networks

--- Advanced security and automation features (e.g., Junos OS)

--- Support for PoE+ and PoE++

Best For: Large enterprises, data centers, and businesses with advanced networking needs.

7. D-Link

D-Link offers reliable PoE switches with a focus on affordability and ease of use. D-Link’s models are great for small to mid-sized businesses that need a practical solution for PoE deployment.

Popular Models:

--- D-Link DGS-1210-24P: A Layer 2 managed 24-port PoE+ switch with a 192W power budget, offering VLAN, QoS, and security features at a budget-friendly price.

--- D-Link DGS-3630 Series: These provide more advanced features, including Layer 3 routing and PoE+ support, designed for businesses with more complex needs.

Key Features:

--- Budget-friendly, yet reliable

--- Easy setup and basic management features

--- PoE+ support with adequate power budgets

Best For: SMBs that need an affordable PoE solution without the need for extensive management features.

Summary Comparison

Conclusion

Choosing the best 24-port PoE switch depends on your specific requirements, such as power budget, management features, scalability, and security. Cisco and Aruba Networks are ideal for large enterprises requiring advanced features, while Ubiquiti and TP-Link offer excellent value for small to medium businesses. Netgear provides a balance between cost and features, while Juniper excels in high-performance environments.