TP-Link TL-SG1218MPE 18-Port Gigabit Easy Smart Switch: Reliable PoE+ for Kenya’s SMBs and Campuses
The TP-Link TL-SG1218MPE 18-Port Gigabit Easy Smart Switch is a managed, enterprise-grade switch designed to power and connect modern IP devices in Kenya’s small-to-medium businesses, offices, and small campuses. Featuring 16 Gigabit PoE+ ports and 2 Gigabit RJ-45 uplinks with a 192W PoE budget, this switch delivers data and up to 30W per port over a single Cat5e/Cat6 cable, powering Hikvision IP cameras, Ubiquiti Wi-Fi 6 access points, VoIP phones, and IoT sensors. Ideal for deploying surveillance in Nairobi’s retail outlets, VoIP in Mombasa’s hotels, or Wi-Fi in Kisumu’s schools, it eliminates separate power wiring, reducing installation costs.
As an Easy Smart switch, the TL-SG1218MPE offers intuitive management via a web GUI or TP-Link Utility, supporting VLANs, QoS, and IGMP snooping without requiring advanced expertise. Its single-fan design ensures low-noise operation, suitable for offices or classrooms, while the sturdy metal casing and rack-mountable chassis provide durability for Kenya’s diverse climates. With a 36 Gbps switching capacity, IEEE 802.3x flow control, PoE auto recovery, and loop prevention, it ensures reliable performance for video, VoIP, and data transfers. ISP Billing System Kenya provides authentic TP-Link hardware, fast delivery often same-day in Nairobi, and responsive support, ensuring seamless deployment.
Compatible with Safaricom, Airtel, or Telkom Kenya networks and devices from Ubiquiti, TP-Link, or Hikvision, the TL-SG1218MPE integrates into mixed setups. User reviews praise its management simplicity and PoE reliability, though some note its single fan may produce minimal noise. Backed by a 3-year limited warranty, this switch is a scalable, cost-effective solution for Kenya’s digital transformation, available through ISP Billing System Kenya.
Key Features
This section highlights the key features of the TP-Link TL-SG1218MPE, showcasing its suitability for Kenya’s networking needs.
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16 Gigabit PoE+ Ports: Includes 16 10/100/1000Mbps RJ45 ports supporting IEEE 802.3af/at PoE+, delivering up to 30W per port for Hikvision PTZ cameras, Ubiquiti Wi-Fi 6 access points, or VoIP phones, simplifying cabling in Kenyan offices or schools.
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192W PoE Power Budget: Provides a total PoE budget of 192W, powering up to 16 devices, ideal for high-density surveillance or Wi-Fi deployments in Nairobi or Eldoret.
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2 Gigabit Uplink Ports: Features 2 Gigabit RJ-45 uplinks for connectivity to core routers or switches, supporting multi-switch setups in Kenyan campuses or offices.
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Easy Smart Management: Offers VLANs up to 32, QoS with 4 priority queues, IGMP snooping, link aggregation, and port mirroring via a web GUI or TP-Link Utility, enabling network segmentation for non-technical users.
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PoE Auto Recovery: Automatically detects and reboots unresponsive PoE devices, reducing maintenance for remote setups in Kenya’s rural areas.
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Loop Prevention: Detects and blocks network loops, ensuring stability in complex setups with multiple switches.
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Non-Blocking Gigabit Performance: Features a 36 Gbps switching capacity and 26.78 Mpps forwarding rate, ensuring smooth video, VoIP, and data transfers without bottlenecks.
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Jumbo Frame Support: Supports jumbo frames up to 10KB, improving efficiency for large file transfers or video streaming in Kenyan offices or hotels.
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Energy-Efficient Ethernet: Complies with IEEE 802.3az, reducing power consumption during low traffic, saving energy in 24/7 operations.
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Sturdy Metal Casing with Rack-Mounting: Offers a durable metal housing and rack-mountable design with included 19-inch ears, suitable for server rooms or desktops in Kenya’s coastal or inland climates.
Technical Specifications
This section provides a detailed technical overview of the TP-Link TL-SG1218MPE specifications, verified with TP-Link’s documentation.
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Feature |
Details |
|---|---|
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Model |
TL-SG1218MPE |
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Switch Type |
Easy Smart, managed |
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Ports |
16 x 10/100/1000Mbps RJ45 PoE+, 2 x 10/100/1000Mbps RJ45 uplinks |
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PoE Standard |
IEEE 802.3af/at |
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PoE Budget |
192W total, 30W max per port |
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Switching Capacity |
36 Gbps |
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Forwarding Rate |
26.78 Mpps |
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MAC Address Table |
8,000 entries |
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Jumbo Frame |
10 KB |
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VLANs |
Up to 32, 802.1Q tagged |
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QoS |
4 priority queues, 802.1p/DSCP |
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IGMP Snooping |
Supports 128 multicast groups |
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Link Aggregation |
LACP, up to 8 groups |
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Management |
Web GUI, TP-Link Utility, SNMP v1/v2c, RMON, SNTP |
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Network Media |
10BASE-T: UTP Cat 3/4/5, max 100m; 100BASE-TX: UTP Cat 5/5e, max 100m; 1000BASE-T: UTP Cat 5/5e/6, max 100m |
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Power Supply |
Internal, 100–240V AC, 50/60Hz |
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Power Consumption |
21.9W PoE off, 217.2W PoE on, 220V/50Hz |
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Cooling |
Single fan |
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Dimensions |
440 x 180 x 44 mm, 17.3 x 7.1 x 1.7 in |
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Weight |
Approx. 2.5 kg, 5.5 lb |
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Mounting Options |
Desktop or rack-mountable, 19-inch rack ears included |
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Enclosure |
Metal housing |
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Operating Temperature |
0°C to 50°C, 32°F to 122°F |
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Operating Humidity |
10% to 90%, non-condensing |
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Certifications |
CE, FCC, RoHS, Kenya CA type approval |
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Standards |
IEEE 802.3, 802.3u, 802.3ab, 802.3x, 802.3af, 802.3at, 802.3az, 802.1Q, 802.1p |
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Warranty |
3-year limited warranty |
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Package Contents |
TL-SG1218MPE switch, power cord, rackmount kit, rubber feet, installation guide |
These specifications ensure the TL-SG1218MPE meets global and Kenyan standards for reliability and performance, with ISP Billing System Kenya providing trusted support.
Why You Should Choose This System
This section outlines the compelling reasons to select the TP-Link TL-SG1218MPE, emphasizing its advantages for Kenya’s networking landscape.
The TP-Link TL-SG1218MPE is a cost-effective, reliable solution for Kenyan SMBs, offices, and small campuses, offering 16 PoE+ ports with a 192W power budget to power Hikvision IP cameras, Ubiquiti Wi-Fi 6 access points, or VoIP phones over a single cable. This eliminates separate power outlets, reducing installation costs in Nairobi’s retail outlets, Mombasa’s hotels, or Kisumu’s schools where cabling is challenging. Its Easy Smart management via web GUI or TP-Link Utility supports VLANs, QoS, and IGMP snooping, enabling network segmentation for non-technical users in Eldoret or Nakuru.
The switch’s intelligent power management prioritizes critical devices and cuts power to low-priority ports if the 192W limit is exceeded, ensuring uninterrupted operation for surveillance or VoIP. PoE auto recovery reboots unresponsive devices, minimizing maintenance in rural Kenyan deployments, while loop prevention ensures network stability. The 36 Gbps switching capacity, 10KB jumbo frame support, and IEEE 802.3x flow control deliver smooth video streaming, VoIP, and data transfers, ideal for high-density networks.
The sturdy metal casing and rack-mountable design ensure durability in Kenya’s humid coastal or dusty inland climates, suitable for server rooms or desktops in clinics or offices. IEEE 802.3az Energy-Efficient Ethernet reduces power consumption, saving energy in 24/7 operations. Compatible with Safaricom, Airtel, or Telkom Kenya networks and Ubiquiti or Hikvision devices, it integrates seamlessly into mixed setups. ISP Billing System Kenya offers authentic TP-Link hardware, fast delivery, and support, backed by a 3-year limited warranty, making this switch a scalable, future-proof choice for Kenya’s digital growth.
See It in Action
Click to watch a video showcasing the TP-Link TL-SG1218MPE’s setup, PoE deployment, and management features in small business and campus networks:
This section demonstrates the TL-SG1218MPE’s ease of use, manageability, and reliability, highlighting its suitability for Kenyan deployments.
Ideal For
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Small Businesses: Powers Hikvision surveillance, Ubiquiti Wi-Fi 6, and VoIP phones in Nairobi offices, with VLANs simplifying management.
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Educational Institutions: Supports Wi-Fi, Hikvision cameras, and e-learning systems in Kisumu campuses, with easy smart management.
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Hospitality and Retail: Deploys Hikvision CCTV and VoIP in Mombasa hotels or Eldoret shops, reducing power outlet needs.
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Healthcare Settings: Powers IP cameras, VoIP intercoms, and Wi-Fi in clinics, with low noise for quiet environments.
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Branch Offices: Serves as a core switch for IP equipment, cameras, and Ubiquiti APs in Nakuru or Garissa.
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Agricultural or Industrial Sites: Supports solar-powered Ubiquiti APs or Hikvision cameras in off-grid Kenyan locations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
This section addresses common queries to provide clarity and build buyer confidence, covering functionality and applications.
Q: Can this switch power multiple Wi-Fi 6 access points?
Yes, each access point typically needs up to 30W; the 192W budget supports up to six high-power Ubiquiti access points with capacity for additional devices.
Q: What happens if PoE use exceeds 192W?
The switch prioritizes ports by class, shutting down low-priority ports and logging overloads via the management interface.
Q: How do I manage the switch remotely?
Use the web GUI, TP-Link Utility, or SNMP v1/v2c for remote configuration, monitoring, and firmware updates.
Q: Is it noisy for quiet offices?
The single fan produces minimal noise, suitable for classrooms or offices, though not completely silent.
Q: Can I stack switches?
It does not support physical stacking, but multiple switches can be interconnected via LACP and managed centrally.
Q: Does it support network security features?
Yes, it includes port security, 802.1X authentication, and ACLs for enhanced network protection.
Q: Can it support outdoor IP cameras?
Yes, with outdoor-rated Cat5e/Cat6 cables, but the switch must remain indoors within 0–50°C.
Q: Does it support Gigabit speeds on all ports?
Yes, all 18 ports support 10/100/1000Mbps, ensuring high-speed connectivity for Hikvision cameras or Ubiquiti APs.
Q: What is PoE auto recovery, and when should I use it?
PoE auto recovery reboots unresponsive PoE devices, ideal for remote Hikvision cameras in Kenyan setups.
Q: Is local support available in Kenya?
Yes, ISP Billing System Kenya provides local support, fast delivery, and a 3-year limited warranty for authentic TP-Link hardware.
The TP-Link TL-SG1218MPE 18-Port Gigabit Easy Smart Switch is a reliable, cost-effective solution for Kenya’s SMBs, offices, and small campuses, offering 16 PoE+ ports with a 192W power budget to power Hikvision cameras, Ubiquiti Wi-Fi 6 access points, or VoIP phones. Its Easy Smart management, sturdy metal casing, and rack-mountable chassis ensure ease of use, durability, and flexibility in Nairobi’s retail outlets, Mombasa’s hotels, or Kisumu’s classrooms. Features like PoE auto recovery, loop prevention, 10KB jumbo frame support, and IEEE 802.3x flow control enhance performance for surveillance, VoIP, and data transfers. Compatible with Safaricom, Airtel, Telkom Kenya, and Ubiquiti or Hikvision devices, ISP Billing System Kenya offers authentic TP-Link hardware, fast delivery, and support, backed by a 3-year limited warranty. Choose this switch to build a scalable, future-proof network for Kenya’s digital future.