TP-Link Omada 28-Port Gigabit Easy Managed Switch with 24-Port PoE+(ES228GMP)

The TP-Link Omada 28-Port Gigabit Easy Managed Switch with 24-Port PoE+ (ES228GMP) is a robust and highly practical networking solution designed for small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs), educational institutions, hospitality venues, and surveillance networks that require a significant number of Gigabit Ethernet ports with extensive Power over Ethernet (PoE) capabilities. It offers a balance between advanced management features and ease of use, all integrated within the scalable Omada Software Defined Networking (SDN) platform.

Overview of the TP-Link Omada ES228GMP

The ES228GMP is a Gigabit Ethernet switch featuring a total of 28 ports: 24 Gigabit RJ45 ports (all with PoE+) and 4 Gigabit SFP slots for fiber uplinks. This comprehensive port configuration provides ample connectivity for a wide range of devices, from desktop computers and servers to numerous PoE-powered devices like Wi-Fi access points, IP cameras, and VoIP phones. As an “Easy Managed” or “Easy Smart” switch, it simplifies network administration while still offering crucial Layer 2 functionalities. Its inclusion in the TP-Link Omada SDN ecosystem is a major benefit, enabling centralized cloud management for streamlined operations.

Key Features and Capabilities

• 24 x Gigabit RJ45 Ports with PoE+ (802.3at/af):
  • All 24 RJ45 ports deliver full Gigabit Ethernet speeds (10/100/1000Mbps).
  • Each of these 24 ports supports PoE+ (802.3at/af), providing up to 30W of power per port. This makes the switch highly versatile for powering a large array of PoE-compatible devices.
  • 250W Total PoE Power Budget: A generous power budget ensures that you can reliably power a significant number of PoE+ devices simultaneously, making it ideal for dense deployments of Wi-Fi 6 access points, numerous high-resolution IP cameras, or a large VoIP phone system.
• 4 x Gigabit SFP Slots:
  • These four dedicated SFP (Small Form-Factor Pluggable) slots allow for fiber optic connections. They are typically used for high-speed uplinks to a core switch, connecting to distant buildings, or forming part of a fiber backbone, providing flexibility for network expansion and long-distance connectivity.
• Easy Management (Easy Smart Features): The ES228GMP offers essential Layer 2 management functionalities that are user-friendly and accessible via a web-based GUI or the Omada app. These features include:
  • VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network): Enables network segmentation (e.g., 802.1Q VLAN) to isolate traffic, enhance security, and improve network performance by reducing broadcast domains.
  • QoS (Quality of Service): Prioritizes network traffic based on various criteria (e.g., port-based, 802.1p) to ensure that critical applications like VoIP and video conferencing receive adequate bandwidth and low latency, preventing degradation during peak usage.
  • IGMP Snooping: Optimizes multicast traffic delivery, which is especially useful for IP-based video surveillance or IPTV applications, preventing unnecessary flooding of multicast streams across the entire network.
  • Port Isolation: Enhances security by preventing communication between specific ports, often used to isolate client devices in public networks.
  • Loop Prevention/Detection: Automatically detects and helps prevent network loops that can cause broadcast storms and bring down the network.
  • Cable Test: A diagnostic tool to identify issues with Ethernet cables.
  • Static Link Aggregation: Allows combining multiple physical links into a single logical link for increased bandwidth and link redundancy for critical connections.
• Omada SDN Integration: A major selling point, providing seamless integration into TP-Link’s Omada Software Defined Networking platform:
  • Centralized Cloud Management: Configure, monitor, and troubleshoot the ES228GMP alongside other Omada-compatible devices (access points, routers) from a single, unified interface accessible via the Omada SDN controller (hardware, software, or cloud-based).
  • Zero-Touch Provisioning (ZTP): Simplifies deployment of new devices by automatically fetching configurations from the controller, significantly reducing setup time.
  • Intelligent Network Monitoring: Provides real-time insights into network status, graphical representations of traffic, and client statistics.
  • Remote Management: Enables network administrators to manage the network from anywhere with an internet connection.
• Fanless Design (for most ES228GMP models, check specific model details): Many Easy Managed switches, including the ES228GMP, feature a fanless design for silent operation. This makes them suitable for deployment in quiet environments such as offices, classrooms, or retail spaces where fan noise would be disruptive. (Note: For very high PoE budgets, some models might include a fan, so always verify the exact model specifications).
• Durable Metal Casing & Rack-Mountable: Housed in a robust metal casing, the switch is built for durability and long-term reliable operation. It is typically designed for standard 1U rack mounting, providing flexible installation options in server rooms or wiring closets.

Ideal Use Cases

The TP-Link Omada ES228GMP is an excellent choice for:

• Small to Medium-Sized Businesses (SMBs): Providing a high density of Gigabit PoE+ ports for workstations, IP phones, and security cameras.
• Educational Institutions: Connecting classrooms, labs, and administrative offices, while powering Wi-Fi access points.
• Hospitality (Hotels/Restaurants): Supporting guest Wi-Fi, IP phones in rooms, and surveillance systems.
• IP Surveillance Networks: Powering a large number of high-resolution IP cameras and ensuring efficient video stream delivery.
• Any organization needing a cost-effective, high-port-density Gigabit PoE+ switch with essential management features and centralized cloud control.