D-Link DGS-1520-28MP Layer 3 Switch

The D-Link DGS-1520-28MP Layer 3 Switch is a cutting-edge networking solution built for modern enterprises that demand performance, reliability, and intelligent traffic management. This stackable smart managed switch blends high-speed data handling with flexible configuration options, allowing you to optimize network topology for core, distribution, and edge deployments. Designed to simplify administration while delivering robust routing capabilities, the DGS-1520-28MP helps organizations scale their networks without sacrificing security or responsiveness. It is an ideal choice for campuses, branch offices, data centers, and virtualized environments that require dependable Layer 3 routing, granular access control, and smart QoS to prioritize critical applications.

• Layer 3 routing and smart switching: The DGS-1520-28MP provides enterprise-ready routing capabilities alongside high-performance switching. With support for static routing and dynamic routing protocols, this switch enables efficient inter-VLAN routing, scalable IP networks, and fast convergence. This means your voice, video, and data traffic can be routed intelligently between departments, campuses, and data centers, reducing latency and improving overall network responsiveness. The device’s architecture is designed to handle large numbers of flows with predictable performance, ensuring smooth operation even during peak hours.
• Advanced security and access control: Security is a cornerstone of modern networks, and the DGS-1520-28MP offers a multi-layer approach to protect your infrastructure. Benefit from features like access control lists (ACLs), port security, and robust authentication options to enforce policy at the edge. This helps prevent unauthorized access, mitigate threats, and ensure that sensitive resources remain protected. The switch supports secure management channels and hardening capabilities to maintain a resilient network posture in the face of evolving security challenges.
• Quality of Service (QoS) and policy-based control: Prioritize mission-critical applications with granular QoS and traffic management. The DGS-1520-28MP lets you classify traffic by application or user, apply bandwidth guarantees, and shape flows to prevent congestion. This is essential for reliable VoIP, video conferencing, virtualization traffic, and data-intensive workloads. With policy-based routing and flexible traffic shaping, you can optimize network performance for your specific use cases while maintaining fairness across devices and departments.
• Management simplicity and visibility: This switch offers a comprehensive set of management options, including an intuitive web-based GUI, CLI access, and SNMP for centralized monitoring. You gain real-time visibility into port activity, traffic patterns, and device health, enabling proactive maintenance and rapid troubleshooting. Role-based access control, secure administration, and detailed event logs help administrators keep the network secure and manageable, even as the environment grows or changes.
• Scalability and deployment flexibility: The DGS-1520-28MP is designed to grow with your network. Its stackable architecture enables you to expand capacity by adding switches to a single logical stack, simplifying management and preserving a consistent policy framework across the network. The compact form factor, efficient cooling, and energy-conscious design make it suitable for data centers, campus distributions, and branch sites where space and power efficiency matter. Whether you’re building a campus core or extending to remote locations, this switch is engineered to adapt to evolving requirements.

Technial Details of D-Link DGS-1520-28MP

• Model: D-Link DGS-1520-28MP
• Type: Layer 3 Smart Switch with stackable capabilities
• Port configuration: 28 Gigabit Ethernet ports designed for reliable, fast connectivity
• Routing capabilities: Layer 3 static and dynamic routing support for efficient IP traffic management
• Security features: ACLs, port security, access controls, and secure management options
• Management: Web GUI, CLI, and SNMP for flexible administration and visibility
• Quality of Service: Advanced QoS for traffic prioritization and consistent application performance
• Deployment: Suitable for campus, data center edge, and branch office environments
• Power and efficiency: Energy-conscious design with reliable cooling for steady operation

Get this information from the specifications section of the product on the ec.synnex.com site using the SKU or UPC as reference. Verify exact SKU-specific specifications on the supplier page to ensure precise configuration details for your deployment.

how to install D-Link DGS-1520-28MP

• Plan your topology: Before you power anything on, map out where the switch will live in your network. Identify the access ports that will connect to end devices, uplinks to core switches or routers, and any VLANs or routing paths you want to implement. Determine if you will deploy in a vertical rack, shelf, or desktop environment, and ensure adequate cooling and ventilation.
• Physically install the switch: Mount the switch in a standard 19-inch rack or place it on a secure surface. Ensure the unit is level and the ventilation grills are unobstructed. Connect the switch to a reliable power source and verify the indicator lights come on to confirm basic power status. If stacking is planned, prepare the stacking cables and verify compatibility with other units in the stack.
• Connect management and initial access: Connect a management workstation to a dedicated out-of-band management port (if available) or one of the data ports configured for management access. Use a suitable IP addressing scheme, either via DHCP or a static address, to reach the switch’s management interface. Open a web browser and navigate to the switch’s IP address to start the initial setup wizard or log in with the default administrator credentials.
• Configure basic settings: Create a secure administrator account, update firmware if needed, and configure the management VLAN. Set up basic network parameters, including IP routing mode, VLAN definitions, and any required SSH or HTTPS access. If you plan to use DHCP for clients, reserve a range and configure DHCP relay if necessary for devices on different subnets.
• Define network policies: Set up VLANs to segment traffic, define private VLANs if supported, configure QoS policies to prioritize critical applications, and apply ACLs to restrict unauthorized access. Establish routing rules (static routes or dynamic routing protocols) and verify that inter-VLAN routing is functioning as intended. Test connectivity between devices in different segments to confirm proper policy enforcement.
• Enable stacking (optional): If you intend to use multiple switches as a stack, connect the units with the appropriate stacking cables, power them, and use the management interface to create a stack and designate a master switch. Synchronize configurations and policies across all members for consistent behavior.
• Save and monitor: Save the configuration to non-volatile memory and implement a backup of the configuration. Monitor port activity, link status, and traffic flow through the management interface. Set up alerts for critical conditions such as link failures, high CPU utilization, or anomalous traffic to stay ahead of issues.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What is the DGS-1520-28MP best used for?
  A: The DGS-1520-28MP is designed for enterprises requiring a scalable, secure, and manageable Layer 3 switch. It is well-suited for campus networks, data center edge deployments, and branch office infrastructures where intelligent routing, VLAN segmentation, and QoS are essential to performance and reliability.
• Q: Does the DGS-1520-28MP support PoE?
  A: PoE capabilities depend on the specific SKU. The DGS-1520-28MP line includes variants with varying power features. Check the exact SKU specifications to confirm PoE support for the model you purchase.
• Q: What management options are available?
  A: The switch provides multiple management interfaces, including a web-based GUI, command-line interface (CLI), and SNMP. This enables easy setup, ongoing monitoring, and integration with centralized network management systems.
• Q: Can I stack multiple DGS-1520-28MP switches?
  A: Yes. The DGS-1520-28MP series is designed to be stackable, allowing you to consolidate several switches into a single managed unit. This simplifies policy enforcement and enhances scalability as your network grows.
• Q: Which routing and security features are supported?
  A: The switch supports Layer 3 routing with static and dynamic routing capabilities, IPv4/IPv6 support, ACLs, and robust security features to protect administrative access and data traffic. For precise protocol support and security options, refer to the SKU-specific specifications.