HPE Instant On 1960 48G 40p Class4 8p Class6 PoE 2XGT 2SFP+ 600W Switch

The HPE Instant On 1960 48G 40p Class4 8p Class6 PoE 2XGT 2SFP+ 600W Switch is a high-performance, smart-managed network solution designed for small and growing businesses that demand reliable connectivity, robust PoE capabilities, and effortless management. Built to power a modern office environment—from IP phones and wireless access points to IP cameras and video conferencing devices—this switch delivers the performance and scalability needed to support evolving networks without breaking the budget. It blends enterprise-grade features with an intuitive management experience, making it easier than ever to deploy, monitor, and optimize a productive, secure network in a compact 1U form factor.

• Extensive PoE capability for streamlined deployments: With 40 PoE ports at Class 4 and 8 PoE ports at Class 6, this switch can power a wide array of devices such as IP phones, wireless access points, cameras, and other PoE-enabled equipment, reducing the need for additional power outlets and simplifying cabling in small business environments.
• Comprehensive port mix for flexible networking: 48 Gigabit Ethernet ports (RJ-45) deliver reliable wired connections for desktops, printers, and IP devices, while 2 dual-mode uplinks (2XGT) provide high-speed 1Gbps copper connections for core devices, complemented by 2 SFP+ ports for 10Gbps fiber uplinks to servers or aggregation points.
• Smart-managed simplicity with enterprise-grade features: The HPE Instant On 1960 series offers essential L2+ features such as VLANs, QoS, ACLs, IGMP snooping, and robust security controls, giving small teams the tools to optimize performance, segment traffic, and protect sensitive data without needing a full-blown enterprise switch.
• Robust reliability and power efficiency: A 600W internal power supply supports PoE budgets across ports while maintaining energy efficiency. The switch is built for continuous operation in busy office environments and features effective cooling to minimize noise and heat.
• Easy management and scalable growth: Designed for quick setup and straightforward management through a web-based GUI or CLI, this switch pairs well with HPE’s Instant On cloud-based management for remote monitoring, simple firmware updates, and rapid problem resolution as your network grows.

Technical Details of HPE Instant On 1960 48G 40p Class4 8p Class6 PoE 2XGT 2SFP+ 600W Switch

• Ports and PoE: 48 x 10/100/1000 RJ-45 ports with PoE support; 40 ports Class 4 PoE and 8 ports Class 6 PoE to accommodate a mix of devices with different power requirements.
• Uplink configuration: 2 x 1 Gb RJ-45 uplinks (GT) for reliable copper connectivity to nearby switches or routers; 2 x 10 Gb SFP+ uplinks for high-speed fiber connections to core switches, servers, or storage arrays.
• PoE power: Integrated 600W PoE budget to power a broad range of devices directly from the switch, reducing cable clutter and the need for separate PoE injectors or power sources.
• Management and features: Smart-managed L2/L2+ capabilities including VLANs, QoS, ACLs, link aggregation (where applicable), security features, and monitoring to optimize performance and protect the network edge.
• Form factor and power: 1U rack-mountable chassis with a single, integrated 600W power supply designed for compact spaces and small data closets, suitable for small office networks and branch offices.

How to Install HPE Instant On 1960 48G 40p Class4 8p Class6 PoE 2XGT 2SFP+ 600W Switch

Before you install, plan your network topology to maximize PoE utilization and uplink efficiency. Position the switch in a standard 19-inch rack or on a stable surface in a ventilated area to keep temperatures within the recommended range. Use high-quality Cat6 (or better) Ethernet cabling to ensure optimal performance across all ports and uplinks.

• Step 1: Mount and power: Secure the switch in a rack or place it on a flat surface. Connect the included power cord to a suitable electrical outlet and power the unit on to verify the fans and LEDs initialize correctly.
• Step 2: Connect uplinks: Connect the 2 x 1 Gb GT copper uplinks to your distribution switch or router to establish management and core connectivity. Connect the 2 x 10 Gb SFP+ uplinks to a core switch, server, or storage array as your high-speed backbone.
• Step 3: Attach PoE devices: Begin powering PoE-enabled devices (phones, APs, cameras) by plugging them into the 40 Class4 and 8 Class6 PoE ports. Distribute the PoE budget to match device power requirements to avoid tripping the budget.
• Step 4: Initial configuration: Access the management interface via a browser or the CLI. Configure a management IP address (static or via DHCP), set an administrator password, and enable basic security settings. Create VLANs for segmentation if needed and assign ports accordingly.
• Step 5: Enable QoS and security: Implement QoS policies to prioritize voice, video, and critical business applications. Configure ACLs to control access between VLANs and to the internet. Review PoE scheduling and device power policies to ensure efficient energy use.
• Step 6: Save, monitor, and maintain: Save the configuration, monitor port utilization, PoE usage, and uplink health via the GUI. Keep firmware up to date to benefit from performance improvements and security fixes.

Frequently asked questions

• What is the HPE Instant On 1960 48G switch? It is a smart-managed PoE switch designed for small and growing businesses, offering a dense 48-port Gigabit portfolio with PoE, plus flexible uplinks for both copper and fiber connections. It combines essential Layer 2 and some Layer 2+ features to simplify network management and device powering in a compact, affordable package.
• How many PoE ports does it have and what classes are supported? The switch provides 40 PoE ports with Class 4 power and 8 PoE ports with Class 6 power, enabling a mix of devices with varying power requirements while keeping total PoE budget in mind.
• Can I use the 2 x SFP+ uplinks for 10 GbE connections? Yes. The two SFP+ ports support 10 GbE fiber connections for high-speed uplinks to core switches, servers, or storage devices, providing a scalable backbone as your network grows.
• Is this switch easy to manage for a non-enterprise IT team? Absolutely. The HPE Instant On series is designed for straightforward setup and ongoing management via a user-friendly web UI or CLI, with optional cloud-based management through HPE’s Instant On cloud services.
• What kind of environments is this switch best suited for? Small offices, retail locations, coworking spaces, classrooms, clinics, and other small to mid-sized deployments that require reliable wired connections, PoE support, and easy management without the complexity of larger enterprise switches.
• What kind of maintenance or updates are required? Regular firmware updates via the management interface help ensure security, performance, and feature stability. It’s recommended to monitor PoE usage and port performance to plan future upgrades as your network evolves.