TP-Link TL-SG3428X JetStream 24-Port Gigabit L2+ Managed Switch with 4×10GE SFP+ Slots

Meet the TP-Link TL-SG3428X, a robust JetStream managed switch built for modern networks that demand reliability, speed, and flexible scalability. This 24-port Gigabit switch pairs a dense base of 24 RJ-45 ports with four high-performance 10-Gigabit SFP+ uplinks, delivering a powerful foundation for small to medium businesses, campus networks, and branch offices. Designed to optimize both campus-wide access and data-center edge deployments, the TL-SG3428X balances line-rate performance with advanced management features, enabling administrators to segment traffic, prioritize critical applications, and secure sensitive data without compromising efficiency.

• High-performance L2+ switching with advanced traffic management: Prioritize critical applications, minimize latency, and ensure smooth performance for real-time services like VoIP, video conferencing, and cloud applications through quality-of-service (QoS) and enhanced traffic shaping.
• Dense 24-port Gigabit access with flexible 4×10GE SFP+ uplinks: A compact design that delivers ample access ports for desktops, printers, and rich edge devices, while providing four SFP+ slots for uplinks or dense interconnects to servers, storage, or other switches.
• Layer 2+ features with scalable routing options: VLAN segmentation, private VLANs, IGMP Snooping, QoS policies, ACLs, and support for static routing to enable efficient inter-VLAN routing and secure network boundaries across your organization.
• Resilient management and security options: Comprehensive management through web GUI or CLI, SNMP support, user access controls, and robust security features designed to protect your network from common threats while keeping configuration simple for IT teams.
• Energy-conscious design with flexible expansion: Efficient power usage and a scalable platform that grows with your network as you add new devices and new uplinks, ensuring investment protection as your connectivity needs evolve.

Technical Details of TP-Link TL-SG3428X

• Port configuration: 24 x 10/100/1000BASE-T RJ-45 ports for reliable, auto-negotiating Gigabit access to desktops and office devices
• Uplink options: 4 x 10G SFP+ slots to connect high-speed servers, NAS, or uplink to core switches with minimal bottlenecks
• Switching capacity and performance: Non-blocking architecture designed to deliver smooth, low-latency performance for mixed traffic environments
• Layer 2+ features: VLANs (802.1Q), private VLANs, port-based and 802.1X authentication, QoS (L4–L2 prioritization), ACLs, IGMP Snooping, Multicast, and Link Aggregation (LACP) to optimize throughput and reliability
• Management: Web-based management GUI, CLI accessibility, SNMP support, and remote administration to simplify deployment and ongoing maintenance
• Security and access control: Comprehensive ACLs, user authentication options, storm control, and robust management access controls to safeguard the network
• Quality of Service: Granular traffic prioritization for voice, video, and data, ensuring predictable performance for latency-sensitive applications
• Energy efficiency: Power-efficient design aligned with modern green networking practices without sacrificing performance
• Operation and environment: Built for office and light-data-center environments, designed to operate reliably in typical office temperatures and humidity ranges

How to Install TP-Link TL-SG3428X

Step 1: Unbox and verify contents. Confirm you have the TL-SG3428X switch, power supply, mounting hardware, and the installation guide. Place the device in a suitable rack or cabinet with adequate ventilation to maintain stable operation.

Step 2: Plan your topology. Map out the 24 Gigabit access ports for endpoints such as workstations, printers, and IoT devices. Decide which devices will use the 4×10GE SFP+ uplinks for servers, storage, or uplinks to the core network.

Step 3: Physical installation. Mount the switch in a rack or place it on a stable surface. Connect a reliable power source and attach the console cable if you plan to configure via CLI. Ensure proper cable management to promote airflow and reduce interference.

Step 4: Basic configuration. Connect a computer to the switch via an Ethernet port. Access the web GUI using the default IP address described in the user guide. Begin with a secure administrative password, then configure management VLAN, IP address, and access controls.

Step 5: Create VLANs and assign ports. Establish your network segmentation by creating VLANs for different departments or services. Tag traffic on uplinks and ensure access ports are correctly assigned to their respective VLANs, applying appropriate PVIDs.

Step 6: Enable QoS and traffic policies. Configure layer-4 to layer-2 QoS rules to prioritize voice and critical applications. Implement ACLs where needed to restrict access and protect sensitive segments.

Step 7: Configure link aggregation. If you plan to utilize the 10GE uplinks for redundancy and higher bandwidth, configure LACP groups to combine multiple links into a single logical network path for increased resilience and throughput.

Step 8: Enable security features. Activate 802.1X authentication, configure port security, and implement storm control to prevent broadcast storms from impacting network performance.

Step 9: Save and back up configurations. Ensure all changes are saved to the switch’s startup configuration and consider exporting a backup for disaster recovery or future migrations.

Step 10: Monitor and maintain. Regularly review system logs, bandwidth utilization, and port status. Use SNMP traps or the web GUI to track performance and identify issues before they affect users.

Frequently asked questions

Q: What sizes of networks is the TL-SG3428X best suited for?

A: The TL-SG3428X is ideal for small to medium-sized networks that require robust L2+ features and scalable uplinks. It accommodates dense office environments with multiple VLANs, QoS requirements, and a mix of wired devices, while offering four high-speed 10GE uplinks for future growth or distribution to core networks.

Q: Does the TL-SG3428X support PoE?

A: The TL-SG3428X is a non-PoE model designed for high-speed networking and centralized power management through non-PoE configurations. For environments needing PoE, consider TP-Link models that explicitly offer PoE on access ports or a compatible PoE switch in tandem with the 24-port base switch.

Q: Can I use the 10GE SFP+ ports to connect to servers and storage devices?

A: Yes. The four 10GE SFP+ slots are designed to provide high-bandwidth uplinks to servers, storage arrays, or to interconnect with other switches. They support fiber modules and direct-attached copper where appropriate, enabling flexible, high-speed connectivity.

Q: What management options are available?

A: You can manage the TL-SG3428X via a web-based GUI, a command-line interface (CLI), or via SNMP for network monitoring. This allows administrators to configure VLANs, QoS, ACLs, port security, and monitoring features efficiently from a central location.

Q: What sort of traffic optimization features does the switch provide?

A: The switch offers QoS with both L2 and L4 awareness to prioritize time-sensitive traffic like voice and video. It supports VLAN tagging, ACLs to enforce security boundaries, IGMP Snooping for efficient multicast, and LACP for reliable link aggregation to improve throughput and resilience.