TRENDnet TPE-5028WS: 28-Port Web Smart PoE+ Switch for SMBs

The TRENDnet TPE-5028WS is a 28-port Web Smart PoE+ switch built for growing small and medium businesses. With 24 PoE+ Gigabit ports and 4 shared uplink ports, this rack-mountable switch delivers reliable performance, flexible connectivity, and centralized management for IP cameras, VoIP phones, wireless access points, and other powered devices. IPv6-ready and packed with L2+ features, it combines advanced traffic control with an intuitive web-based interface to simplify deployment, policy enforcement, and ongoing network optimization. Designed to support modern network requirements—VLAN isolation, QoS prioritization, and resilient link aggregation—this TRENDnet switch helps SMBs maximize uptime, security, and throughput while protecting investment with Lifetime Protection.

• Powerful PoE+ budget for real-world deployments: The TPE-5028WS provides a robust 370W PoE power budget, enabling smooth operation of multiple PoE+ devices such as IP cameras, IP phones, and wireless access points simultaneously. This ample budget reduces the need for external power injectors and simplifies cabling, while enabling reliable performance for demanding environments like security installations or campus layouts. With smart PoE management, you can prioritize critical devices, schedule PoE on/off cycles, and ensure essential devices stay powered during peak hours.
• 24 x PoE+ Gigabit ports + 4 flexible uplinks: The switch features 24 x Gigabit PoE+ ports for end devices and 4 x shared uplink ports that can operate as RJ-45 or SFP. This flexible configuration supports diverse topologies—from star networks to small campus cores—without sacrificing PoE capabilities. The combination of PoE+ on the access ports and versatile uplinks simplifies cabling, expands expansion options, and enables rapid deployment of CCTV systems, IP lighting, and wireless infrastructure across multiple rooms or buildings.
• Advanced L2+ features for modern networks: TRENDnet's Web Smart design brings Layer 2+ capabilities, including VLAN segmentation, QoS prioritization, and LACP link aggregation. Use VLANs to isolate traffic between security cameras, voice devices, and guest networks, ensuring tighter security and improved performance. QoS features allocate bandwidth based on traffic class or port, safeguarding real-time applications like IP phones and surveillance streams. LACP lets you combine multiple links for higher throughput and redundancy, helping the network stay online even if one path fails.
• VLAN, QoS, IPv6 readiness, and intuitive management: The TPE-5028WS is IPv6-ready and supports modern management experiences through an intuitive web-based interface. Centralized configuration simplifies deployment, monitoring, and policy enforcement, while secure remote management capabilities help IT staff maintain visibility across the network. The combination of VLAN support, QoS controls, and IPv6 compatibility ensures the switch remains future-ready as your network evolves and devices migrate from IPv4 to IPv6.
• Reliability, efficiency, and protection with Lifetime Protection: TRENDnet’s Lifetime Protection provides peace of mind with long-term coverage for the switch, reflecting the company’s confidence in build quality and durability. The rack-mountable chassis is designed for secure 19-inch installations, and the Web Smart management interface minimizes complexity, enabling IT teams to implement policies, monitor performance, and adjust configurations without specialized CLI expertise. The result is a reliable, efficient, and cost-effective solution for SMB networks that require dependable PoE power alongside flexible, scalable switching.

Technical Details of TRENDnet TPE-5028WS

• Model: TRENDnet TPE-5028WS
• Ports: 24 x 10/100/1000 PoE+ RJ-45 ports; 4 x 10/100/1000 shared ports (RJ-45 or SFP)
• PoE Power Budget: 370W
• Standards and Features: IEEE 802.3af (PoE), IEEE 802.3at (PoE+), IEEE 802.1Q VLAN (VLAN tagging), IEEE 802.1p QoS, IEEE 802.3ad/LACP
• IPv6 Support: IPv6-ready for future-proof addressing and management
• Management: Web-based graphical user interface for configuration, monitoring, and policy enforcement
• Power and Environment: 100–240V AC, 50/60 Hz, rack-mountable 19" chassis (1U)
• Security and Reliability: Lifetime Protection warranty and robust, enterprise-grade features designed for SMB networks
• Management Protocols: Centralized management via web UI; support for standard management practices used in SMB deployments
• Warranty: Lifetime Protection

How to install TRENDnet TPE-5028WS

Installing the TRENDnet TPE-5028WS is straightforward and designed to be quick for busy IT teams. Follow these steps to deploy with confidence:

• Rack mounting and placement: Unpack the switch and mount it in a standard 19-inch rack using the included rails. Position the device in a cool, well-ventilated area with adequate airflow to prevent overheating during PoE operation.
• Power and cabling: Connect the switch to a reliable power source using the included power cord. Run PoE cables from the PoE-enabled ports to IP cameras, VoIP phones, or wireless access points. Use the four shared uplink ports to connect to your core switch, router, or distribution layer via RJ-45 or SFP transceivers as your network design dictates.
• Initial configuration: Access the Web UI from a management workstation on the same network. Configure basic settings first (IP address, gateway, DNS, admin credentials). Enable IPv6 settings if required and create VLANs to segment traffic per device type (e.g., security, voice, guest).
• PoE management and QoS: Assign PoE priority to critical devices and enable PoE scheduling as needed to optimize power use. Set QoS policies to prioritize voice and video traffic (e.g., DSCP values or 802.1p priority) to ensure reliable performance for real-time applications.
• Link aggregation and security: If you plan to implement high-throughput uplinks, configure LACP across the shared ports to achieve increased bandwidth and redundancy. Review access control, VLAN membership, and port security settings to protect the network perimeter and maintain proper traffic segmentation.

After configuration, monitor the switch through the Web UI to verify PoE power status, port activity, and traffic statistics. Regularly check firmware updates from TRENDnet to keep features up to date and to address any vulnerabilities or performance enhancements.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the PoE budget of the TRENDnet TPE-5028WS? The switch provides a 370W PoE power budget to support multiple PoE+ devices simultaneously, such as cameras and IP phones, without requiring external power injectors for each device.
• Does this switch support IPv6? Yes, the TPE-5028WS is IPv6-ready and supports modern addressing and management capabilities for future networks.
• How many PoE+ ports are there and what are the uplink options? There are 24 PoE+ Gigabit ports, plus 4 shared uplink ports that can be used as RJ-45 or SFP connections, offering flexible topology design and expansion options.
• What management interfaces are available? The switch includes a web-based graphical user interface for easy configuration, monitoring, and policy management, with extended features typical of SMB Web Smart switches.
• Is this switch suitable for a security camera system? Yes. The 24 PoE+ ports can power multiple IP cameras, and the VLAN and QoS features help isolate camera traffic and prioritize video streams for reliable performance.
• What warranty does TRENDnet provide? TRENDnet offers Lifetime Protection on this model, reflecting confidence in build quality and ongoing product support for SMB deployments.
• Can I use LACP for link aggregation? Yes. The switch supports LACP (IEEE 802.3ad) to combine multiple links for higher throughput and redundancy, which is especially useful for uplinks to a core switch or storage interface.
• Is the switch rack-mountable? Yes, it is designed for standard 19-inch racks and fits in a typical 1U height profile suitable for SMB rack installations.