TP-Link’s Omada brand has become synonymous with reliable, feature-rich networking solutions for IT professionals. The recent refresh of the Omada lineup introduces the SG3428XMPP, a 24-port L2+ managed switch designed to streamline smart network deployments with robust Power over Ethernet (PoE) capabilities. This review explores why this switch stands out as a top-tier choice for businesses seeking scalable, high-performance networking.
Robust PoE Capabilities for Versatile Deployments
The SG3428XMPP is engineered for flexibility, offering 24 Gigabit RJ45 ports, including 8 PoE++ ports (up to 90W each) and 16 PoE+ ports (up to 30W each), with a generous 500W total PoE budget. This makes it ideal for powering devices like Wi-Fi 6/7 access points, IP cameras, VoIP phones, and smart lighting, simplifying cabling and reducing infrastructure costs. Whether you’re building a surveillance system or a mesh Wi-Fi network, this switch delivers ample power and connectivity for demanding environments.
High-Speed Connectivity with 10GbE Uplinks
Beyond its PoE prowess, the SG3428XMPP features four 10GbE SFP+ slots, providing up to 40Gbps of uplink bandwidth. This ensures seamless, low-latency connections to servers or other switches, easily handling the 24Gbps aggregate throughput of the PoE ports. The inclusion of SFP+ ports makes it a future-proof choice for high-bandwidth applications like data centers or video streaming.
Flexible Management Options
A standout feature of the SG3428XMPP is its integration with TP-Link’s Omada Software Defined Networking (SDN) platform, enabling centralized cloud management via the Omada app or web interface. Administrators can monitor and configure the network remotely, with Zero-Touch Provisioning (ZTP) simplifying setup when using the Omada Cloud-Based Controller. Alternatively, the switch supports standalone management through web, CLI, SNMP, or RMON, offering flexibility for diverse IT environments.
For those avoiding subscription-based cloud services, TP-Link offers the OC300 hardware controller (£119.99 in the UK, $159.99 in the US), which provides remote access without recurring costs or local computing resources. This hybrid approach sets the SG3428XMPP apart from competitors, blending affordability with enterprise-grade functionality.
Advanced L2+ Features for Scalability
As an L2+ managed switch, the SG3428XMPP supports advanced features like static routing, VLANs, QoS, IGMP snooping, and Ethernet Ring Protection Switching (ERPS), optimizing traffic and enhancing network reliability. Security features include IP-MAC-Port Binding, ACLs, 802.1X authentication, and DoS protection, safeguarding against network threats. Its IPv6 readiness, with features like dual IPv4/IPv6 stack and MLD snooping, ensures compatibility with next-generation networks.
Why It Stands Out
Priced competitively for its feature set, the SG3428XMPP combines high PoE capacity, 10GbE uplinks, and versatile management options, making it a standout in the Access Plus tier of TP-Link’s Omada lineup. Its rack-mountable design and durable metal casing suit enterprise and industrial settings, while the absence of comparable PoE++ switches in the market underscores its value. As TechRadar noted, “This is might be the best network switch around—ticking the boxes for good hardware, ably supported by strategic thinking by TP-Link, that isn’t excessively priced.” Read more>>