Description
TP-Link TL-SL1218P 16-Port PoE+ Rackmount Switch – 150W | 250m Extend Mode | 1U
Overview
The TP-Link TL-SL1218P is a 1U rackmount PoE+ switch purpose-built for IP camera and surveillance system deployments. With 16 x PoE+ 10/100Mbps ports, a 150W total PoE budget, and a unique 250m Extend Mode for long-distance camera runs, it delivers everything a security installer needs in a single, no-configuration unit. Priority Mode guarantees video quality on Ports 1–8, Isolation Mode separates client traffic with one click, and the combo Gigabit SFP uplink slot provides flexible fibre or copper uplink options. No software, no management interface, no complexity — just plug in and power up.
Key Features
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16 x PoE+ Ports (Ports 1–16) – IEEE 802.3at/af compliant; up to 30W per port, 150W total PoE budget for powering IP cameras, access points, and other PoE devices.
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250m Extend Mode – Extends PoE power and data transmission up to 250 metres over Cat5e/6 cable — purpose-designed for long-distance IP camera runs in large sites, car parks, and perimeter installations.
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Priority Mode (Ports 1–8) – Guarantees bandwidth and quality of service for video surveillance traffic on the first 8 ports; prevents network congestion from affecting camera streams.
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Isolation Mode – One-click client traffic separation; prevents connected devices from communicating with each other for improved security and network performance.
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2 x Gigabit RJ45 Uplink Ports – High-speed uplinks to your NVR, router, or core switch.
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1 x Combo Gigabit SFP Slot – Flexible fibre or copper uplink for long-distance or building-to-building connections.
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Zero Configuration – Plug-and-play operation; no software, web interface, or management required.
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1U Rackmount Form Factor – Standard 19" rack-compatible; 440 × 180 × 44mm.
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Physical Security Lock – Prevents unauthorised removal from the rack.
Use Cases
- IP camera and NVR installations requiring 16 PoE ports in a single 1U rack unit
- Long-distance camera runs up to 250m using Extend Mode — car parks, perimeters, warehouses, and large sites
- Retail, hospitality, and commercial CCTV deployments needing simple plug-and-play PoE switching
- School, aged care, and healthcare facility surveillance systems
- Access control and intercom systems requiring multiple PoE-powered endpoints
- Any installation where a managed switch is unnecessary and simplicity is preferred
Technical Specifications
| Specification |
Details |
| Model |
TL-SL1218P |
| PoE Ports |
16 × PoE+ 10/100Mbps RJ45 (Ports 1–16) — IEEE 802.3at/af |
| Uplink Ports |
2 × 10/100/1000Mbps RJ45 + 1 × Combo Gigabit SFP |
| Total PoE Budget |
150W |
| Max PoE Per Port |
30W |
| Extend Mode |
Up to 250m (PoE power & data) |
| Priority Mode |
Ports 1–8 (Video surveillance priority) |
| Isolation Mode |
Yes (One-click client separation) |
| Switching Capacity |
7.2Gbps |
| Packet Forwarding Rate |
5.36Mpps |
| MAC Address Table |
8K |
| Jumbo Frame |
10KB |
| Transmission Method |
Store-and-Forward |
| Flow Control |
IEEE 802.3x |
| Management |
Unmanaged (No Configuration Required) |
| Physical Security Lock |
Yes |
| Fans |
2 × Internal Fans |
| Power Supply |
100–240V AC, 50/60Hz (Internal) |
| Power Consumption (no PoE) |
12.71W |
| Power Consumption (max PoE) |
172.8W |
| Dimensions (W × D × H) |
440 × 180 × 44mm (1U) |
| Weight |
2.68kg |
| Network Media |
10BASE-T: Cat3/4/5 (max 100m); 100BASE-TX: Cat5/5e (max 100m); 1000BASE-T: Cat5/5e/6+ (max 100m); 1000BASE-X: MMF/SMF |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Extend Mode and when should I use it?
Extend Mode allows the TL-SL1218P to transmit PoE power and data up to 250 metres over Cat5e or Cat6 cable — far beyond the standard 100m Ethernet limit. It is specifically designed for IP camera installations where cameras are located at long distances from the switch, such as car parks, perimeter fences, warehouses, and large commercial sites. Note that in Extend Mode, port speed is reduced to 10Mbps, which is sufficient for standard IP camera streams.
What is Priority Mode and which ports does it apply to?
Priority Mode applies to Ports 1–8 and guarantees bandwidth priority for devices connected to those ports. This is designed for video surveillance applications where consistent, uninterrupted camera streams are critical. Devices on Ports 1–8 receive priority over traffic on Ports 9–16 when the network is under load.
What is Isolation Mode?
Isolation Mode prevents connected devices from communicating directly with each other through the switch. All client ports are isolated, meaning cameras and other devices cannot see each other on the network. This improves security by preventing lateral movement between devices and reduces unnecessary broadcast traffic.
Is the TL-SL1218P a managed or unmanaged switch?
The TL-SL1218P is an unmanaged switch with no web interface, CLI, or SNMP management. It operates via physical DIP switches or buttons for mode selection (Extend, Priority, Isolation). This makes it extremely simple to deploy — ideal for installers who need a reliable PoE switch without the complexity of managed switch configuration.
How many IP cameras can the TL-SL1218P power?
With 16 PoE+ ports and a 150W total budget, the number of cameras depends on each camera’s power draw. Standard fixed IP cameras typically draw 5–12W, meaning all 16 ports can be used simultaneously within the budget. PTZ cameras or cameras with heaters may draw 15–25W, reducing the number of simultaneously powered ports. Always calculate total PoE load before finalising your design.
Can I use the SFP slot for a fibre uplink to an NVR or core switch?
Yes. The combo Gigabit SFP slot accepts standard SFP modules (multi-mode or single-mode) for fibre uplink connections. This is useful for building-to-building links or where the NVR or core switch is located more than 100m from the TL-SL1218P.
Installer Note: Extend Mode (250m) reduces port speed to 10Mbps — sufficient for most standard IP camera streams but not suitable for high-bitrate 4K cameras or NVR uplinks. Use Extend Mode only on camera ports, not on uplink or NVR ports. Always calculate total PoE load across all 16 ports and ensure it does not exceed the 150W budget, leaving headroom for startup current spikes.
