A Comprehensive Guide to Setting Up a Hikvision Smart Managed PoE Switch

Introduction

Hikvision's Smart Managed PoE (Power over Ethernet) switches are an excellent choice for powering IP cameras and other network devices while maintaining a stable and efficient network infrastructure. These switches provide advanced management features such as VLANs, QoS, and PoE power control, making them ideal for surveillance systems.

This guide will walk you through the setup process of a Hikvision Smart Managed PoE Switch, ensuring optimal configuration for your security and networking needs.

Step 1: Unboxing and Hardware Setup

What You Need:

• Hikvision Smart Managed PoE Switch

• Ethernet cables (Cat5e/Cat6)

• IP Cameras or other PoE devices

• PC/Laptop for configuration

• Network Router (if needed for internet access)

Connecting the Hardware:

1. Power On the Switch – Connect the switch to a power source using the provided adapter.

2. Connect the Devices – Plug your IP cameras and other PoE devices into the PoE ports of the switch.

3. Connect to the Network – Use an Ethernet cable to link the switch's uplink port to your router or local network.

4. Connect Your PC – Plug an Ethernet cable from your PC/laptop into one of the standard (non-PoE) switch ports.

Step 2: Accessing the Web Interface

To configure the switch, you need to access its web-based management interface.

Finding the Switch IP Address:

1. Use Hikvision SADP Tool – Download and install Hikvision's SADP (Search Active Device Protocol) tool to scan your network and locate the switch’s default IP.

2. Check the Default IP – Many Hikvision switches use a default IP (e.g., 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.254.1). If your PC is on a different subnet, you may need to manually set your PC’s IP address within the same range.

Logging In:

1. Open a web browser and enter the switch's IP address.

2. Log in using the default credentials:

   • Username: admin

   • Password: (default password or set by you)

3. If this is your first time logging in, you may be prompted to change the default password.

Step 3: Configuring Basic Network Settings

Change the Switch IP Address

1. Navigate to Network Settings.

2. Assign a static IP address that matches your network subnet.

3. Save and reboot the switch if necessary.

Enable PoE Settings

Hikvision PoE switches allow you to manage power distribution to connected devices:

1. Go to the PoE Settings page.

2. Adjust power limits per port if needed.

3. Enable or disable PoE on individual ports as required.

4. Apply and save settings.

Step 4: Setting Up VLANs (Optional)

Virtual LANs (VLANs) help segment network traffic for better security and efficiency.

1. Navigate to VLAN Settings.

2. Create a new VLAN (e.g., VLAN 10 for IP cameras, VLAN 20 for general devices).

3. Assign VLAN IDs to specific ports.

4. Save and apply the VLAN configuration.

Step 5: Configuring QoS for Traffic Prioritisation

QoS (Quality of Service) ensures that critical network traffic (e.g., video streams) gets priority.

1. Go to the QoS Settings.

2. Enable QoS and set priority rules for ports connected to IP cameras.

3. Choose a scheduling algorithm (e.g., Weighted Round Robin).

4. Save the changes.

Step 6: Security and Firmware Updates

Change Default Login Credentials

• Always change the default admin password to prevent unauthorised access.

Update Firmware

1. Visit Hikvision’s official website and download the latest firmware for your switch model.

2. In the web interface, go to Maintenance > Firmware Upgrade.

3. Upload the firmware file and proceed with the update.

Step 7: Testing and Troubleshooting

Verify Camera Connectivity

• Ensure cameras receive power and data from the PoE switch.

• Use the Hikvision NVR or SADP tool to detect connected cameras.

Check Network Performance

• Run a ping test to check connectivity.

• Use PoE status monitoring to check power consumption.

Common Issues and Fixes

• No access to the switch’s web interface? Ensure your PC is in the correct IP range.

• Cameras not receiving power? Check PoE settings and ensure the switch’s power budget isn’t exceeded.

• Slow network performance? Enable QoS and VLANs to optimise data flow.

Conclusion

Setting up a Hikvision Smart Managed PoE Switch is straightforward when following the right steps. With correct configuration, you ensure a stable, efficient, and secure network for your surveillance system. Whether for home security or a large-scale CCTV deployment, these switches provide excellent control and management options.

By following this guide, you should have a fully operational PoE switch tailored to your security and networking needs. Happy networking!