Switch selection for IP video surveillance is a key consideration in overall design. Unfortunately, it is often less scrutinized than the 'stars' of the solution (i.e., VMS and cameras). Moreover, sufficient due diligence in evaluating switches may not be performed due to difficulty of making sense of the technology, offerings, and application.  End-users should pay closer attention to the networking devices they purchase since they can have a significant impact on the availability and quality of the system.

In this report we test a Cisco-Linksys SRW208P small business class managed switch we purchased from Amazon.  The SRW series provides managed small business class switches, featuring a variety of PoE enabled fixed configuration options targeted for 'budget' or inexpensive applications.

The video below provides an overview of the test:

Watching our IP Network Basics on-line training video series or a moderate hands-on background in networking devices is a pre-requisite for reading this report.