D-Link ONVIF Switch Tested
D-Link's surveillance switches claim to "enhance ease of use and streamline management" for network administrators, with simplified UIs and automatic discovery of ONVIF devices to show what cameras are connected along with key information such as bandwidth, PoE usage, and more.
We bought and tested the D-Link DGS-1100-10MP to see how this surveillance mode works, how it compares to typical switches, and whether these features are useful or marketing hype.
Summary
Those looking for a simplified networking interface, optimized for video surveillance may find the simplified UI and ONVIF discovery features of D-Link's switches useful and less complex than the menus of other manufacturers' models.
However, those with greater IT expertise used to working with managed switches will likely find the surveillance UI lacking and less compelling.
Key Findings
Here are our key findings from this test. Note that all findings are based on testing using firmware 1.00.020 received from D-Link, not 1.00.002 found online.
There are several positives of the DGS-1100-10MP:
- Solid ONVIF discovery: In our tests, the switch discovered 18 different manufacturers' cameras, NVRs, and VMS software, automatically displaying it in the switch's UI.
- Simple PoE operation: Rebooting cameras was simpler in the D-Link UI, with users simply clicking a button on the switch's front page to enable or disable PoE, instead of navigating through multiple menus as is common.
- Simple PoE/throughput monitoring: Finally, D-Link includes clear graphical and numerical displays of PoE and bandwidth, both total and per port in the switch's main UI, simpler to see status at a glance.
There were several drawbacks, as well:
- Some NVRs discovered as cameras: During testing, multiple NVRs were discovered as cameras due to their inclusion of ONVIF streaming out, with no way to "turn off" or reclassify them as NVRs.
- No copper uplink ports: The switch does not include copper uplink ports, instead using separate SFP modules, unlike many switch manufacturers.
- UI too simple in some aspects: The switch's surveillance mode does not include some common features, such as manual VLAN setup, QoS, SNMP, etc., requiring users to switch to the standard mode to change these settings.
Video Overview
This video provides an overview of the DGS-1100-10MP, showing the features of surveillance mode and comparison to standard mode:
Price
The D-Link DGS-1100-10MP sells for ~$300 USD online. Since it does not include copper uplink ports, we also purchased two small form factor pluggable module to connect these ports (~$20/each).
This pricing is notably more expensive than Cisco's SG300-10MPP, as low as ~$220 online. However, Cisco does not include D-Link's ONVIF features, but does include copper uplinks (using RJ45/SFP combo ports).
NOTE: Users Request Updated Firmware
Users should note that firmware 1.00.002, which many DGS-1100 switches ship with, and the latest available on D-Link's website, failed to discover most ONVIF cameras and NVRs in our tests. When contacted, D-Link offered updated firmware which remedies these issues, saying it was freely available for anyone who calls with issues.
When asked why this firmware is not simply available on the website, D-Link said:
D-Link R&D is continuing to add more useful features to the firmware and that’s why the version v1.01.B020 that you evaluated is not released yet. My best estimate is that this firmware will be posted on our Support website for general download by mid Q1-2018.
Because of this issue, the tests shown below were performed with updated 1.00.020 firmware unless otherwise noted.
ONVIF Device Discovery
With 1.00.020 installed, the DGS-1100-10MP automatically discovered all IP cameras and NVRs connected to it, from 13 different manufacturers (see chart below). Once discovered, the switch web UI displays devices graphically, showing cameras and NVRs
Users may hover over a device to see more detail, including IP address, model, and PoE power consumption. Ports may be rebooted by clicking the power icon on the port.
In addition to the surveillance topology, surveillance mode includes overviews of PoE consumption and bandwidth, both total and per port, more simply and graphically presented than typical managed switches.
ONVIF Device Support
We tested ONVIF discovery for 18 manufacturers' cameras, NVRs, and VMS software.
The chart below outlines device discovery support for various manufacturers' cameras and NVRs, in both the factory 1.00.002 firmware and the updated version 1.00.020.
NVRs Reported As Cameras
The switch discovered multiple NVRs as cameras during testing. While this may be an annoyance or confusing to users, it is not technically incorrect, as many recorders include ONVIF output.
Surveillance Vs. Standard UI Mode Features
Users may enter the switch's "standard" mode with full management features by clicking a link at the top of the web UI at any time. This mode provides many more options than surveillance mode, with the ability to manually configure VLANs, QOS, SNMP, and many other options not shown in the surveillance mode. This can be seen in the menu trees of the two options, shown here:
Note that in some cases surveillance mode removes functionality which may be useful, even in a simplified UI. For example, surveillance mode allows users to sync the switch to a time server, but does not give any option to select time zone, resulting in the time being incorrect, while standard mode allows this option. Users looking for more advanced options may switch to standard mode to configure the switch, then back to surveillance mode for everyday use.
Physical Features
The switch is physically similar to other typical compact models, such as the Cisco SG300 shown below. However, there are two key differences to point out:
- Separate status lights: The D-Link switch's status lights are more difficult to interpret at a glance, as they are physically removed from each port, placed in a group on the left of the switch's face. By contrast, the Cisco switch's status lights are located on each port.
- No copper uplinks without SFP: The D-Link switch does not have any copper uplink ports unless users provide SFP GBIC modules (highlighted below). By contrast, Cisco and many others use combo uplink ports, with both a copper Ethernet port and an SFP port.
Integrated Power Supply
Unlike many other switches, the D-Link line uses an integrated power supply, requiring only a standard three conductor IEC cord, instead of a separate power block found in the Cisco switch. This simplifies cable management, as the power cord may be plugged directly into a power strip with no need to find a location for the power supply.
Firmware
The most current firmware available at the time of testing was used.
- D-Link DGS-1100-10MP: 1.00.020 / 1.00.002