DrayTek VigorSwitch P2542x

A good-value gigabit PoE+ switch witha high port density, a big power budget and heaps of features

- DAVE MITCHELL

DrayTek has garnered a fine reputation for delivering affordable network solutions to SMBS, and the VigorSwitch P2542x continues this tradition. Aimed at businesses with big Power over Ethernet (PoE) plans, this 48-port gigabit switch delivers PoE+ services on all copper ports, provides six 10GbE SFP+ fibre uplink ports and delivers it all at an appealing price.

The P2542x is a full Layer 2 switch with basic Layer 3 routing capabilities that supports static IPv4 and IPv6 routing and inter-VLAN local routing, but not the dynamic routing found in more expensive full L3 switches. For the price it offers a generous 400W PoE budget, but if you want more, DrayTek's P2542xh model has a 680W budget, with both supporting switch stacking and DrayTek's optional backup power supply.

Management options are in abundance. Along with its local web console, the switch can be remotely managed using any DrayTek router that supports the central management feature. DrayTek's free VigorConnect app is available for Windows and Linux hosts, where it provides on-site monitoring and management of VigorSwitch and Vigor AP devices.