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8-Port vs 24-Port PoE Switch — Choosing the Right Size for Your UAE Business
Port count is one of the most practical hardware decisions in networking. Here's how to get it right the first time.
How to Calculate the Right Port Count
Step 1 — Count your PoE devices
📡
WiFi APs
15–25W each
📷
IP Cameras
6–12W each
📞
VoIP Phones
3–7W each
🔑
Access Control
5–15W each
Step 2 — Add 30–40% for growth. If you currently have 6 PoE devices, plan for 8–9.
Step 3 — If total PoE devices is under 6, consider 8-port. If 7+, go 24-port. If 20+, consider 48-port.
8-Port vs 24-Port — Comparison
| Feature | 8-Port PoE | 24-Port PoE |
|---|---|---|
| PoE Ports | 8 ports | 24 ports |
| Typical PoE Budget | 65–130W | 185–370W |
| Max APs Powered (at 20W each) | 3–6 APs | 9–18 APs |
| Max Cameras (at 10W each) | 6–13 | 18–37 |
| Uplink Ports | 1–2 SFP or RJ45 | 4× 10GE SFP+ (S220/S310) |
| Rack Space | Half-width or desktop | 1U rack mount |
| Growth Headroom | Limited | Good |
| Price | Lower | Moderate |
| Best For | CCTV-only, very small office | Any real business office |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I decide between an 8-port and 24-port PoE switch?
Count your current PoE devices (access points, cameras, IP phones, access control panels) and then add 30–40% for future growth. If the total is under 6–7, an 8-port switch may suffice. If you expect 8+ PoE devices, or if you want headroom for growth, a 24-port switch is the better choice. The price difference between 8-port and 24-port is relatively small — oversizing slightly is almost always the right call.
What is the PoE budget of an 8-port Huawei eKit switch?
The Huawei eKit S110-8P2ST unmanaged switch has a 124W PoE budget. The S220 and S310 8-port managed models vary — typically 65–130W. A WiFi 6 AP draws about 15–25W, so an 8-port switch with 124W budget can power 5–8 APs. If you have more PoE devices, size up to 24-port.
Is an 8-port PoE switch suitable for a small Dubai office?
An 8-port PoE switch is appropriate for a very small Dubai office with limited PoE devices — perhaps 2 APs, 2 cameras, and 1 IP phone. However, most real offices expand. A 24-port switch gives you the headroom to grow without replacing hardware. For most UAE offices with 10+ users, we recommend starting with at least a 24-port switch.
Not sure how many ports you need?
Tell us your PoE device count and business type — we'll recommend the exact switch model and port count.
Get Switch Recommendation