Switch Cambium cnMatrix EX1028-P — 24 x 1Gbps RJ45 ports, 4 x SFP fiber ports, PoE-capable

The Cambium cnMatrix EX1028-P is a managed access-layer network switch with 24 x 1 Gbps RJ45 ports and 4 x 1 Gbps SFP fiber uplink ports. Designed for business and campus environments, the unit supports line-rate switching and Power over Ethernet (PoE) to supply connected devices such as IP phones, wireless access points and cameras. The switch is rack-mountable and intended to centralize connectivity and simplify network management in small to medium enterprise topologies.

Advantages

The EX1028-P combines a mix of copper and fiber interfaces for flexible uplink and aggregation options while providing PoE capability on the access ports to power edge devices without separate local adapters. As a managed switch, it offers configuration and monitoring features appropriate for access-layer deployments, enabling VLAN segmentation, traffic prioritization and simplified device provisioning. Its compact rack-compatible form factor makes it suitable for wiring closets and rack-mounted network closets.

Suitable for

• Office and campus access layer connecting desktop PCs, IP phones and Wi‑Fi access points
• Small and medium-sized business networks requiring PoE for edge devices
• Connections to aggregation or core switches via SFP fiber uplinks
• Rack-mounted wiring closets where mixed copper and fiber connectivity is needed

When it may not be suitable

This switch is focused on access-layer roles and may not be appropriate where multilayer routing performance or very high port densities are required. Environments that need multi-gigabit copper ports (2.5/5/10 Gbps) on access ports or large numbers of 10 Gbps uplinks should consider higher-tier or aggregation-class devices instead.

Key specifications

• Ports: 24 × 10/100/1000 Mbps RJ45 access ports
• Uplink ports: 4 × 1 Gbps SFP fiber ports
• PoE: PoE-capable on access ports to power compatible devices
• Switching mode: Managed switch with VLAN and QoS support
• Form factor: Rack-mountable access switch

How to use

Install the switch in a standard equipment rack or place it on a stable surface following manufacturer mounting instructions. Connect the SFP modules and fiber uplinks to upstream aggregation or core devices as required, and attach end devices to the RJ45 ports. Configure management settings via the cnMatrix management interface or supported network management systems to set VLANs, PoE budgets and QoS policies. Monitor link status, port utilization and PoE power consumption through the management interface to ensure stable operation.

What to consider before purchase

• Verify required PoE power budget for connected devices and confirm port PoE availability per port
• Confirm uplink speed and transceiver compatibility for the intended fiber links
• Ensure rack space and appropriate cooling for installation location
• Assess management integration with existing network controllers or monitoring tools

Recommendations

Use the cnMatrix EX1028-P as an access-layer switch in structured networks: connect IP phones, wireless access points and edge cameras to the RJ45 ports with PoE enabled, and use the SFP uplink ports to aggregate traffic to a distribution or core switch. Apply VLAN segmentation and QoS to prioritize voice and wireless traffic and regularly monitor PoE usage to avoid exceeding the device power budget.