TP-Link SG6428X vs TP-Link S5500-24GP4XF: Specification Comparison
Both the TP-Link SG6428X and S5500-24GP4XF are rack-mount, 24-port Gigabit managed switches with four 10GE SFP+ uplinks, aimed at enterprise LAN access or aggregation layers. The SG6428X sits in TP-Link's Omada line as a full Layer 3 stackable switch, while the S5500-24GP4XF belongs to the OmadaPro line as an L2+ switch with PoE+. A buyer choosing between them is weighing routing depth and stacking capability against PoE budget and a more compact footprint.
In This Guide
- Which switch delivers more Layer 3 routing capability and switching throughput?
- Which switch provides more PoE power capacity for cameras, APs, and IP phones?
- How do the hardware architecture, memory, and management capabilities compare?
- Which should you choose: the SG6428X or the S5500-24GP4XF?
- Side-by-Side Specs
- FAQ
Which switch delivers more Layer 3 routing capability and switching throughput?
The SG6428X is a full Layer 3 managed switch supporting dynamic routing protocols including RIP, OSPF, VRRP, ECMP, PIM-SM/DM, Static Routing, and Policy-Based Routing (PBR). Its switching capacity is specified at 128 Gbps. The S5500-24GP4XF is classified as L2+ managed, supporting only Static Routing alongside L2 features such as 802.1Q/QinQ VLAN, STP/RSTP/MSTP, IGMP snooping, ACL, 802.1X, and LACP. Its switching capacity is listed as 160 Gbps (with a second figure of 320 Gbps appearing in the spec data, likely reflecting full-duplex throughput). Buyers requiring inter-VLAN routing, OSPF adjacency, or multicast PIM across the switch fabric need the SG6428X; environments needing only VLAN segmentation and static routes can be served by the S5500-24GP4XF.
Which switch provides more PoE power capacity for cameras, APs, and IP phones?
Both switches support IEEE 802.3af/at (PoE+) on their 24 Gigabit RJ45 ports. The SG6428X carries a PoE budget of 1,440 W — a figure consistent with its high-power positioning as a stackable core-access switch. The S5500-24GP4XF carries a PoE budget of 240 W and a total power consumption of 384 W. The spec data for S5500-24GP4XF also references a per-port figure of 30 W, consistent with 802.3at maximums. Both models list perpetual PoE and fast PoE support on the SG6428X; the S5500-24GP4XF spec notes dynamic PoE allocation to prevent oversubscription. For high-density physical-security deployments with many PoE cameras or multi-radio APs drawing 25–30 W each, the SG6428X's 1,440 W budget is substantially more capable.
How do the hardware architecture, memory, and management capabilities compare?
The SG6428X is powered by a dual-core ARM processor running at 1.5 GHz and is equipped with 2×4 MB NOR flash plus 8 GB eMMC storage. It supports stacking, which allows multiple units to be managed as a single logical switch. The S5500-24GP4XF lists only 32 MB of storage; no processor specification is provided in the available spec data. Neither unit's management interface spec is fully detailed, but both list CLI, SNMP v1/v2c/v3, and RMON support, along with a dedicated RJ45 management port on the SG6428X (the S5500-24GP4XF management port spec is not stated). The SG6428X's operating temperature range begins at -5 °C, while the S5500-24GP4XF's lower limit is 0 °C — a minor but relevant difference for unconditioned or semi-outdoor IDF closets. Both operate up to 45 °C. Physical depth differs significantly: the SG6428X is 420 mm deep versus 180 mm for the S5500-24GP4XF.
Which should you choose: the SG6428X or the S5500-24GP4XF?
Our take: The SG6428X is the stronger choice when the deployment requires full Layer 3 dynamic routing, high-density PoE, or switch stacking. Its support for OSPF, VRRP, ECMP, and PIM-SM/DM goes well beyond the S5500-24GP4XF's static-routing-only L2+ capability — a meaningful gap for multi-VLAN campus or enterprise security networks. Its 1,440 W PoE budget versus the S5500-24GP4XF's 240 W means it can sustain roughly six times the powered-device load, critical for floors with 20+ PoE cameras or high-wattage wireless APs. Its 8 GB eMMC versus 32 MB of storage on the S5500-24GP4XF also reflects a more capable control-plane platform. The S5500-24GP4XF is appropriate where L2+ switching with dynamic PoE allocation, a compact 180 mm depth, and 240 W PoE budget are sufficient — such as a small branch or edge wiring closet running a flat VLAN topology within the Omada Pro ecosystem.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | TP-Link SG6428X | TP-Link S5500-24GP4XF |
|---|---|---|
| Product Line | Omada | OmadaPro |
| Layer / Management | Layer 3 Managed | L2+ Managed |
| Gigabit RJ45 Ports | 24 | 24 |
| 10GE SFP+ Uplinks | 4 | 4 |
| Total Ports | 28 | 28 |
| Switching Capacity | 128 Gbps | 160 Gbps (320 Gbps full-duplex listed) |
| PoE Standard | 802.3af/at (PoE+) | 802.3af/at (PoE+) |
| PoE Budget | 1,440 W | 240 W |
| Dynamic Routing Protocols | RIP, OSPF, VRRP, ECMP, PIM-SM/DM, PBR | Static routing only |
| Stacking Support | Yes (stackable) | Not specified in provided specs |
| Processor | Dual-core ARM @ 1.5 GHz | Not specified |
| Memory / Storage | 2×4 MB NOR + 8 GB eMMC | 32 MB |
| Management Port | 1× RJ45 | Not specified |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 440 × 420 × 44 mm | 440 × 180 × 44 mm |
| Operating Temperature | -5 °C to 45 °C | 0 °C to 45 °C |
| Power Supply Input | 100–240 V AC 50/60 Hz | 100–240 V AC 50/60 Hz |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the SG6428X or the S5500-24GP4XF?
The SG6428X is the stronger choice when the deployment requires full Layer 3 dynamic routing, high-density PoE, or switch stacking. Its support for OSPF, VRRP, ECMP, and PIM-SM/DM goes well beyond the S5500-24GP4XF's static-routing-only L2+ capability — a meaningful gap for multi-VLAN campus or enterprise security networks. Its 1,440 W PoE budget versus the S5500-24GP4XF's 240 W means it can sustain roughly six times the powered-device load, critical for floors with 20+ PoE cameras or high-wattage wireless APs. Its 8 GB eMMC versus 32 MB of storage on the S5500-24GP4XF also reflects a more capable control-plane platform. The S5500-24GP4XF is appropriate where L2+ switching with dynamic PoE allocation, a compact 180 mm depth, and 240 W PoE budget are sufficient — such as a small branch or edge wiring closet running a flat VLAN topology within the Omada Pro ecosystem.
Is the SG6428X or S5500-24GP4XF better for larger deployments with multiple VLANs and routing between them?
The SG6428X is the appropriate choice. It is a full Layer 3 switch supporting OSPF, VRRP, ECMP, PIM-SM/DM, and Policy-Based Routing. The S5500-24GP4XF is L2+ and supports only static routing, which is insufficient for multi-site or multi-VLAN environments that require dynamic route convergence or inter-VLAN routing at scale.
Which switch can power more PoE cameras or access points simultaneously?
The SG6428X provides a 1,440 W PoE budget across its 24 Gigabit ports, compared to 240 W on the S5500-24GP4XF. At a typical 15–25 W per 802.3at device, the SG6428X can sustain a fully loaded 24-port deployment; the S5500-24GP4XF's 240 W budget limits simultaneous full-power PoE to approximately 8–16 devices depending on per-port draw.
Does either switch fit in a shallow-depth rack or wall-mount enclosure?
The S5500-24GP4XF, at 180 mm depth, is significantly more suitable for shallow enclosures. The SG6428X is 420 mm deep, requiring a full-depth rack. Neither unit's spec data includes a wall-mount option; both are described as rack-mount.
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