Transition Networks S3290-24-NA vs Transition Networks SM24T6DPA-NA: Specification Comparison
Both the Transition Networks S3290-24-NA and SM24T6DPA-NA are 24-port, unmanaged, non-PoE Ethernet switches from the same manufacturer — a product class physical-security integrators commonly deploy for IP camera backhaul and access-control device aggregation. The comparison turns on a fundamental throughput and connectivity divide: the S3290-24-NA operates at 10 Gigabit per port with mixed copper/fiber uplink capability, while the SM24T6DPA-NA operates at 1 Gigabit per port with copper-only connectivity and no SFP expansion slots.
In This Guide
- Which switch delivers the port speed and aggregate throughput your deployment requires?
- Which switch supports fiber uplinks and extended cable-run distances?
- Which switch is rated for industrial or non-conditioned environments, and what traffic management is available?
- Which should you choose: the S3290-24-NA or the SM24T6DPA-NA?
- Side-by-Side Specs
- FAQ
Which switch delivers the port speed and aggregate throughput your deployment requires?
The S3290-24-NA provides 24 ports at 10G per port, yielding a theoretical aggregate of 240 Gbps across all copper ports, plus 4 additional SFP slots for fiber or additional 10G uplinks. The SM24T6DPA-NA provides 24 ports at Gigabit (1G) per port with zero SFP expansion slots — a tenfold reduction in per-port throughput compared to the S3290-24-NA.
For deployments aggregating high-bitrate 4K or multi-sensor cameras, NVR uplinks, or high-density access-control panels, the per-port speed gap is material. The SM24T6DPA-NA's Gigabit ports are adequate for individual IP cameras and card readers in standard-definition to 1080p ranges, but the S3290-24-NA's 10G ports are better positioned for trunk links or NVR-facing aggregation where sustained high-bandwidth streams converge.
Which switch supports fiber uplinks and extended cable-run distances?
The S3290-24-NA includes 4 SFP module slots alongside its 24 copper RJ45 ports. The product specifications note 2 twisted-pair ports and 4 SFP module slots as package contents, enabling mixed copper-and-fiber connectivity. SFP slots allow single-mode or multi-mode fiber modules to be installed, supporting extended cable runs beyond the 100-meter copper limit — the specific fiber reach depends on the SFP module selected, which is not detailed in the provided specifications.
The SM24T6DPA-NA has zero SFP slots per its specifications. All 24 ports are copper Gigabit Ethernet. Buyers who need to span buildings, connect across parking structures, or link to a head-end farther than 100 meters via fiber cannot do so with the SM24T6DPA-NA without an external media converter. The S3290-24-NA eliminates that need for up to 4 fiber runs natively.
Which switch is rated for industrial or non-conditioned environments, and what traffic management is available?
The S3290-24-NA is specified with an Industrial operating temperature rating, indicating an extended temperature range suitable for telecom enclosures, outdoor cabinets, or unconditioned spaces. The SM24T6DPA-NA does not carry an industrial temperature designation in the provided specifications — its operating environment rating is not stated.
Both switches are unmanaged. The S3290-24-NA offers zero-touch, no-IP-configuration operation. The SM24T6DPA-NA is also unmanaged plug-and-play but includes 802.1D Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) switching, which provides loop protection if redundant cable paths are present. The SM24T6DPA-NA specifications also reference 'VLAN and Private management of up to 8 traffic types' under the Management field — this conflicts with its Unmanaged designation and with the Architecture field stating 'No VLAN or remote management support'; buyers should verify with Transition Networks documentation before relying on VLAN capability. The S3290-24-NA specifications do not reference STP or VLAN capabilities.
Which should you choose: the S3290-24-NA or the SM24T6DPA-NA?
Our take: The S3290-24-NA is the stronger choice when port throughput, fiber uplink capability, or industrial operating temperatures are requirements. Its 10G per-port speed represents a tenfold increase over the SM24T6DPA-NA's 1G ports, its 4 SFP slots add fiber connectivity the SM24T6DPA-NA entirely lacks, and its Industrial temperature rating suits unconditioned enclosures where the SM24T6DPA-NA's operating environment is unspecified. Conversely, the SM24T6DPA-NA is a lower-complexity option for standard 1G IP camera or access-control deployments in conditioned spaces where copper runs are under 100 meters, and its documented 802.1D STP support provides broadcast-storm protection the S3290-24-NA does not list. Both carry Lifetime warranties. Buyers should note the SM24T6DPA-NA's conflicting VLAN references in its spec sheet and confirm with Transition Networks before designing any traffic-segmentation scheme around that model.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | Transition Networks S3290-24-NA | Transition Networks SM24T6DPA-NA |
|---|---|---|
| Product Type | Switch | Switch |
| SKU | S3290-24-NA | SM24T6DPA-NA |
| Total Port Count | 24 + 4 SFP | 24 |
| Port Speed | 10G | Gigabit (1G) |
| SFP Slots | 4 | 0 |
| Fiber Connectivity | Yes (via SFP slots) | No |
| Copper Ports | 24x RJ45 (10G) | 24x RJ45 (1G) |
| Management | Unmanaged | Unmanaged |
| Spanning Tree (STP) | Not specified | 802.1D STP |
| VLAN Support | Not specified | Conflicting spec — verify with mfr |
| Operating Temperature | Industrial (extended range) | Not specified |
| PoE | Not specified | Not specified |
| Warranty | Lifetime | Lifetime |
| Weight | Not specified | 5.3 lbs |
| Datasheet | /content/product-datasheets/S3290-24-NA.pdf | /content/product-datasheets/SM24T6DPA-NA.pdf |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the S3290-24-NA or the SM24T6DPA-NA?
The S3290-24-NA is the stronger choice when port throughput, fiber uplink capability, or industrial operating temperatures are requirements. Its 10G per-port speed represents a tenfold increase over the SM24T6DPA-NA's 1G ports, its 4 SFP slots add fiber connectivity the SM24T6DPA-NA entirely lacks, and its Industrial temperature rating suits unconditioned enclosures where the SM24T6DPA-NA's operating environment is unspecified. Conversely, the SM24T6DPA-NA is a lower-complexity option for standard 1G IP camera or access-control deployments in conditioned spaces where copper runs are under 100 meters, and its documented 802.1D STP support provides broadcast-storm protection the S3290-24-NA does not list. Both carry Lifetime warranties. Buyers should note the SM24T6DPA-NA's conflicting VLAN references in its spec sheet and confirm with Transition Networks before designing any traffic-segmentation scheme around that model.
Is the S3290-24-NA or SM24T6DPA-NA better for connecting an NVR to high-bitrate 4K cameras?
The S3290-24-NA is better suited for that workload. Its 24 ports each run at 10G, providing far more headroom for sustained high-bitrate streams from multiple 4K cameras converging on an NVR uplink. The SM24T6DPA-NA's 1G ports can handle individual 4K camera feeds at typical H.265 bitrates, but aggregate throughput to an NVR becomes a constraint as camera count and resolution rise.
Can either switch connect to a fiber backbone without an external media converter?
Only the S3290-24-NA supports direct fiber connectivity. It includes 4 SFP module slots that accept field-installed SFP transceivers for single-mode or multi-mode fiber runs. The SM24T6DPA-NA has zero SFP slots and no fiber capability per its specifications — fiber integration would require a separate media converter.
Which switch is suitable for an outdoor or unconditioned equipment cabinet?
The S3290-24-NA carries an Industrial operating temperature rating, indicating it is designed for extended temperature environments such as outdoor enclosures or telecom cabinets. The SM24T6DPA-NA does not specify an industrial or extended temperature rating in the provided specifications, so its suitability for unconditioned environments cannot be confirmed from the available data.
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