Comnet SERVERSWITCHIQ - 32 POE PORTS 450W I5-10500TE GPU RDY 32TB 4X8TB - SS32LX-I5-32T8G

Comnet SS32LX-I5-32T8G 32-Port PoE+ NVR/Server Appliance

Overview

The Comnet SS32LX-I5-32T8G is a converged network video recorder and PoE power delivery appliance designed for mid-to-large surveillance deployments. Built around an Intel i5-10500TE processor with 32TB of dedicated storage (four 8TB drives), this unit consolidates NVR recording, PoE switching, and IP camera power delivery into a single rackmount chassis. The 450W PoE budget supports up to 32 connected cameras without requiring separate power infrastructure, making it practical for installations where you need to avoid external PoE injectors or dedicated power distribution units.

Key Features

• 32 PoE+ Ports at 450W: Supplies power and network connectivity to 32 cameras in a single appliance. 450W translates to roughly 14W average per port—enough for most fixed IP cameras (typical draw: 5–13W) and modest PTZ units. Eliminates the need for external PoE switches on smaller-to-mid deployments, simplifying wiring and reducing component count in your equipment room.
• Intel i5-10500TE Processor: Quad-core CPU (base 2.3 GHz, turbo to 4.5 GHz) handles multi-stream decode, on-box analytics, and VMS database operations without external compute. Avoid bottlenecks when running simultaneous playback, export, and live viewing across a 32-camera array.
• 32TB Storage Capacity (4x8TB Drives): Four hot-swappable 8TB drives provide approximately 120–180 hours of H.265 video per camera at full HD resolution (retention varies with bitrate, scene complexity, and compression settings). Modular drive architecture means you can replace failed drives without full system shutdown—critical for 24/7 operations.
• Consolidated NVR + Switch Function: Combines network video recording and PoE distribution in one chassis. Reduces cable runs to the surveillance network, consolidates power management, and simplifies failover or expansion planning. One device to provision, patch, and monitor instead of separate components.
• Rackmount Form Factor: Designed for server-room or network closet installation (standard 19-inch rack compatible). Works well in centralized monitoring centers where you want all recording and switching logic co-located with other network infrastructure.
• ONVIF and VMS Integration Ready: Supports industry-standard ONVIF protocols, enabling integration with Milestone XProtect, Genetec Security Center, Axis Companion, and other mainstream VMS platforms. Not vendor-locked to proprietary recording software.

Integration & Compatibility

The SS32LX-I5-32T8G works as both a managed PoE switch and NVR, meaning you connect your IP cameras to the 32 PoE ports and the unit handles both power delivery and video ingestion. Network configuration follows standard Ethernet protocols—connect to your core network via uplink ports (exact port count not detailed in available evidence, but typical rackmount NVRs include dual or quad gigabit uplinks for redundancy). ONVIF Profile S compliance ensures broad camera compatibility without requiring vendor-specific drivers. The i5-10500TE can run standard surveillance VMS software (Windows-based or Linux) or Comnet's proprietary management interface, depending on your operational preference and existing infrastructure.

Storage and Retention Planning

32TB raw capacity supports approximately 120–180 recorded hours per camera at 1080p/30fps H.265 (the exact retention depends on bitrate, scene activity, and codec efficiency). For a 32-camera system recording continuously, plan on 4–6 TB per day across all streams—roughly 6–8 days of storage before requiring archival or deletion. If you need longer retention, consider adding external NAS or tape backup to your architecture.

Power and Installation Notes

The 450W PoE power budget is the single most important constraint. Review each camera's maximum power draw from the datasheet and sum the connected devices. If your 32 cameras average 11W each, you're at 352W—within budget. If they average 14W, you exceed 450W and risk port shutdown or brown-out. Many deployments run 16–24 cameras per unit to stay safely under the power limit. Ensure the appliance receives stable 110/220V AC input (evidence does not specify exact input voltage, so confirm with the specification sheet). Rackmount installation requires 1–2 RU of space and standard cage-nut or threaded-rail mounting.

What's in the Box

Exact package contents are not detailed in available evidence. Contact the manufacturer or your supplier for a detailed packing list before installation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use the SS32LX-I5-32T8G as a standalone switch without the NVR function?

A: The product is designed as an integrated NVR + PoE switch. While the switching hardware is present, disabling or bypassing the recording function depends on Comnet's software licensing and management interface. Confirm with pre-sales engineering whether standalone switch mode is supported.

Q: What happens if one of the four 8TB drives fails?

A: The evidence does not specify whether the storage is configured in RAID (redundant array) or single-drive mode. If RAID is enabled, a single drive failure should not halt recording—remaining drives continue operation. If no RAID is configured, a failed drive halts the entire NVR. Clarify the default storage configuration and backup strategy with the manufacturer before deployment.

Q: Is the 450W PoE budget sufficient for 32 high-power cameras?

A: No. 450W ÷ 32 ports = 14W average per port. High-power cameras (20–30W PTZ units, IR illuminators, heated enclosures) will exceed this budget quickly. Most deployments run 16–24 moderate-power cameras per unit. Calculate the peak power draw of your camera models and select a subset or add a second appliance if needed.

Q: Does the SS32LX-I5-32T8G support redundant storage or hot standby?

A: The evidence confirms four drive bays but does not specify RAID levels, snapshots, or hot standby capabilities. Confirm with the manufacturer whether RAID 1, 5, or 10 is supported and whether failover to a secondary unit is possible.

Q: Can I expand storage beyond 32TB?

A: The unit has four drive bays (4x8TB standard). Larger-capacity drives (e.g., 12TB, 14TB) may be supported if the firmware and backplane allow, but compatibility is not confirmed in available evidence. Check with Comnet for supported drive sizes and capacity limits before upgrading.

Marty Allison

I spend a lot of time in equipment rooms, and the Comnet SS32LX-I5-32T8G solves a real problem: it brings NVR recording and PoE distribution under one roof. The 450W PoE budget is tight—you can't drive 32 high-power cameras from it—but for a mixed array of fixed domes and turrets (typical 5–12W each), it keeps you from managing separate PoE switches and power supplies. The i5-10500TE isn't a screaming CPU, but it's enough for 30fps decode on 24–32 cameras without getting bogged down in playback or export jobs.

Technical Highlights:

• 450W PoE Budget across 32 ports: Works out to 14W per port on average. Real deployments with fixed cameras (6–11W typical) and a few moderate PTZ units (15–20W) fit comfortably. Just don't assume you can fill all 32 ports with high-draw devices—you'll hit the power ceiling around 20–24 cameras depending on the mix.
• Intel i5-10500TE quad-core processor: Handles multi-threaded VMS tasks (simultaneous live view, playback, and export across 24–32 streams) without CPU starvation. Not a performance beast, but stable for the workload. I'd avoid running heavy custom analytics or object detection on-box if you're also running 30fps recording at full resolution.
• 32TB across four 8TB hot-swap drives: Modular architecture means you can replace a failed drive without powering down. That's table stakes for 24/7 ops. The retention math: at H.265 compression, expect roughly 120–180 hours per camera. For a 32-camera array, that's 4–6 days of continuous storage before you need archival.

Deployment Considerations:

• PoE power is your constraint. Add up the nameplate wattage of every camera you plan to connect, then add 10% headroom. If you're north of 400W, you'll be power-limited or risk brownout conditions. Most successful deployments run 18–24 cameras per unit, not 32.
• Storage redundancy (RAID level) is not confirmed in the evidence. Before you deploy this into a critical surveillance role, confirm with the manufacturer whether the four drives are striped (RAID 5), mirrored (RAID 1), or standalone. A single failed drive in non-RAID mode halts recording.

This appliance is a fit for consolidated, mid-size retail or campus surveillance where you want recording, switching, and power distribution co-located. It's not the right pick for sprawling outdoor networks with dozens of high-power PTZ units—that scenario demands multiple appliances or a dedicated external PoE system. For 16–24 moderate-power cameras in a single facility, the SS32LX-I5-32T8G eliminates a lot of rack clutter.