Comnet SERVERSWITCHIQ - 32 POE PORTS 450W I5-10500TE GPU RDY 72TB 4X18TB - SS32LX-I5-72T18RG

Comnet SS32LX-I5-72T18RG 32-Port PoE Network Switch

The Comnet SS32LX-I5-72T18RG is a hybrid edge appliance combining a 32-port PoE switch fabric with an embedded Intel i5-10500TE processor and 72TB native storage capacity. Built for surveillance integrators who need unified power delivery, network switching, and local edge recording in a single rackmountable form factor, this appliance eliminates the need for separate PoE injectors, external NAS systems, and management servers in mid-scale deployments.

Overview

The SS32LX-I5-72T18RG consolidates three infrastructure roles—PoE power delivery (450W across 32 ports), Layer 2/3 switching, and storage—into one appliance. The 32 PoE ports deliver sufficient power to run a full deployment of standard industrial cameras and access control readers without external power supplies. The embedded i5-10500TE processor enables local analytics, alarm processing, and administrative tasks without offloading to a separate VMS. The 72TB storage (four 18TB bays) accommodates 24/7 multi-camera retention at reasonable compression rates on medium-sized camera counts.

Key Features

• 32 PoE Ports with 450W Budget: Every port can deliver up to 802.3bt Class 4 power (if the port firmware supports it, subject to per-port negotiation), so you won't need external PoE injectors or power supplies for standard cameras, access control readers, or wireless APs. 450W shared across 32 ports means roughly 14W per port in steady state—enough for most megapixel IP cameras operating without floodlight or active IR.
• Intel i5-10500TE Embedded Processor: Runs edge analytics, VMS software, alarm logic, and administrative tasks without requiring a separate management appliance. Multi-threaded performance handles real-time video processing on moderate camera counts (8–16 cameras at 1080p continuous, depending on codec and analytics load).
• 72TB Native Storage (4x18TB): Provides meaningful retention depth for 24/7 recording—roughly 30–90 days of multi-camera footage depending on resolution, codec (H.265 vs H.264), and frame rate. Eliminates dependence on remote cloud or NAS storage for tier-1 event retention.
• Rackmountable Industrial Form Factor: Designed for secure mounting in utility closets, server rooms, or field cabinets. Supports integration with standard rack PDUs and cable management systems found in professional surveillance and access control deployments.
• Unified Management Interface: Single appliance reduces deployment complexity—fewer boxes to configure, power, cool, and patch. Particularly valuable in small-to-medium branch offices, retail chains, and warehouse environments where space and power are constrained.
• Scalable Beyond Single Unit: Multiple SS32LX units can be stacked or chained to support larger sites, each maintaining independent PoE delivery and storage while sharing a common management network.

Integration & Compatibility

The SS32LX-I5-72T18RG operates as a standard Ethernet switch at Layer 2, meaning it is compatible with any ONVIF-compliant IP camera, access control reader, or network device. The embedded i5 processor supports Windows Server or Linux OS variants (subject to licensing and driver availability), allowing you to install video management software, analytics engines, or custom integrations directly on the appliance. Network integrators often pair this unit with standard IP cameras and access control systems that speak ONVIF or HTTP APIs. The 72TB storage is internal—no external NAS attachment required, but if you want secondary backup or archival, the appliance can route traffic to cloud or external storage arrays via its network ports.

Storage and Retention Modeling

Typical 24/7 retention on 72TB with H.265 compression: 8 cameras at 2MP/30fps yields roughly 40–50 days; 12 cameras at 1080p/30fps yields roughly 60–80 days. H.264 reduces retention by roughly half due to larger bitstream size. If you need extended retention beyond 90 days or higher megapixel counts (16+ cameras at 4MP+), plan for external archive or multiple units.

Power and Installation Notes

The SS32LX-I5-72T18RG requires a dedicated 120–240V AC power input (country-specific, standard industrial plug) and should be connected to a UPS to protect storage and processor during brief power interruptions. The unit is designed for data center or telecom-grade environmental conditions (standard 0–40°C operating range). In hot climates or installations with high ambient heat, ensure adequate rack ventilation to prevent thermal throttling of the i5 processor or HDD thermal shutdown.

Marty Allison

The Comnet SS32LX-I5-72T18RG hits a practical sweet spot for branch-office surveillance: 32 PoE ports running 450W means you can deploy 24–28 cameras without any separate power infrastructure, and the 72TB internal storage keeps 30–90 days of footage local and compliant with many corporate data residency policies. That embedded i5-10500TE is the real workhorse—it runs a lightweight VMS or analytics directly on the box, so you don't need to ship every frame to a central server.

Technical Highlights:

• 450W PoE Budget across 32 Ports: No external injectors or separate power supplies needed. Each port negotiates power up to 802.3bt Class 4 limits, so modern high-power cameras or dual-module PTZ heads integrate cleanly without auxiliary power supplies.
• 72TB Storage (4x18TB): On-box storage eliminates NAS complexity and keeps event data within your network perimeter. For a typical 10-camera 1080p H.265 deployment, expect 50–70 days of continuous retention.
• Intel i5-10500TE Processor: Sufficient compute for edge analytics, alarm correlation, and modest VMS duties. Don't expect it to handle 64+ cameras or heavy deep-learning inference—it's a branch appliance, not a data-center server.

Deployment Considerations:

• The 450W budget is shared across all 32 ports—if you load it with 30+ high-power devices (e.g., PTZ cameras with IR, heated enclosures), you'll exceed the budget and force port negotiations downward. Plan your power headroom: count your camera/device wattages and verify you're under 450W sustained.
• The i5-10500TE is capable but not enterprise-class. If you're planning to run heavy real-time analytics (vehicle re-ID, full-scene object detection across 50+ cameras), you'll need dedicated GPU or external compute resources. The SS32LX-I5-72T18RG is 'GPU ready' by design but GPU acceleration modules are ordered separately.
• Storage lifespan: 18TB consumer/commercial HDDs in 24/7 RAID-like configurations (if configured) typically sustain 3–5 years. Plan for HDD replacement as a maintenance cost, not a one-time capex.

Right fit for regional offices, retail branch chains, or warehouse nodes where you want PoE switching, edge recording, and local processing in one box. Overspec'd if you're building a 5-camera small office (buy a smaller PoE switch + small NAS). Underspec'd if you're a carrier hotel or large campus trying to consolidate 200+ cameras—you'll need multiple units or a larger platform.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I upgrade the storage drives in the SS32LX-I5-72T18RG after purchase?

A: Yes. The unit has four 3.5-inch HDD bays with hot-swap support. You can replace or upgrade drives without powering down the appliance (subject to RAID configuration—if you're using RAID 1 or 5, the rebuild will be intensive). Comnet supports standard enterprise 18TB, 16TB, or smaller drives in those bays.

Q: Does the SS32LX-I5-72T18RG come with VMS software included?

A: The appliance ships with the bare OS and embedded switch firmware. You install compatible VMS software (Milestone, Blue Iris, Shinobi, or others) on the i5 processor. Some integrators deploy Comnet's own management GUI; others use third-party open-source platforms. Check with your channel partner for pre-loaded options.

Q: What is the maximum number of cameras I can record continuously on 72TB?

A: Depends on resolution, codec, and frame rate. Rule of thumb: 1080p H.265 @ 30fps ≈ 1.5–2 Mbps per camera. 72TB gives you roughly 500 days of single-camera footage at that rate. For 10 cameras, you're looking at 50 days; for 20 cameras, 25 days. Using H.264 halves retention. Higher resolutions (4K) reduce it further.

Q: Can I use the SS32LX-I5-72T18RG as a pure PoE switch without the storage and processor?

A: Technically, yes—you can disable the storage arrays and run minimal OS on the i5 so it acts like a managed PoE switch. However, you're paying for features you're not using. For sites that don't need edge recording or analytics, a standalone 32-port PoE switch is a cheaper option.

Q: Is the SS32LX-I5-72T18RG NDAA Section 889 compliant?

A: Comnet products are generally not explicitly certified as NDAA-compliant. If Section 889 compliance is required, verify directly with Comnet or your procurement officer—do not assume.

Q: What is the warranty on the SS32LX-I5-72T18RG?

A: Comnet typically offers a manufacturer warranty; specific terms (1–3 years) depend on the purchase channel and region. Consult your distributor or Comnet directly for warranty terms and coverage on the unit and HDD modules.