What are the best POE++ switches for enterprise use?

Power over Ethernet Plus Plus (PoE++) switches are essential in enterprise networks, delivering both data and up to 60W or 100W of power per port to devices like IP cameras, wireless access points, and VoIP phones. Selecting the right PoE++ switch involves considering factors such as port density, power budget, scalability, and management features. Below are some top PoE++ switches suitable for enterprise environments:

1. Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series

--- The Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series is designed for enterprise-class access and aggregation layers. These switches offer high-density PoE++ ports, supporting up to 60W per port, making them ideal for powering advanced devices. They provide modular uplinks, advanced security features, and are built for scalability and high performance.

2. Aruba 5400R zl2 Series

--- Aruba's 5400R zl2 Series switches deliver robust performance with advanced Layer 3 features. They support PoE++ on all ports, offering up to 60W per port, suitable for high-power devices. The modular design allows for flexibility and scalability, catering to growing network demands.

3. Juniper Networks EX4300 Series

--- The EX4300 Series from Juniper Networks provides high-performance, scalable solutions for enterprise networks. These switches support PoE++ with up to 60W per port, ensuring sufficient power for various devices. They offer Virtual Chassis technology, allowing multiple switches to operate as a single logical device, simplifying management and enhancing scalability.

4. Ubiquiti Switch Enterprise 24 PoE

--- Ubiquiti's Switch Enterprise 24 PoE is a user-friendly, high-performance switch suitable for enterprise use. It features 24 PoE++ ports, each providing up to 60W, and includes a touchscreen for easy management. The switch is known for its solid build quality and reliability. 

5. Lantronix SM24TBT4SA Managed Gigabit Ethernet PoE++ Switch

--- The Lantronix SM24TBT4SA is a managed Gigabit Ethernet switch offering PoE++ support. It provides Layer 2 networking for Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, and Gigabit Ethernet networks, making it suitable for various enterprise applications. The switch is designed to deliver high performance and reliability. 

Key Considerations When Choosing a PoE++ Switch:

--- Port Density: Ensure the switch has an adequate number of PoE++ ports to support all your devices.

--- Power Budget: Verify that the switch's total power budget can handle the combined power requirements of all connected devices.

--- Scalability: Consider switches that allow for stacking or modular expansion to accommodate future growth.

--- Management Features: Look for switches with robust management capabilities, such as VLAN support, Quality of Service (QoS), and security features, to effectively control and monitor your network.

Selecting the appropriate PoE++ switch is crucial for maintaining a reliable and efficient enterprise network. Assess your current and future networking needs to choose a switch that aligns with your organization's requirements.