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The Huawei S5720S series serves as a versatile lineup of Gigabit Ethernet switches designed for small to medium campus access and aggregation layers. Available in two sub-series—LI and SI—the family balances cost, performance, and features.
S5720S-LI models are entry-level Gigabit access switches, some with PoE+ options, while S5720S-SI adds advanced Layer 3 capabilities, dual redundancy, and higher performance. Built on Huawei’s VRP operating system, these switches support stacking via iStack and fabric architecture (SVF), robust security, and scalable operations.
Ideal for network upgrades or new deployments in enterprise, education, or branch office environments, they offer strong performance at competitive prices without compromising functionality.
Product Overview
Huawei’s S5720S lineup is tailored for practical access-layer deployments:
- S5720S-LI (Lite) – Entry Gigabit access, up to 52 GE ports, optional PoE+ budgets (~124–370 W), fanless designs, and surge protection.
- S5720S-SI (Standard) – Layer 3-ready, up to 52 GE ports plus 10 GE uplinks, dual PSU/RPS support, higher forwarding rates (~96 Mpps), and configuration flexibility
All models support 4K VLANs, QoS, ACLs, sFlow, stack management (iStack), and secure features like DHCP/ARP snooping. SVF enables campus-like fabric deployment under a core switch.
Technical Specs & Comparison
| Sub-series | Model Example | Access Ports | Uplinks | PoE Budget | Redundancy | Forwarding Rate |
| LI | S5720S-12TP-PWR-LI | 8 GE + 2 combo + 2 SFP | — | ~124 W PoE+ | AC only, front panel | 108 Mpps, 336 Gbps |
| S5720S-28P-LI-AC | 24 GE + 4 SFP | — | ~370 W | AC only | ~78–96 Mpps | |
| S5720S-52X-PWR-LI-AC | 48 GE + 4 10GE | — | ~370 W | AC only | similar capacity | |
| SI | S5720S-28X-SI-AC | 24 GE + 4 10GE | 4×10 GE SFP+ | PoE via built-in module | RPS / dual | 96 Mpps |
| S5720S-52X-SI-AC | 48 GE + 4 10GE | 4×10 GE SFP+ | Same as above | RPS / dual | 96 Mpps |
Key Funtions & Highlights
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Scalable Port Density & PoE
– LI series supports up to 52 GE ports and PoE+ budgets (124W to 370W). SI series supports PoE+ via built-in modules. -
Layer 3 and Uplink Support
– SI series supports routing (OSPF, static, RIP, ECMP), and features 10 GE uplinks for aggregation. -
Stacking & Fabric Architecture
– iStack (up to 9 switches) and SVF allow seamless fabric deployments, simplifying campus-level management. -
Security & Quality of Service
– 4K VLANs, voice VLAN, GVRP, MUX VLAN, ACLs, rate limiting, sFlow, 802.1X, DHCP/ARP snooping. -
Environmental Durability
– Surge protection (±6–7 kV), fanless noise-level in LI models, front-access panels. -
Energy Efficiency & Management
– Supports energy-saving features (EEE), remote management (CLI, web, SNMP, SSH), and stable compact form factor.
Ideal Deployment Scenarios
| Scenario | Recommended Model | Justification |
| Small office with PoE devices | S5720S-12TP-PWR-LI | Compact, fanless, 124 W PoE+, low noise |
| Classroom or retail environment | S5720S-28P-LI-AC | 24 ports, moderate PoE budget, environmental protection |
| Campus access aggregation | S5720S-52X-PWR-LI-AC or 28X-SI | Large port count, PoE+, optional uplink |
| Higher routing and future expansion | S5720S-28X-SI-AC | Layer 3 support, 10 GE uplinks, RPS support |
Deployment tips:
Add 20% PoE surplus for growth; stack devices for scalability; use SVF to eliminate network complexity; enable QoS and security at access layer.
FAQ Snapshot
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What’s the key difference between LI and SI?
LI is basic Gigabit access with optional PoE; SI adds Layer 3, uplinks, and redundancy. -
Can I get PoE+ budget in both series?
Yes – LI via built-in power, SI via built-in modules; max ~370 W budgets. -
Is stacking supported?
Both support iStack up to 9 units and can operate as SVF clients. -
Are surge protections included?
Yes – service port ±7 kV, power port ±6 kV surge protection. -
What routing protocols are available?
SI supports OSPF, RIP, ECMP; LI is limited to static routing. -
Noise concerns in LI models?
LI offers fanless options—ideal for quiet environments.
Conclusion
The Huawei S5720S series delivers practical, original Gigabit switching solutions tailored for access and aggregation needs across industries—enterprise offices, educational sites, retail, and branch environments.
With options for PoE+, robust security, storm control, stacking, and surge protection, it offers significant operational value at a competitive price point. For deployments requiring routing and uplink performance, the SI models are a smart upgrade.
For environments prioritizing noise reduction and compact form, the fanless LI units excel. Huawei’s network fabric compatibility (SVF, iStack) ensures future-ready scalability. Pair S5720S with proper network planning, and you’ll arrive at a dependable, secure, and efficient foundation for your next network project.
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