Small and medium-sized businesses face a fundamental challenge: their existing network infrastructure was built for a different era. Legacy gigabit switches and older wireless access points can struggle under the demands of HD video, rich media applications, and modern collaboration tools. The result? Organizations that are forced to choose between expensive forklift upgrades or accepting degraded performance that impacts productivity.
To explore how vendors are addressing this gap between expectations and actual performance, The Tolly Group recently spoke with JP McFarlane, Senior Product Manager at D-Link. JP McFarlane has spent 13 years connecting D-Link's global product portfolio to the specific needs of North American customers, focusing on business solutions that balance enterprise-grade capabilities with SMB budgets and operational realities.
The Infrastructure Bottleneck
The most pressing challenge JP McFarlane encounters is fundamental: organizations often view their existing LAN infrastructure as "good enough" without considering how bandwidth requirements have evolved. HD video conferencing, cloud applications, and rich media content have dramatically changed traffic patterns, yet many SMBs continue running on legacy Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) infrastructure.
"We're seeing lots of customers truly ask: do I really need to move up to 10GbE with my switching? Do I truly need to move up to 2.5GbE uplinks on my access points?" JP McFarlane explains. The problem compounds when organizations recognize they need Wi-Fi upgrades but overlook the switches creating bottlenecks. Deploying Wi-Fi 7 access points on legacy GbE switches is like connecting a firehose to a garden hose fitting.
Power delivery presents another overlooked challenge. Wi-Fi 7 access points require 60-watt 802.3bt PoE budgets and 10GbE uplinks to operate at full capacity. Legacy PoE switches cannot deliver enough power, forcing access points into reduced-performance modes that defeat the purpose of upgrading wireless infrastructure. Traditional box-by-box configuration also creates operational overhead that SMBs without dedicated network engineers struggle to manage.
From D-Link's perspective, modernization doesn't require a disruptive forklift upgrade. JP McFarlane describes D-Link's approach in three main ways: providing higher-capacity switches with appropriate PoE budgets and multi-gigabit uplinks, offering simplified centralized management platforms, and supporting standards-based interoperability that avoids vendor lock-in.
A Measured Approach to AI and Automation
AI-driven network operations have become a critical differentiator in the LAN market, but D-Link is taking a measured approach rather than chasing buzzwords. The company currently supports automation features in business hardware where devices make intelligent decisions based on network load and RF environment.
"Ultimately, we want to make sure that the AI tools or the AI features that we bring to the market provide quantifiable benefits and not just put it in there because AI is all the rage," McFarlane emphasizes. D-Link's strategy focuses on providing richer reporting and better device visibility while ensuring administrators maintain ultimate control. Rather than implementing AI that automatically makes changes that could cause issues, D-Link is building capabilities that assist administrators without removing human oversight.
Flexible Deployment Without Subscription Lock-In
Budget constraints represent a constant reality for SMB network planning. D-Link's approach centers on providing hardware with appropriate features at price points that will not break budgets, combined with flexible management options that avoid mandatory subscriptions.
In North America, most of our business-class solutions are backed by equipment's lifetime warranties. For organizations needing centralized management, D-Link sells hardware controllers with no ongoing subscription requirements.
Nuclias Connect is available as either a free software controller (no subscription fees) or the option to purchase a dedicated hardware controller with license included.
D-Link announced the upcoming launch of Nuclias Unity Cloud, a next-generation cloud network management platform. Nuclias Unity Cloud is designed to help businesses manage supported D-Link switches and DAP series Wi-Fi access points through a unified cloud interface, including device health visibility, alerts, and the ability to apply consistent configurations and policies across sites. Nuclias Unity Cloud will be subscription-free for essential base features, with optional advanced capabilities available as needed, and is targeted for availability in the first half of 2026.
"We're not looking at getting into any sort of mandatory subscription network management models. You buy the hardware today, it's yours, you own it," JP McFarlane notes. This open approach extends to integration capabilities. D-Link designs products around standardized features that allow integration with third-party management platforms, avoiding vendor lock-in.
Addressing Common Misconceptions
JP McFarlane frequently encounters misconceptions that prevent organizations from making informed network decisions. The first centers on AI as a cure-all solution. While AI can optimize networks in specific scenarios, it doesn't replace good network design or the expertise of trusted partners.
The second misconception suggests network upgrades require complete forklift replacements. In reality, many performance issues occur at the edge rather than in the core infrastructure. Organizations can often extend network lifespan by upgrading key components like edge switches with appropriate PoE budgets and uplink speeds, rather than replacing everything simultaneously.
Organizations also frequently overlook planning factors beyond initial purchase costs. Wi-Fi 7 demands substantial PoE capacity and multi-gigabit Ethernet backhaul that existing infrastructure may not provide. Network segmentation and security planning matter, particularly in SMB environments where flat networks create vulnerabilities. Finally, ongoing management after deployment requires either internal expertise or vendor support arrangements.
D-Link's Product Portfolio and Roadmap
D-Link offers comprehensive solutions spanning core-to-edge networking. The portfolio includes unmanaged switches through full Layer 3 stackable switches available in 1GbE, 2.5GbE, 5GbE, and 10GbE configurations. On the wireless side, D-Link supports Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7 access points. Recent introductions include 4G and 5G cellular modems for M2M/IoT connectivity.
To better reflect D-Link's multi-gigabit and 10GbE switching portfolio, representative families include DXS-3130 Series, DMS-3130 Series, DXS-1210 Series, and DMS-1250 Series. On the Wi-Fi side, D-Link's Wi-Fi 7 access point portfolio includes the new DAP-E9560.
Most of our business networking solutions follow NDAA and TAA requirements to support government, public sector, and enterprise deployments; customers should refer to individual product documentation for specific details.
Over the next 12 to 18 months, D-Link plans to expand its Wi-Fi 7 portfolio, introduce additional IoT and cellular offerings, and enhance switch lineups supporting modern speeds and PoE budgets. The primary focus remains on Nuclias Unity Cloud, the new management platform that unifies management across D-Link devices without mandatory subscription fees.
Key Takeaways
Legacy Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) infrastructure creates bottlenecks for HD video, rich media, and modern applications
Wi-Fi 7 deployments require 60-watt 802.3bt PoE budgets and multi-gigabit uplinks that existing switches often cannot provide
D-Link takes a measured approach to AI, focusing on features that assist administrators rather than replacing human oversight
Flexible licensing models avoid subscription lock-in, with Nuclias Unity Cloud advanced capabilities available as optional add-ons when needed
Incremental upgrades targeting edge infrastructure can extend network lifespan without complete forklift replacements
Comprehensive product portfolio spans Layer 3 stackable switches, Wi-Fi 6/7 access points, and cellular M2M/IoT modems
NDAA/TAA alignment and lifetime warranties differentiate D-Link in the SMB market
Learn More
Visit D-Link's business solutions at https://www.dlink.com/us/en to explore the portfolio and connect with D-Link Solutions Experts for deeper discussions about SMB networking strategies at (888) 354-6574 (options 2) or solutions@us.dlink.com.