How to choose the right PoE switch to match the network camera?

Today, many people and industries are using PoE switches for IP cameras to secure their homes and businesses. Usually, different types of PoE network switches are deployed for different network camera systems. The guide below will give you insight into how to choose the right PoE switch for your IP camera system.

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8 16 24 ports gigabit managed poe switch for CCTV Camera

What is a PoE switch for IP cameras?

PoE, short for Power over Ethernet, is a technology designed to simplify cabling by sending both power and data over a single Ethernet cable, such as Cat5, Cat5e, and Cat6.

PoE network switches often have multiple ports to support more than two IP cameras. As a result, they can power PoE devices, including IP cameras, computers, VoIP phones, and other network-enabled devices.

PoE switches are now commonly used in systems such as security camera systems, not only because Ethernet cables are cheap and easy to run, but also because PoE and IP technology support high-resolution cameras, providing higher video quality for IP camera systems.

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Why use a PoE switch for an IP camera system?

A PoE switch for IP cameras is a device used to connect and power IP cameras through Ethernet cables. The main function of a PoE network switch in an IP camera system is to interconnect the cameras to NVRs (Network Video Recorders) and transmit the data (video and audio) to be recorded on such devices. It usually comes with multiple ports to support more than two network cameras.

Additionally, a PoE network switch with more power can power IP cameras that require it, as typical issues including video loss and IP camera performance can result from insufficient power to the IP camera.

In a nutshell, the benefits of using a PoE switch for your IP camera system are as follows:

Longer Operation – IP cameras can be installed at greater distances;

More connected devices – more IP cameras can be connected;

Greater power output – provides greater power to network cameras;

Easier management – Activity lights on the switch will aid in troubleshooting IP cameras;

How to choose a PoE switch for your network camera system?

After understanding the benefits of using a PoE switch for your network camera system, we will guide you on how to choose the right PoE network switch for your system. There are some important factors you need to consider, so read on.

PoE switch port number

If you are looking for a PoE switch for a place where more than 4 IP cameras are installed, then you must check its port number such as 8-port PoE switch, 16-port PoE switch, 24-port PoE switch, or even a 48-port PoE switch. The number of ports on a PoE switch depends heavily on how many devices will be connected to your PoE network switch and the overall power consumption of your IP cameras.

PoE switch power budget

Another important factor to consider is the maximum power supply for the PoE switch. The ability of a PoE network switch to power connected devices depends largely on the size of its power supply, which can range from just over 50W to well over 500W. This power budget directly affects how much power each port of the switch can provide to connected devices.

If the maximum power for all your cameras exceeds your PoE switch power limit, the PoE switch will not be able to provide enough power to all your IP cameras. For example, a 24-port PoE switch with 370W power supply can power 24 network cameras that comply with the IEEE802.3at standard (15.4W per port), but it can only power 12 network cameras that comply with the IEEE802.3at standard (each port 30W).

To determine how much power is available for each port, you can use the following formula:

Maximum average power per port = (maximum power consumption of the switch – switch system power)/number of PoE ports

PoE switch bandwidth capacity

In addition to power input, IP cameras also require network connectivity provided by a PoE switch. There are different types of PoE network switches available in terms of bandwidth capacity. For example, a Fast Ethernet PoE switch can provide you with bandwidth capacity from 10 to 100 Mbps, while a Gigabit PoE switch can provide 1 Gbps.

With a Gigabit PoE switch, there will be no bottleneck in the network connection to your IP camera; it will also ensure that you receive full video and recordings from the camera. In addition to this, high-capacity PoE switches allow you to install better quality cameras in your system, such as 2K or 4K cameras.

Unmanaged or managed PoE switch

The difference between unmanaged PoE switches and managed PoE switches is that unmanaged PoE switches are plug-and-play devices that require no setup and are very easy to deploy; while managed PoE switches allow you to configure the network according to your specifications. Providing better network traffic monitoring and analysis, it also provides remote control and adjustments for network administrators, giving you deeper visibility into the status of your network, connected clients and their power status.

For most homeowners, an unmanaged PoE network switch fits the budget and meets the needs of powering PoE IP cameras. But for large monitoring projects such as factories or enterprises, managed PoE network switches will provide more flexible network solutions.

How to connect a network camera to a PoE switch?

Some users assume that IP systems are too complex. The following takes an 8-port PoE Gigabit managed switch as an example to explain how the PoE switch connects to the network camera. In this diagram, different types of IP cameras, routers, and NVRs (Network Video Recorders) are connected to an 8-port PoE switch.

Here are the specific steps for an IP camera system with a PoE network switch.

– Connect the router to the LAN port on the 8-port PoE switch using an Ethernet cable (cat5e or cat6);

– Connect the power cord to a PoE network switch and an electrical outlet or surge protector.

– Connect the IP camera to ports 1-8 on the PoE switch using an Ethernet cable.

– Add cameras to NVR to view cameras and enable recording. If you need to view the view remotely, connect your router to the Internet.

Note: If you are looking for a PoE switch for use in harsh environments, such as traffic control cabinets, factory floors, and places with extremely low or high outdoor temperatures, industrial PoE switches can be a good choice.

Compliant with the IEEE 802.3af/at PoE standard, these switches automatically detect and provide the required power to your PoE devices. In addition to this, they can withstand high levels of vibration and shock while operating in harsh environments ranging from -40° to 75°C, making them ideal for outdoor surveillance deployments.


Generalize

PoE switches provide simple and cost-effective wiring to power different IP camera systems. As mentioned above, for some IP camera security systems, using PoE switches can expand the system to the maximum number of cameras, allowing IP cameras to run for longer, etc.

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