How to Choose PoE Switches for Your IP Camera?

What is PoE Switch and How Does it Use for IP Camera?

 

Power over Ethernet (PoE) is a technology engineered to streamline cabling processes by transmitting power and data simultaneously through a single Ethernet cable, such as Cat5, Cat5e, and Cat6.

 

PoE switches typically incorporate multiple ports, supporting more than two IP cameras or CCTV cameras. This capability empowers PoE devices like IP cameras, CCTV cameras, computers, VoIP phones, and other network-connected equipment to receive power. 

 

When choosing the type of PoE switch for your IP cameras, you should consider the cameras' power requirements and the needed power supply capacity. Here are explanations for different PoE types:

 

PoE (IEEE 802.3af): This is the basic PoE standard, providing up to 15.4W of power per port. It's suitable for smaller power consumption IP cameras. PoE uses Cat5 or higher cable specifications. In most cases, Cat5e or Cat6 cables work well to support PoE functionality.

 

PoE+ (IEEE 802.3at): This standard offers higher power, providing up to 30W of power per port. If you're using higher power consumption IP cameras, especially those with additional power needs like PTZ functionality, PoE+ might be more appropriate. PoE+ also requires Cat5 or higher cable specifications, similar to PoE. Cat5e or Cat6 cables can equally apply to PoE+.

 

PoE++ (IEEE 802.3bt): This standard offers even higher power, with each port capable of delivering up to 60W or more of power. It's suitable for devices with higher power demands or requiring extra power. However, it's important to note that not all IP cameras require such high power. PoE++ requires higher cable specifications like Cat6a or Cat7 cables. These higher-grade cables can provide increased power transmission and higher data rates.

 

The ultimate choice depends on the power consumption and functional requirements of the IP cameras you are using, also, you need to choose cable specifications that are compatible with the chosen PoE standard to ensure stable power delivery and data transmission.

 

In contemporary scenarios, PoE switches find widespread application in setups such as security camera systems. This popularity stems from Ethernet cables' affordability and ease of installation and the synergy between PoE and IP technologies. This synergy allows for the integration of high-resolution cameras that significantly enhance the video quality within IP camera systems.

 

 

Why Do You Need a PoE Switch for IP Camera?

 

A PoE switch designed for IP cameras or CCTV cameras serves as a device to establish connections and provide power to PoE cameras through Ethernet cables. Within a PoE camera system, the principal role of a PoE switch entails interconnecting the cameras with a Network Video Recorder (NVR) and transmitting the captured data, encompassing video and audio, for storage on said device. Typically furnished with multiple ports, it accommodates more than two PoE cameras or CCTV cameras.

 

Additionally, a PoE switch for an IP camera endowed with higher power capacity can cater to the energy requirements of IP camera security systems that demand it. This proves beneficial in mitigating issues such as video loss and suboptimal IP camera performance attributed to insufficient power provisioning.

 

In essence, the advantages of employing a PoE switch within IP camera systems encompass the following:

 

Extended coverage - IP cameras can be situated over greater distances.

 

Increased device connectivity - facilitating the linkage of numerous IP cameras.

 

Amplified power provision - supporting elevated power supply to IP cameras.

 

Enhanced manageability - activity indicators on the switch aid in diagnosing IP camera-related problems.

 

Factors to Consider When You Choose a PoE Switch

 

After showing the advantages of incorporating PoE switches into IP camera systems, we will now guide you on selecting an appropriate PoE switch for your specific setup. Various crucial factors require your consideration, so please continue reading to delve into them.

 

Port Configurations

 

If you're seeking a PoE switch to accommodate more than four installed IP cameras, it's essential to consider the port configurations available. These may include options like an 8-port PoE switch, a 16-port PoE switch, a 24-port PoE switch, or even a 48-port PoE switch. The selection of port numbers hinges on factors such as the number of devices connecting to your PoE network switch and the collective power consumption of your CCTV cameras.

 

Voltage Compatibility

 

Numerous CCTV cameras operate on either 12V or 24V power sources. Supplying an IP camera with an incorrect voltage could result in overload or complete malfunction. For instance, if a 24V IP security camera is powered by a 12V source or vice versa, the potential outcome might involve camera burnout or irreparable damage.

 

Power Budget

 

Equally crucial is assessing the maximum power provision capacity of a PoE switch. The PoE network switch's ability to energize connected devices hinges on the magnitude of its power allocation, spanning from slightly above 50W to well beyond 500W. This power allocation significantly governs the quantity of power each port on the switch can convey to connected devices.

 

Should all your CCTV cameras' collective power requirements surpass your PoE switch's power limit, the switch will only furnish adequate power for some of your IP cameras. As an illustration, a 24-port PoE switch with a 370W power allocation can sustain 24 IP cameras using the IEEE802.3at standard (15.4W per port). Yet, it can only accommodate 12 IP cameras at the IEEE802.3at standard (30W per port).

 

Maximum Power Provision

 

The maximum power supply capability of your PoE switch holds significant importance. Suppose the power requirements of your security cameras surpass the limit imposed by your PoE switch, especially concerning pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) IP cameras. In that case, the PoE switch for the IP camera may be inadequate in delivering sufficient power to all your PoE cameras. This deficiency in power supply to CCTV cameras can lead to video disruptions and subpar performance of IP cameras security systems.

 

Bandwidth Capability

 

Beyond power delivery, IP cameras rely on network connectivity furnished by the PoE switch. Different PoE network switches vary in terms of their bandwidth capacities. For instance, fast-Ethernet PoE switches offer bandwidth capacities ranging from 10 to 100 Mbps, while gigabit PoE switches provide the potential for 1 Gbps.

 

Opting for a gigabit PoE switch ensures that your CCTV camera network can handle bottlenecks in terms of network connectivity. This choice guarantees the receipt of uninterrupted video and audio recordings from the cameras. Furthermore, higher-capacity PoE switches enable the incorporation of superior-quality cameras into your system, such as 2K or 4K cameras.

 

Unmanaged or Managed PoE Switches

 

Distinguishing between unmanaged and managed PoE switches is essential. An unmanaged PoE switch is a plug-and-play device requiring no intricate setup, making it exceedingly simple for deployment. In contrast, a managed PoE switch allows you to tailor the network configuration to your specifications, offering enhanced monitoring and analysis of network traffic. Moreover, it provides remote control and adjustments under the purview of the network administrator, affording comprehensive insights into network status, connected clients, and power statuses.

 

For most homeowners, an unmanaged PoE network switch proves cost-effective and aligns with the requirements of powering PoE IP cameras. However, for substantial surveillance undertakings like those in factories or enterprises, a managed PoE network switch furnishes more adaptable and nuanced network solutions.

 

IP Cameras to a PoE Switch Connection Guide

 

Certain users may believe connecting an IP camera or a CCTV camera and a PoE switch is convoluted. To dispel this notion, we will employ the QSFPTEK S5300-8P2S 8-port PoE gigabit managed switch as a case in point to elucidate the procedure of linking a PoE switch with IP cameras. The figure showcases diverse variants of IP cameras, CCTV cameras, routers, and a Network Video Recorder (NVR) interconnected with the 8-port PoE switch.

 

 

Here are the step-by-step instructions outlining setting up an IP camera system utilizing a PoE network switch.

 

• Link the router to the 8-port PoE switch's LAN port using an Ethernet cable (cat5e or cat6).

 

• Establish power connectivity by connecting the power cable to the PoE network switch and plugging it into a power outlet or a surge protector.

 

• Connect the IP cameras to ports 1-8 on the PoE switch using Ethernet cables.

 

• Integrate the cameras with the NVR to enable viewing and recording. Establish a connection between the router and the Internet for remote viewing purposes.

 

Please note: If you're searching for a PoE outdoor security camera tailored for use in challenging environments such as traffic control cabinets, factory floors, or outdoor locations with extreme temperatures, consider the industrial PoE switches. 

 

These switches adhere to IEEE 802.3af/at PoE standards, autonomously detecting and providing requisite power for your PoE devices. Additionally, they exhibit remarkable resilience against high levels of vibration and shock, all while functioning in harsh conditions spanning from -40°C to 75°C. This makes them an ideal choice for the deployment of outdoor surveillance systems.

 

Conclusion

 

The PoE switch provides a straightforward and economically efficient wiring solution for energizing IP cameras or CCTV cameras. As previously discussed, incorporating PoE switches into specific IP camera security setups can extend the system's capacity to accommodate a more significant number of cameras and enable extended distances for PoE camera installations, among other advantages. QSFPTEK can provide 8-port, 24-port, and 48-port PoE switches for different requirements for IP cameras.