How to choose the right POE switch to match your webcam?

Posted by luleey

On June 30, 2024

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 IP camera systems. The following guide will give you insight into choosing the right PoE switch for your IP camera system.

What is a PoE switch for network cameras?

PoE stands for Power over Ethernet and 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 typically 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 supports high-resolution cameras, thus providing higher video quality for IP camera systems.

Why use PoE switches for IP camera systems?

Longer runs – IP cameras can be installed at longer distances;
More connected devices – more network cameras can be connected;
greater power output – more power can be supplied to the network cameras;
Easier to manage – activity lights on the switch will help troubleshoot the IP cameras;

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. You need to consider some important factors, please refer to the following

PoE switch port number

If you are looking for a PoE switch for a place where more than 4 IP cameras are installed, it is important to check its port number, e.g. 8-port PoE switch, 16-port PoE switch, 24-port PoE switch, or even 48-port PoE switch.The number of ports in the PoE switch will depend greatly on how many devices will be connected to your PoE network switch as well as the overall power consumption of your IP cameras. The number of ports on the PoE switch depends greatly 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

If the maximum power supply for all your cameras exceeds your PoE Switch power limit, the PoE Switch will not be able to provide enough power for all your IP cameras. For example, a 24-port PoE switch with 370W of power can power 24 IEEE802.3at-compliant IP cameras (15.4W per port), while it can only power 12 IEEE802.3at-compliant IP cameras (30W per port).
To determine how much power is available per port, you can use the following formula:
Maximum Average Power per Port = (Switch Maximum Power Consumption – Switch System Power)/Number of PoE Ports

PoE switch bandwidth capacity

In addition to the power input, the IP camera requires a network connection provided by a PoE switch. In terms of bandwidth capacity, there are different types of PoE network switches available. For example, Fast Ethernet PoE switches can provide you with a bandwidth capacity of 10 to 100 Mbps, while Gigabit PoE switches can provide 1 Gbps.
With a Gigabit PoE switch, there will be no bottlenecks in the network connection to your network cameras; it will also ensure that you receive full video and audio recordings from your cameras. In addition, high-capacity PoE switches allow you to install better-quality cameras, such as 2K or 4K cameras, in your system.

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 your network according to your specifications, provide better monitoring and analysis of network traffic, and also provide network administrators with remote control and adjustments, giving you greater insight into the status of your network, the connected customers and their power status.
For most homeowners, unmanaged PoE network switches fit the budget and fulfill the need to power PoE IP cameras. But for larger surveillance projects such as factories or businesses, a managed PoE network switch will provide a more flexible network solution.

Industrial PoE switches or General PoE switches

If you are looking for PoE switches 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.
These switches are compliant with the IEEE 802.3af/at PoE standard, which automatically detects and provides the required power to your PoE devices. On top of that, they can withstand high levels of vibration and shock while operating in harsh environments from -40° to 75°C, making them ideal for outdoor surveillance deployments.

How to choose the right POE switch to match your webcam 1

Choose PoE Switch

According to the actual use requirements, combined with the future expansion requirements.

Buy now

How to choose the right POE switch to match your webcam?

What is a PoE switch for network cameras?

Why use PoE switches for IP camera systems?