POE switches for IP camera
It can be a real pain to run multiple cables to your security cameras. But you know what’s a lot less of a hassle? Using only one cable to connect each camera! You may be wondering how that is possible. It’s simple and straightforward with a Power over Ethernet switch for IP cameras.
A PoE switch for IP cameras is a device that connects and powers IP cameras using Ethernet cables. A PoE switch in an IP camera system’s primary function is to connect the cameras to an NVR (Network Video Recorder) and transmit the data (video and audio) to be recorded in such a device. PoE switch for IP cameras can be used to connect devices to your network as well as power them with a single Ethernet cable.
In this article we’ll discuss how PoE works, its benefits, and what to consider when selecting a PoE switch for IP camera systems.
How Does POE switches for IP camera Work?
Power over Ethernet is a process in which devices known as power sourcing equipment (PSE) deliver a direct current (DC) voltage to another connected device known as a powered device via a standard Ethernet cable (PD). This enables the powering of devices without the need for a local power source at the device’s location or the need to run a separate power cable.
Two things are required for an IP security camera to function properly. First, it requires power. When you connect your camera to a power supply, it becomes fully operational. It’s recording video, but there’s no way to communicate with the camera to view it or change its settings. This is where your local network comes in.
So, to get your camera connected to your network, simply connect it to your router or a switch using an Ethernet cable.
There are two cables and only one camera. But what if you have four cameras? Or perhaps eight cameras? Or how about 48 cameras? Running two cables for each camera can quickly become costly and time-consuming.
There’s no reason to keep running two cables to connect your IP security cameras. You can now eliminate your power supply by connecting your Ethernet cable to a Power over Ethernet switch. This is because Ethernet cables are capable of connecting your camera to the network and powering it.
What are the benefits of a PoE switch for IP camera systems?
- Longer runs – IP cameras can be installed in locations that are further apart.
- More connected devices – multiple IP cameras can be linked together.
- Increased power output enables more power to be supplied to IP cameras.
- Easier to manage – activity lights on the switch will assist in troubleshooting IP cameras.
How to Choose PoE Switch for IP Camera Systems
Now that you know how PoE switch for IP camera systems work and the benefits of using PoE switches for IP camera systems, we will walk you through the process of selecting a suitable PoE switch for your system. Please continue reading for a list of important factors to consider.
Port Numbers on PoE Switches
If you need a PoE switch for a location that requires more than four IP cameras, check the port numbers of a PoE switch, such as an 8-port PoE switch, a 16-port PoE switch, a 24-port PoE switch, or even a 48-port PoE switch. The port numbers of a PoE switch are largely determined by the number of devices that will be connected to your PoE switch as well as the overall power consumption of your IP cameras.
Budget for PoE Switch Power
Another important consideration is the maximum power supply of a PoE switch. A PoE switch’s ability to power-connected devices is largely determined by the size of its power supply, which can range from just above 50W to well over 500W. This power budget has a direct impact on how much power the switch can deliver to connected devices per port. If the maximum power supply of all your cameras exceeds the power cap of your PoE switch, the PoE switch will not provide enough power for all of your IP cameras. For example, a 24-port PoE switch with a 370W power supply can power 24 IEEE802.3at-compliant IP cameras (15.4W per port), whereas it can only power 12 IEEE802.3at-compliant IP cameras (30W per port).
You can use the following formula to determine how much power is available per port:
Average Maximum Power Consumption per Port = (Switch Maximum Power Consumption – Switch System Power)/Number of PoE Ports
The Capacity of PoE Switch Bandwidth
Aside from power, IP cameras require a network connection, which the PoE switch provides. In terms of bandwidth capacity, there are various types of PoE switches available. Fast-Ethernet PoE switches, for example, can provide bandwidth capacity ranging from 10 to 100 Mbps, whereas gigabit PoE switches can provide 1 Gbps. A gigabit PoE switch ensures that the network connection with your IP cameras is not bottlenecked; it also ensures that you receive intact video and audio recordings from the cameras. Aside from that, high-capacity PoE switches allow you to install higher quality cameras, such as 2K or 4K cameras, in your systems.
PoE switch, unmanaged or managed
The difference between an unmanaged and managed PoE switch is that an unmanaged PoE switch is a plug-and-play device that requires no setup and is very easy to deploy; whereas a managed PoE switch allows you to configure the network to your specifications, provides better monitoring and analysis of network traffic, and also provides remote control and adjustment by network administrators, giving you greater insight into the status of the network, the connected clients, and the network traffic.
An unmanaged PoE switch fits most homeowners’ budgets and meets the requirements for powering PoE IP cameras. A managed PoE switch, on the other hand, will provide more flexible network solutions for large surveillance projects such as factories or enterprises.
Note: If you need a PoE switch to be used in harsh environments such as traffic control cabinets, factory floors, and outdoor areas where the temperature can be extremely low or high, FS’s newly launched industrial PoE switches are a good option. These switches meet IEEE 802.3af/at PoE standards and can automatically detect and supply power to your PoE devices. They can also withstand high levels of vibration and shock while operating in harsh environments ranging from -40° to 75° C, making them ideal for outdoor surveillance deployment.
Here are some of the best POE switches
- BV-Tech POE-SW502
Features: 4 PoE+ ports, 2 uplink ports at 10/100Mps, PoE and PoE+ and Hi-PoE. Some of its advantages are; automatically detects required power, built to high heat tolerance.
- BV-Tech POE-SW811
Features: 8 PoE+ ports, Port 1 supplies 60w, Port 2-8 supplies power 30w, 2 Ethernet uplink ports at 10/100Mps, PoE and PoE+ and Hi-PoE. Its advantages are that; it automatically detects required power and has lighting protection.
- Netgear GS108PP
Features: 8 Gigabit PoE and PoE+ ports, Port 1 supplies power of 123w, Port 2-8 supplies 30w, PoE and PoE+. Some of its advantages are; automatically detects required power, reliable performance, and Traffic prioritization.
- Ubiquiti US-8
Features: 8 Gigabit Ethernet Ports 4 x Auto-Sensing 802.3af PoE Ports, supplies 15.4w of power per port. PoE and passive PoE. Its advantages are that; it integrates perfectly into the unFi platform and is easy to set up.
- Hikvision DS-3E1318P-EL
Features; 16 x 100 Mbps PoE Ports, 2 x Gigabit Combos Uplink,
IEEE 3at/af PoE Ports, 6 KV Surge Protection for PoE Ports,
AF/AT Camera Can Reach up to 980 ft (300 m) in Extend Mode. Advantages include: Network Topology Management, Alarm Push, Network Health Monitor - Hikvision DS-3E0109P-E is a 10/100 Mbps unmanaged switch that requires no configuration and provides eight PoE (Power over Ethernet) ports.
Features; 9 Network Ports, Plug-and-Play Installation, 8 Gbps Switching Capacity, 4K MAC Address Entries, 1.8 Gbps Switching Capacity, Up to 30 Watts per PoE Port, PoE Power Budget 123 W
Summary
PoE switches provide simple and cost-effective wiring for powering various IP camera systems. Similarly, to the benefits in the preceding contents, using PoE switches in some IP camera security systems can expand the system to the maximum number of cameras and allow longer runs of IP cameras. Remember to follow the PoE switch selection guide if you need a PoE switch for your IP camera systems.
Hopefully, you learned something new about PoE switches for IP cameras. If you still have questions about PoE or need help in selecting the right PoE switch for IP cameras for a specific IP camera system, just call us at +234 (0)903 755 6518 or send an email to info@servo.com.ng
