PoE Switches – Installer Guide

Which PoE solution suits your project?

PoE (Power over Ethernet) means the IP camera gets its power over the same network cable that carries its video, so one UTP cable per camera is enough. The Videosec PoE range has three groups:

Unmanaged PoE switches

4, 8, 16 and 24 PoE ports, with no configuration needed.

Cloud Managed PoE switches

8, 16 and 24 PoE ports, managed from the cloud.

PoE accessories

PD switch, PoE injector, PoE extender, surge protection.

Below we go through each group, the typical network topologies and the power supply options, and a table at the end covers the most common installation situations. You can also download the original illustrated version as a PDF.

Unmanaged PoE switches

An unmanaged PoE switch is a simple, reliable and cost-effective option for IP camera systems: plug it in and it works, with no configuration needed. The cameras get PoE power over a single UTP cable, operation is stable, and the price/value ratio is competitive. We recommend them for family homes, small businesses, offices, warehouses and systems with 4–24 cameras.

Gigabit uplink

High-bandwidth connection for stable network performance.

SFP uplink

Optical connection for greater distance and reliability.

Cloud Managed PoE switches

Cloud Managed switches can be monitored from anywhere over an internet connection, and they also offer intelligent network functions (covered below). The range has four models:

Network topologies

Choosing the right network topology is just as important as choosing the right switch. The type of cable network (UTP or fibre) and the installation environment determine the best solution.

Point-to-point system

Every camera runs directly to one central switch. Recommended: a 16 or 24 PoE port switch, rack-mounted, in a central location.

Short cable distance (UTP backbone)

Several smaller switches linked with UTP cable, each serving the cameras near it. Recommended: 4 or 8 PoE port switches with two uplink ports and a gigabit uplink, on a copper cable network.

Long cable distance (SFP backbone)

When the switches are far apart, connect them with optical fibre through the SFP uplink. Recommended: an SFP uplink, which covers long distances and is immune to electromagnetic interference.

Remote switches and network extension

Multiple point-to-point systems with optical connections

For connecting several buildings and covering long distances. Recommended: 16 or 24 port switches linked to each other through SFP uplinks with optical fibre.

Remote switch without 230V power

If there is no local 230V power supply at the remote point, use a PD switch. The PD switch works without its own power supply: it gets power from the PoE switch over a UTP cable and passes it on to the cameras connected to it, which keeps remote installation simple. In our range, the 3 PoE port PS03FE+1PD-DIN and the 4 PoE port PS04PGE+1PD are PD switches.

PoE power supply solutions

With the right PoE accessory, an existing network can be expanded without major modifications. Four typical situations:

High power PoE

For high power requirements, PTZ cameras and high-consumption devices (High-PoE). In our range: RA-48PoE-60G.

Adding PoE to an existing network

When there is no PoE switch and you want to add a single camera to the existing network quickly. In our range: RA-48PoE-30G.

Using a non-PoE camera

The splitter separates the PoE connection into data and 12V power, so a non-PoE camera also works on a PoE network. In our range: PoE-48, and the waterproof PoE-48W for outdoor use.

Injector and PD switch

For remote installations where you need up to 4 cameras at one point but have no local 230V. Installation is simple.

Cloud Managed switches: central management

Videosec Cloud Managed PoE switches can be managed from a web interface and from the Videosec Control Panel Pro mobile app, from anywhere over an internet connection.

Web interface

Real-time port status, connected devices per port (type, IP address, name), IP and device information, CPU and memory usage, remote configuration.

Mobile app

Port status, PoE power usage per port, upload and download speed, traffic per port, remote port restart.

Intelligent network functions

VLAN

Secure network segmentation and logical separation of networks, for example a separate camera and office network.

QoS

Ensures bandwidth for critical traffic such as video.

Port Isolation

Isolates the devices on the ports from each other.

PoE Watchdog

Automatically restarts PoE devices that stop responding.

PoE Schedule

Switches PoE ports on and off on a schedule.

Loop Protection

Automatic protection against network loops.

Quick guide for installers

The most common situations and the recommended Videosec solution:

It is worth connecting, setting up and testing the switch and the cameras before installation. That way, all that is left on site is the mounting. If you have a question, email us before the installation, so we can answer in time.

Recommended PoE switches and accessories

PSNSW3000-8FE+2GE-CM

8 PoE port Cloud Managed switch with 2 gigabit uplinks and a 120W PoE budget, for up to 8 cameras.

View product

PSNSW3000-17GT1GP1GC-LPOE-IN

16 gigabit PoE ports, gigabit and SFP uplinks, 150W PoE budget, managed from the cloud.

View product

PS03FE+1PD-DIN

DIN rail PD switch with 3 PoE ports, powered from a PoE+ (30W) or High-PoE (60W) port, with no local 230V needed.

View product

RA-48PoE-60G

60W PoE injector powered from 230V, for high-consumption devices such as PTZ cameras.

View product

You will find the full range under PoE switches. If you are not sure which solution suits your system, write to us and we will help you put it together.

Related categories

• PoE switches
• CCTV accessories
• IP cameras
• NVR network video recorders