PoE Switch for IP Cameras

With further enhancement of safety consciousness from general public, IP cameras are widely used in areas like schools, enterprises, public areas and even families. Using a PoE switch for IP security cameras to ensure the safety of people and business is a common and popular behavior nowadays. In this article we will intend to explore the advantages of using a PoE switch and help you choose a proper PoE switch for IP cameras as well.

Figure1: PoE switch application

Benefits of PoE Switch for IP Cameras

When talking about PoE technology, some users may think that it is dispensable to buy a PoE switch with a relatively high price since a PoE injector can also achieve power supply and even space saving for IP cameras. But the reality is that if you have many PoE-enabled devices like 10 IP cameras, it is the optimal choice to use a PoE switch. In addition, it also provide the following benefits for IP cameras:

• Easy Management and Low Cost

A PoE managed switch allows the power supply for each camera to be controlled remotely from any point in IP camera systems. It greatly benefits users to reboot those non-responding IP cameras without going to the camera’s location and therefore achieve cost and labor savings.

• Long Runs

IP cameras can be installed anywhere no matter they are located in the far-field region or near-field region. The distance of running PoE IP camera can be up to 100m with a single Cat5e cable. Certainly, if longer runs are required, PoE repeaters may be needed.

• Resilience to Power Failure

In general, all IP cameras are powered from one switch. So it can ensure continual surveillance in the case of a power cut if you attach a central UPS (Uninterruptable Power Supply) to the PoE switch.

Necessary Considerations When Choosing PoE Switch for IP Cameras

PoE switches come in different sizes, features and functions, so choosing a proper switch to match IP cameras sometimes constitutes a daunting task. Below we will introduce some essential considerations for your reference.

• Port Count

According to the number of PoE-enabled devices, you need to decide how many ports of switch you need. This is a basic consideration when buying a PoE switch. To choose the switch that has larger PoE ports than your device number which is for your future-proofing upgrade. In a general way, 8 port PoE switch is suitable for small-sized families, while 48 port PoE switch can meet demands of larger businesses.

• Unmanaged or Managed

For managed PoE switch, they enable network administrators to check the quality of the network copper cables linked to each switch port so as to help administrators to have a good command of the whole network.

• IP Camera Power Consumption

Network designers need to know the power consumption for each switch port. It helps users to know how many IP cameras can be used. Since the power consumption of IP camera varies from type to type, it is important to know power budget of PoE managed switches so as to ensure the normal work of IP cameras.

Conclusion

PoE managed switch provides a simple and cost-effective wiring to power IP cameras. Choosing a suitable one is not a simple work, and this article explores several considerations when buying a PoE switch for IP cameras. For PoE managed switches with 8 port, 24 port and 48 port to apply to different IP camera security systems, FS is your good choice.