PoE switches carry data and power over the same network cable, so they suit IP cameras, Wi-Fi access points, IP phones and similar devices. Our range includes unmanaged and managed models with anywhere from 5 to 48 RJ-45 ports. Most products come from Cisco, TP-Link, NETGEAR, PLANET and Ubiquiti.
How to choose a PoE switch
PoE standard. 802.3af (PoE) delivers up to 15.4 W per port, 802.3at (PoE+) up to 30 W, and 802.3bt up to 60 W or 90 W. Basic IP cameras and IP phones usually need only af, faster access points often need at, and PTZ cameras or heated enclosures may call for bt.
Total PoE power budget. A 24-port switch cannot always supply full power to every port at once, because the whole unit has a fixed budget. Add up what your connected devices draw and leave a safety margin of a few tens of percent.
Port speed and count. Most models in our range use Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000), but there are also Fast Ethernet (10/100), 2.5G, 5G and 10G versions. Faster ports make sense when you connect newer Wi-Fi access points. 5, 8, 16, 24 and 48 ports are the most common sizes, and it is worth leaving spare ports so you do not have to buy another switch later.
Management features. An unmanaged switch works as soon as it is plugged in. A managed one lets you create VLANs, set traffic priorities, switch PoE on or off per port and monitor the network. The MAC address table on managed models in our range runs from 2,000 to 32,000 entries: a small office needs less, while a larger network is better served by 16,000 or more.
Power supply and environment. Most models run from AC mains, but some take DC or even draw power through PoE. If the switch will sit in a cold room or an outdoor cabinet, check the operating and storage temperature and humidity limits: some models are rated for storage down to -40 °C.
PoE switch brands we carry
- Cisco: a maker of enterprise network equipment, whose switches are widely used in offices and larger companies.
- TP-Link: offers both simple unmanaged switches and managed models that can be added to the Omada cloud management system.
- NETGEAR: known for unmanaged and smart switches for small businesses, some of which can be managed through NETGEAR Insight.
- Ubiquiti: its UniFi switches are managed in a single UniFi Network application together with the same maker's access points and cameras.
- Dahua: a video surveillance specialist, so its PoE switches are designed first of all for IP camera networks.
- PLANET: a Taiwanese manufacturer with a broad range of models, including switches built for industrial environments.
- HPE and Zyxel: HPE offers business-class managed switches, while Zyxel is known for its Nebula cloud management.
Also in our range: D-Link, LevelOne, TRENDnet and ALLNET.
Frequently asked questions about PoE switches
What is the difference between PoE and PoE+ switches?
PoE (802.3af) supplies up to 15.4 W per port, while PoE+ (802.3at) supplies up to 30 W. A basic camera or IP phone is usually fine with PoE, but more demanding access points and cameras with heaters need PoE+. A PoE+ switch normally also works with af devices.
Can a PoE switch damage a device that does not support PoE?
Normally it cannot. A standard PoE switch first checks whether the connected device supports PoE and only then sends power. Take more care with non-standard passive PoE equipment, which may not be detected or may receive the wrong voltage.
How far can PoE run over a network cable?
The Ethernet cable limit is 100 m, and it applies to both data and PoE power. For longer runs you need an intermediate switch or an extender. Use a good-quality copper cable, because cheap copper-clad aluminium cable heats up and carries power poorly.
Does a PoE switch need to be managed?
Not necessarily. A few cameras or a single access point are often fine with an unmanaged switch. A managed model is worth choosing if you need to split the network into VLANs, monitor PoE consumption or restart a camera remotely by switching its port off and on.
