PoE (Power over Ethernet) is a technology that carries electrical power together with data over a network cable. In IP camera systems it removes the need for a separate adapter and socket for each camera.
Benefits of PoE
- Data and power over one cable
- Tidier and faster installation
- Central power management; all cameras backed up with a UPS
- Cameras can be restarted remotely
What to look for in a PoE switch
- Port count: Leave spare ports for future cameras.
- Total PoE budget: Account for the consumption of PTZ and IR cameras in particular.
- Uplink ports: Gigabit or SFP ports to connect the recorder and other switches.
- Cable distance: Standard Ethernet is limited to roughly 100 metres; longer runs need extenders or fibre.
In our projects we plan PoE switch selection and structured cabling together based on camera count and power budget.
