What Is a PoE Network Switch?

A Power over Ethernet switch combines the functions of an Ethernet network switch and a power-sourcing device.

The switch connects network devices and forwards Ethernet data while simultaneously delivering electrical power to compatible devices through the Ethernet cable.

This means a single network cable can provide:

Power + Data

to the connected device.

PoE can be particularly valuable for equipment installed in locations where running separate power and data cabling would be inconvenient, costly, or impractical.

Common PoE-powered devices include:

• IP security cameras
• PTZ cameras
• Wireless access points
• VoIP phones
• Access-control systems
• Intercom systems
• IoT devices
• Sensors
• Building automation equipment
• Other compatible Ethernet-powered devices

PoE vs. Non-PoE Network Switches

A conventional Ethernet switch provides network connectivity but does not necessarily provide electrical power to connected devices.

A PoE switch can provide both Ethernet data connectivity and power to compatible devices through the network cable.

This can simplify installation by reducing the need for separate power infrastructure at each device location.

Conventional Ethernet Switch

Data → Ethernet Cable → Network Device

The device generally requires a separate power source.

PoE Ethernet Switch

Power + Data → Ethernet Cable → Powered Network Device

The PoE switch provides both network connectivity and power through the Ethernet connection.

This is particularly useful for distributed devices such as surveillance cameras and wireless access points.

PoE Standards: Choosing the Right Power Level

PoE switches are available under different IEEE standards, with different power capabilities.

When selecting a PoE switch, you should consider both the power requirement of the connected device and the total PoE power budget of the switch.

PoE provides up to 15.4 W of power per port from the power sourcing equipment, with less power available to the powered device after cable losses.

Typical applications include:

• Basic IP cameras
• VoIP phones
• Wireless access points
• Other lower-power Ethernet devices

PoE+ increases available power compared with standard PoE and provides up to 30 W per port from the power sourcing equipment.

PoE+ is commonly used for devices requiring more power, including:

• PTZ IP cameras
• Advanced wireless access points
• Video phones
• Certain IoT devices
• Other higher-power Ethernet endpoints

IEEE 802.3bt expands PoE capabilities further by using additional pairs in the Ethernet connection and supporting higher power levels.

Depending on the specific implementation, Type 3 and Type 4 PoE can support significantly higher-powered devices.

Potential applications include:

• High-performance wireless access points
• Advanced PTZ cameras
• Digital signage
• Building automation
• Lighting
• Higher-power IoT equipment
• Other high-power network devices

Always verify the power requirements and PoE standard supported by the specific powered device before selecting a switch.

Why Use a PoE Switch?

PoE switches provide several advantages for network designers and installers.

PoE reduces the need for separate power and network cabling at compatible device locations.

This can make installation easier, particularly when devices are installed on ceilings, poles, walls, remote structures, or other locations where electrical outlets are not readily available.

Because power and data can travel over the same Ethernet cable, PoE can reduce the amount of cabling required for compatible devices.

PoE allows compatible network devices to be installed in locations that may not have convenient access to traditional electrical outlets.

Adding a compatible PoE device can be as simple as running an Ethernet connection back to the PoE switch, subject to the switch's port and power limitations.

Power for multiple network devices can be supplied from a centralized switch. When the PoE switch is connected to an appropriate backup power system, this can also help simplify power continuity for connected devices.

Managed PoE switches can provide additional capabilities for monitoring network traffic and, depending on the model, controlling or monitoring PoE power delivered to connected devices.

Combining power and data transmission can reduce installation complexity and potentially reduce the cost of deploying distributed network devices.

PoE Switches for Fiber Optic Networks

PoE does not mean the entire network must use copper cable.

A common network architecture uses fiber optic uplinks combined with PoE copper ports.

For example:

Fiber Network → SFP Port → PoE Switch → Ethernet Cable → IP Camera

This architecture allows fiber to carry network traffic over longer distances to a remote location while the PoE switch provides both Ethernet connectivity and power to local devices.

This can be especially useful for:

• Security surveillance
• Transportation systems
• Parking facilities
• Industrial facilities
• Campus networks
• Remote buildings
• Utility infrastructure
• Wireless networks

VERSITRON PoE switches with SFP ports allow network designers to combine fiber optic backbone connectivity with copper PoE device connections.

Managed vs. Unmanaged PoE Switches

PoE switches can be either managed or unmanaged.

Unmanaged PoE switches are designed for simple plug-and-play deployments.

They are appropriate when the network does not require advanced configuration, traffic monitoring, VLAN management, or centralized switch administration.

Managed PoE switches provide substantially greater control over the network.

Depending on the model, managed switches may support features such as:

• VLANs
• Quality of Service (QoS)
• Port monitoring
• Port mirroring
• Spanning Tree Protocol
• SNMP
• Traffic management
• Network redundancy
• PoE monitoring and management

Managed PoE switches are particularly useful for larger business, industrial, surveillance, and infrastructure networks where network administrators need greater visibility and control.

Explore Managed PoE Switches

How to Choose the Right PoE Switch

Selecting a PoE switch requires more than simply counting the number of Ethernet ports.

Count the number of cameras, access points, phones, sensors, or other powered devices that will connect to the switch.

Allow additional ports if future network expansion is expected.

Identify how much power each connected device requires and determine which PoE standard it supports.

A switch must have sufficient power available for the connected devices.

The switch's total PoE power budget must be sufficient for the combined requirements of the connected devices.

For example, a switch with many PoE ports may not necessarily be capable of supplying maximum rated power to every port simultaneously.

Gigabit Ethernet is appropriate for many modern PoE applications, but the required speed depends on the connected equipment and network architecture.

High-bandwidth surveillance systems and wireless access points may benefit from higher-speed network connectivity.

If the switch will connect to a fiber optic backbone, select a model with appropriate SFP or fiber uplink ports.

Commercial installations may use standard network switches, while outdoor, industrial, transportation, utility, and other demanding applications may require hardened industrial PoE switches.

Choose a managed PoE switch when you require network monitoring, VLANs, traffic management, redundancy, or greater control.

Choose an unmanaged PoE switch when simple plug-and-play connectivity is sufficient.

PoE Switch Applications

VERSITRON PoE switches can be used in a wide variety of network applications.

PoE is particularly useful for IP surveillance because the same Ethernet cable can provide network connectivity and power to compatible cameras.

This simplifies deployment of cameras throughout buildings, parking facilities, campuses, transportation systems, and industrial locations.

Wireless access points can receive both network connectivity and power through PoE, simplifying installation in locations such as ceilings and remote areas.

PoE can provide connectivity and power for compatible access-control equipment, intercoms, readers, and other networked security devices.

Industrial PoE Switches can connect powered Ethernet devices throughout manufacturing facilities and other industrial environments.

PoE can simplify deployment of sensors, controllers, monitoring equipment, and other connected devices used in smart buildings and IoT networks.

PoE switches can provide connectivity for cameras, access points, monitoring equipment, and other Ethernet devices used in transportation infrastructure.

PoE can support network-connected lighting, sensors, controllers, security devices, and other building automation equipment.

VERSITRON PoE Switch Options

VERSITRON offers PoE switching solutions in a variety of configurations, including:

• Managed PoE switches
• Managed PoE+ switches
• Industrial PoE switches
• Industrial PoE+ switches
• Gigabit PoE switches
• PoE switches with SFP fiber uplinks
• Higher-port-count PoE switches
• Compact PoE configurations
• Hardened PoE solutions for demanding environments

Explore Managed PoE Switches

Explore Industrial PoE Switches

VERSITRON PoE Switches

VERSITRON has provided fiber optic and Ethernet networking solutions since 1958.

Our PoE switches are designed for applications that require reliable network connectivity combined with convenient power delivery to compatible Ethernet devices.

With configurations ranging from compact industrial switches to higher-port-count managed PoE+ switches with multiple fiber uplinks, VERSITRON provides solutions for surveillance, industrial automation, transportation, commercial networks, utilities, and other applications.

Many VERSITRON PoE switches combine RJ45 PoE ports with SFP fiber uplinks, allowing powered devices to connect locally while the switch communicates with the larger network over fiber.

Our products are backed by a lifetime warranty, and our team is available to help determine the appropriate switch configuration for your application.

Need Help Selecting a PoE Switch?

The right PoE switch depends on your number of devices, power requirements, network speed, fiber requirements, operating environment, and management needs.

If you are unsure which PoE or PoE+ switch is appropriate for your application, contact VERSITRON. We can help you determine the appropriate combination of ports, PoE capability, fiber uplinks, and network features.