Power over Ethernet (PoE) is an advanced technology to simplify data networking in hard-to-reach places by simultaneously sending data and power over the same Ethernet cable to the powered device, without additional power cabling. PoE technology helps you build a more organized and systematic network by drawing power and data from a centralized point rather than a collection of randomly distributed power outlets and modems. The introduction of PoE greatly cuts down the cable volumes and simplifies network management, especially in outdoor deployments. And the easiest way to incorporate PoE into your network is to deploy a PoE switch to allow edge devices to work in places without available network connections and electrical infrastructures.
PoE switches, according to their management, usually fall into two categories: unmanaged PoE switches and managed PoE switches. In today’s blog, we will introduce “what is an unmanaged PoE switch and how to use it to set up a PoE network system within minutes”.
What is the Unmanaged PoE Switch?
If you need to simplify your network, deploying an unmanaged PoE switch will be your best choice. The unmanaged PoE switch is a plug-and-play network switch that requires no further configuration except some default settings like QoS service. It doesn’t have any manageable features and it doesn’t support such complicated network protocols as SNMP to prioritize the network performance and regulate the traffic in and out of each PoE port. But the unmanaged PoE switch is easier to use and maintain since it comes with a fixed configuration. Once connected, it’ll immediately start forwarding traffic to connected PDs. It’s often used for small networks like homes, startup businesses with limited data streams, SOHO, etc.
The Benefits of Using Unmanaged PoE Switches
• The unmanaged PoE switch is relatively cheaper, and ideal for SMBs with limited budgets.
• It works on a plug-and-play basis and comes with easy deployment and maintenance.
• It provides basic security features like lockable ports to prevent direct tempering.
• The unmanaged switch makes network expansion easier when used to add temporary workstations to a larger network.
FASTCABLING has launched a series of unmanaged PoE switches with different network capacities and port numbers.
4-Port PoE+ Switch with 2 Uplink Ports
Compatible with the IEEE802.3af/at standards, this 4-port PoE+ switch features a maximum power output of 30W on a per-port basis, with a total power supply of 65W to power various network devices like IP cameras, wireless access points, VoIP phones, etc. It’s built with 4 auto-sensing PoE ports (10/100Mbps) to detect if the connected device is PoE-compatible to ensure safe operation on the field. This PoE switch also has two uplink ports (10/100Mbps): one for network connection; another for data uploading. The LED indicators on the switch showcase the real-time performance of each PoE port to help you speed up problem diagnosis and troubleshooting if one device goes offline. It features 6kV surge protection and can work reliably under a vast temperature range from 0°C to 40°C (for indoor use only). But if you want to install more devices at the edge, this 8-Port PoE+ Switch with 2 uplink ports is just what you need to install 8 IP cameras at a time.
16-Port PoE+ Switch with 2 Gigabit uplink ports
This PoE+ switch is equipped with 16*10/100Mbps PoE ports, 2*Gigabit uplink ports and 2*Gigabit TP/SFP Combo ports. It supports both PoE and PoE+ devices with a power budget of 200W to deliver 32 watts of power max. at each port. This PoE switch is hot-swappable, which makes it ultra user-friendly for families and small and medium-sized businesses. As an active PoE switch, similarly, it is equipped with auto-sensing PoE ports that automatically detect the compatibility of the connected devices to lower the chances of power outages, operation failures, etc., and prevent irreversible electrical damages caused to the PDs. The 16-port PoE+ switch supports 6KV lightning protection on all ports to prevent power surges caused by lightning strikes. The fan-less heat dissipation design reduces energy consumption, operating noise and dust ingress. The LED indicators are available to monitor the network performance of each RJ45 port. And we also have designed a 24-Port PoE+ Switch for larger network deployments.
How to Use the Unmanaged PoE Switch to Install IP Cameras Remotely?
To set up a PoE network system for IP cameras, you will need a router, an unmanaged PoE switch, an NVR and some Ethernet cables. If you need to install the cameras far away, say 200 meters, prepare some PoE extenders as well because PoE could only support a maximum transmission distance of 100 meters, and beyond this limit, the network and power will be shut down. Here’s how to use an unmanaged PoE switch with IP security cameras:
1. Plug the unmanaged PoE switch into a power outlet (100-240V AC).
2. Take an Ethernet cable, connect one end to one of the uplink ports, and connect the other end to one of the RJ45 ports on the router.
3. Take another Ethernet cable, connect one end to another uplink port on the switch, and connect the other end to the NVR for video storage.
4. Use a third Ethernet cable to connect the PoE switch and the pigtail of the IP camera. Then check the LED indicator that corresponds to the port you’ve connected the camera to. If the light is on, it means the camera is successfully connected.
*Note: If you want to install the IP camera in remote places, adding a PoE extender between the switch and edge device will be of great help to extend PoE up to 200 meters away from the control room. And it’s also highly recommended to install a pair of surge protectors on both sides to protect the devices from lightning strikes in outdoor applications.
