Adding 6 New PoE IP Cameras Using an Existing Cable

Adding new IP cameras can be very challenging particularly when the cameras need to be installed at distances exceeding 100 meters. Traditional methods of installation would require extensive cabling and power outlets, making it impractical and costly. To overcome this challenge, a PoE passthrough switch acts as the ideal solution. A PoE passthrough switch provides both power and data connectivity to multiple IP cameras using a single Ethernet cable, eliminating the need for separate power outlets and additional cabling.

What’s a PoE Powered Switch?

The PoE powered switch, also known as the PoE passthrough switch, is a device that not only extends PoE for another 100 meters but also serves as a central hub for connecting multiple devices. Its primary function is to receive the PoE signals from the original PoE source and pass through both power and data to connected devices, eliminating the need for separate power sources. The PoE-powered switch can be applied in hard-to-access spaces, such as attics, closets, above drop ceilings, basements and tunnels, or some places where the existing power outlets are already occupied for other uses. Like other standard PoE switches, the PoE powered switch also has the power negotiation capabilities to verify if the connected device is PoE-compatible, which ensures the safety of the entire system.

4 Port Managed PoE Powered Switch

This 4-port managed PoE powered switch is equipped with 4×10/100/1000Mbps PoE ports, a PoE passthrough port and a Gigabit RJ45 uplink. With a total power budget of 65W, it can supply a maximum power output of 30W per port. This PoE passthrough switch also supports a broad range of network configurations including QoS, VLAN, and MAC address filtering to improve network management and troubleshooting. Moreover, this switch can also be powered by an external power adapter (100-240V AC), so you can ensure that the system remains operational even if one power source fails, which makes it ideal for deployments in remote or off-grid locations where power reliability may be a concern.

Benefits of Using a PoE Powered Switch for IP Cameras:

1.Cost Savings

The PoE powered switch eliminates the need for separate power cables for devices connected to the switch, which simplifies the installation process and reduces the amount of cabling required. It also reduces energy consumption by consolidating power sources and minimizing power wastage.

2.Remote Control

With the PoE powered switch, IP cameras can be controlled and monitored centrally, which makes it easier to manage and troubleshoot network devices, as well as perform power cycling or reset functions remotely. They can also provide protection against power events such as surges or under-voltage, ensuring a stable and reliable power supply to connected devices.

3.Redundant Power Supplies

One additional advantage of utilizing a PoE passthrough switch is its ability to serve as a redundant power supply. When connected to a backup power source, such as an uninterruptible power supply (UPS), the PoE powered switch can ensure continuous operation of IP cameras during power outages. This feature is particularly useful in critical applications where uninterrupted monitoring is vital.

How to Install the PoE Powered Switch?

Since the PoE powered switch can be powered by a PoE switch or injector, it can be flexibly installed anywhere without the constraints of an AC power outlet. However, one of the challenges when deploying a PoE powered switch is the power budget. Although the PoE powered switch only consumes a little power for its own operation, the power consumption could vary depending on the manufacturers, models, port numbers, etc. Typically, they will use 3.3~30 watts of power.

For example, if the PoE powered switch has a power budget of 60W and the switch itself will consume 10W for its own use, then you’ll need at least 70~80 watts of power available, which means you need an 802.3bt PoE injector to power the PoE powered switch. This injector provides higher power output, ensuring efficient energy transmission over longer distances. In addition, to eliminate power loss over extended distances, you should use pure copper cables over CCA cables.

Components You’ll Need:

Outdoor PoE Passthrough Switch

This outdoor PoE passthrough switch is IP67-rated waterproof and supports a wide operating temperature range of -25°C~60°C to operate stably in outdoor environments. It’s built with a PoE passthrough port and seven Gigabit PoE ports with a total power budget of 95W (30W max. at each PoE port). Each port is equipped with 6kV surge protection, and it also has a fanless cooling design for heat dissipation.

95W PoE Injector

This 802.3bt PoE injector is able to provide up to 72 watts of power to the PD and supports a data speed of 1Gbps. It is highly reliable, featuring carrier-grade surge protection to protect the device against ESD events. The installation is basically plug-and-play with no configuration required.

Cat5e/6 Ethernet cables

Cat5e or Cat6 cables are well-suited for PoE installations, as they can transmit both power and data over long distances with minimal signal loss. The Cat5e and Cat6 cables can support data transfer speeds up to one Gigabit per second. They offer significantly improved performance over the legacy standards, including up to 10 times faster speeds and a significantly greater ability to reduce crosstalk.