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Unlock the Potential of Your Network with 2.5G Switches

With the rapid development of cloud-based services, IoT, and various network devices like WiFi 6 APs, gaming PCs, desktop computers, NAS, etc., there is an ever-increasing demand for more bandwidth. For most users, 1Gbps is more than enough. But in an office or home where numerous devices are connected to the same Internet, 1Gbps may not be sufficient. This is where 2.5G or Multi-Gigabit connectivity steps in.

2.5G Switch: An Affordable Boost for Your Network


2.5G network is not just for offices, but also for homes. The 2.5G switch can provide the necessary bandwidth that allows network devices to run at their designated speeds without any limitations, which can help improve productivity and user satisfaction. It can deliver network speeds of up to 2.5Gbps, which is 2.5 times faster than the standard Gigabit switch, which makes it suitable for high-bandwidth applications like 4K video streaming, online gaming/LAN parties, and large file sharing. And it also supports backward compatibility with lower Ethernet speeds like 100Mbps and 10Mbps.



By using a 2.5G switch, you can easily upgrade to a faster and future-proof network. Running a business today often requires heavy data transfer. With companies storing their data on the cloud, relying more and more on video conferences, and regularly sharing large files with clients and partners, having faster data transfer speed on a network can definitely streamline business processes and improve collaboration. It would also help significantly if you enjoy games like PUBG, PlayStation, etc., that require higher bandwidth. With a faster network connection, you can have a better gaming experience without a single bottleneck.

Why You Should Consider Using a 2.5G Switch?


The 2.5G PoE switch is an efficient and cost-effective network solution that provides high-speed data transfer for both home and enterprise networks. Here, we’ve listed some of the top benefits that make it stand out:

• Increased bandwidth for high-demanding devices

The first benefit of using a 2.5G switch is that it provides more bandwidth than traditional 1G PoE switches. With 2.5Gbps of throughput, 2.5G PoE switches are ideal for applications that require high data transfer rates, such as high-definition video surveillance, 4K streaming, online gaming and other 2.5G devices including NAS storage, desktop computers, WiFi 6 routers, workstations, 2.5G PCIe adapters and more.

• Existing cabling with new 2.5G infrastructure

The 2.5G switch provides a cost-effective way to help you transform your home network at a budget-friendly price. It can work with your existing CAT5e cables while providing a notable improvement in network speeds. It can seamlessly integrate into your current network infrastructure, so home and business users can easily cater to the urgent needs for higher bandwidth connections without replacing all of the legacy Ethernet cabling.

• Better performance and reduced latency

With a 2.5G switch, you can get better performance from your network compared to a 1G switch. The switch will prioritize traffic and ensure that data gets transferred more efficiently. In addition, it can be easily scaled to meet the demands of growing businesses. You can add more switches to your network without having to overhaul your entire system. The 2.5G switch also offers low latency, which is particularly important for applications that require real-time data transfer, such as online gaming and video conferencing.



Break the Bottleneck of 1G Limitation with FC 2.5G Switches


Fastcabling has developed two kinds of high-quality 2.5G switches for SMB networks, home entertainment and SOHO networking.

8-Port 2.5G Unmanaged Switch with 10G Uplink

8-Port 2.5G Unmanaged Switch with 10G Uplink is the perfect solution to create a future-proof network and optimize the performance of your 2.5G devices. It’s ideal for large file transfers, online gaming, 4K videos and other bandwidth-intensive applications in home entertainment and SOHO networking. It has 8×2.5GBASE-T ports that automatically adapt to the speed required (100/1000M/2.5G), providing up to 60 Gbps of switching capacity. It also has a 10G SFP+ uplink port for connecting to the core switch for large files and data transfer with no latency. Not only does this switch provide more bandwidth capacity for your network, but it also increases your network speed from the current 1Gbps to 2.5Gbps without changing any cables. The fanless design also ensures silent operation in the home and business environment.



8-Port 2.5G PoE++ Switch with 10G Uplink

By using this 8-port 2.5G PoE++ switch, you can significantly reduce installation costs while simplifying cable management. It only requires a single Ethernet cable to send both data and power to PDs like 4K cameras, WiFi 6 APs, PoS terminals, digital signage, etc., making it a perfect solution for remote locations with limited power outlets. Similarly, it’s equipped with 8×100/1000M/2.5G RJ45 ports and a 10G SFP+ port. Compatible with IEEE802.3af/at/bt standards, this 8-port 2.5G PoE++ switch can provide up to 90 watts of power for ports 1-4 and 30W for ports 5-8. It is easy to use and simple to set up with no software or configuration required. The robust metal housing and desktop/wall-mount design give you a versatile mounting option in a variety of environments. The optimal solution for home or SOHO users who need more bandwidth and power for their multi-gig devices like gaming computers. 



Get a 2.5G Speed for Your Applications


The 2.5G switches can offer futuristic network connections to a variety of applications.

Home Entertainment: 2.5G switches can be used in home entertainment systems to enable high-quality multimedia streaming. For example, it can provide higher bandwidth to improve the quality of 4K/8K videos. They can also be used for gaming consoles, smart TVs, and media players, allowing for seamless streaming of HD video content and real-time gaming without any lag. You can also install a 2.5G NAS to your computer to store your vast game collection. With the 2.5G switches, you can connect multiple devices to the Internet while still enjoying 100Mbps or more data speed per unit.



SMB Network: Companies require efficient, high-performance networks to keep up with the demands of day-to-day online operations. The increased transfer speed also helps to back up computer files to NAS storage. The 2.5G switches can be used to connect workstations, printers, servers and other networking equipment like 2.5G PCIe adapters to the enterprise network. With their ability to provide higher speeds and bandwidth, they can help businesses to improve their network efficiency and productivity, enabling faster transfers and downloads.

Data Center: Data centers require high-speed and high-reliability switches to manage vast amounts of data. With more devices connected to data centers each year, the need for faster speeds will continue to grow, while the 2.5G switch offers a middle ground between 1G and 10G switches and allows for future growth and expansion. You can use the 2.5G switches to connect servers and storage devices within the data center network to speed up the data transfer and storage process. They are ideal for data center applications due to their high data transfer rates, low latency, and advanced security features.



Surveillance System: Surveillance systems require fast and reliable connectivity to ensure effective monitoring and prompt response to security threats. To enable efficient data transfer and real-time monitoring, 2.5G/multi-gigabit switches are usually deployed to optimize the network throughput and send the videos over the network with no lag. With higher network speeds, they can deliver better video quality, which is important for applications such as facial recognition, where higher-resolution cameras are often required for clear identification. Additionally, the 2.5G switch can handle more traffic and devices, making it ideal for larger camera systems.

Industrial Network: In industrial environments, high-speed networking is required for industrial automation, control, and monitoring systems. 2.5G switches can be used in industrial networks to provide reliable and secure connectivity to industrial controllers, sensors, and other devices. With their rugged design and advanced security features, 2.5G switches can be used in harsh environments and provide industrial-grade performance.

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Industrial Managed Switch Improves Network Redundancy

High availability and redundancy are crucial for industrial networks, especially for mission-critical applications such as city surveillance, production, automation and power plants where recovery time is a serious concern. If there is a link failure, the impact can quickly become business-critical. Therefore, maintaining max. uptime is the key to backing up your systems in an unstable environment and keeping all equipment running at peak performance. System availability is calculated by dividing uptime by the total sum of uptime and downtime, and the world-glass availability is above 90% or higher.

Of course, there are factory floors where no type of redundancy or recovery solutions have been established, but in such scenarios, the chances of data loss and network downtime can be significantly higher. For this reason, all network administrators in industrial applications need to establish a network that is available 99% of the time to let all network nodes continue to operate when a network disaster occurs. When constructing a 100% reliable architecture for an Ethernet network in industrial applications, we should first point out a robust connection between LAN switches is a must. Though you might decide not to establish complete system redundancy due to space and budget limitations, you can greatly improve your network reliability by employing an industrial managed switch.

What’s an Industrial Managed Switch?


The industrial managed switch offers advanced managed features and traffic controls to meet the evolving demands of today’s industrial networks. With the industrial managed switch, you can achieve more than basic communications. You can configure the performance for each network port and monitor the status of your network more easily. Advanced managed switch features include QoS, VLANs, SNMP, IGMP snooping, port mirroring, bandwidth control, LACP, RSTP, DHCP, ERPS, etc. Moreover, the industrial managed switches usually have a remotely accessible console, command-line or Web GUI, which enables administrators to configure the parameters from different physical locations. Moreover, the industrial network switches are often equipped with an IP30 (or higher) metal enclosure, designed to withstand extreme temperatures (-40°~75°C), shock and vibration, noise, penetrative articles, etc.



How ERPS Improves Network Redundancy?


Ethernet Ring Protection Switching (ERPS) is a standard feature in managed switches, an advanced form of ring topology which enables rapid convergence and carrier-grade reliability in the event of a link failure and ensures large amounts of traffic flow to multiple connection ports. All network nodes are connected in rings. If one of the links is disconnected from the rest of the network, data can still reach its destination through another link. So technically, there’s no network downtime. And this topology can be configured on any data port of the managed switch, including the fiber ports. ERPS works in the same way as RSTP (Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol) and STP (Spanning Tree Protocol), but the main difference will be the recovery time. ERPS allows networks to recover within 20 ms (10G/1G Ethernet recovery time <50 ms), while RSTP takes less than 10 seconds, and STP takes 30-50 seconds.

Moreover, most industrial network switches support redundant power supplies. They will be hooked up to a backup power supply in case of a power outage and the backup power will take over if the main power supply fails, so as to reduce losses and minimize downtime.

Fast Ring Applications


The Fast Ring protocol supports various types of flexible yet simple ring topologies, such as single ring, dual ring and ring coupling, to improve the reliability of the entire network.

1) Single Ring/α-Ring

In such a topology, the Ethernet switches are linked together in a single ring. This mechanism is usually used to cover a large area with a network to save cabling costs while retaining the failover function. It helps to create a high-speed network redundancy mechanism that can recover from a network breakdown in less than 20 milliseconds.


2) Dual Ring

Dual ring is a redundant network topology where network switches are connected using two concentric rings, ideal for small networks that are not frequently reconfigured. Typically, the secondary ring is used as the backup link in case the primary ring fails. In this topology, data travels in opposite directions around the rings. Each ring is independent of the others until the primary ring fails and the two rings are connected to continue traffic.


3) Ring Coupling/Trunk

In network topology, two or more rings are connected with Ring Coupling. This enables a single large ring that contains numerous switches to be broken into smaller, more manageable rings to ensure network efficiency and performance. Using Ring Coupling, one domain can be connected to another domain running any redundancy protocol.

4) Tangent Ring

This mechanism allows two rings from different domains to be connected by a node to form a This type of network is commonly used in the connection between the aggregation ring and the access ring as a backup link of the network. The faulty link can be cut off immediately to ensure the normal forwarding of traffic between ring networks.

5) Intersecting Ring

In the intersecting ring, a sub-ring is often added as a backup link for the primary ring. If the primary ring fails, the packet will be transmitted through the sub-ring to ensure normal traffic forwarding. But these two rings must come from the same domain.

Considerations for Selecting Transmitting Media

To maintain 100% availability and redundancy in industrial networks, the media you choose for data transmission should also be considered seriously. If the distance is less than 100 m, the best pick would be unshielded Cat5 cables. But if a single cable run is over 500 m, you should use fiber in the communication path, and if security tops the priorities, you should use fiber, too. The fiber optic cable is immune to both EMI and RFI, and since it does not radiate signals, it’ll be very difficult to tap without your knowledge. For distances over 2 km, go with single-mode fiber, and for distances between 500 m to 2 km, go with multi-mode fiber.

Industrial Managed Switches Recommendation

FASTCABLING has launched different types of industrial managed switches that suit most industrial applications where network redundancy is critical.

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What’s Industrial Managed PoE Switch and Its Applications

The use of PoE in industrial applications is rapidly growing. Its applications can be found in a variety of industries, such as factory automation, manufacturing, traffic monitoring and city surveillance. Industrial Ethernet is a cost-effective way to provide a durable, reliable, flexible and smart network for harsh environments. By transmitting power and data through a single network cable, the industrial PoE switches are capable to connect various network devices in an environment that is subject to extreme temperatures, chemicals, shocks and vibrations, etc., to reduce costs and improve network redundancy. 

Many industrial applications operate well when using unmanaged PoE switches, but to achieve more than basic communications and to create a fully optimized network, you need to use an industrial managed PoE switch to build a backbone in the system.



What’s an Industrial Managed PoE Switch?


The industrial managed PoE switch is a managed PoE switch that is specifically designed to work in harsh environments. It provides an all-in-one solution to enhance your control of the network, especially in remote applications where it would be hard and expensive to manage and troubleshoot. By using a managed PoE switch, you can configure the performance for each network port and monitor the status of your network more easily. Moreover, thanks to the remote control, you can save significant management and maintenance costs. You can view a multitude of network statistics including traffic throughput, network errors, etc., and tackle the problems from the control room, without having to be present on the field. 

Why You Need Industrial Managed PoE Switches?


When using industrial managed PoE switches, you’re backed up with the most robust power supplies and the most advanced network management. 

Typically Designed for Industrial Applications

——more durable, reliable and flexible

The industrial managed PoE switch works well from -40°C to 75°C and has a longer life span of up to 10 years (MTBF: 300,000 hours). And each PoE port is armed with 6kV surge protection to protect the device from unstable power input and electrical surges. In addition, the industrial managed PoE switch is also equipped with redundant power supplies (dual DC inputs) to ensure even if one power link fails, the other will immediately take over to reduce network downtime. It also provides different mounting options of DIN-rail, wall mount, and rack mount, so that you can choose suitable switches for different application environments like railways, oil and gas platforms, mining sites, etc.



Layer 2+ Network Management

——achieve more than basic communications

The Layer 2+ managed PoE switch forwards traffic between network hosts such as a server and a client PC within the same subnet. It helps prioritize the traffic flow coming in and out of each port and allows you to create VLANs to keep smaller groups of devices segregated and protect the network against unauthorized access. It also provides a huge number of management features, including bandwidth control, port aggregation, IGMP snooping, queue scheduling, SNMP, port mirroring, etc. For example, management communication tools like SNMP enable you to get an update on your network status and examine the data received and sent from each port. Moreover, diagnostic tools such as port mirroring can give you a visual breakdown of network traffic per port as well as the ability to optimize your traffic as desired. 


Fast Failover Ring

——less downtime, faster recovery

Ethernet Ring Protection Switching (ERPS) is a standard feature in managed PoE switches to add high-level redundancy and up-time protection to any network, regardless of size and traffic. It fosters faster recovery from failed pathways, protects Ethernet traffic and maintains recovery times under 50 milliseconds. The backup connection usually remains inactive during normal operation but can be automatically activated to resume the connection until the original break is repaired. Such a failover technology helps redirect traffic in the event of a link or node failure and can be configured on any data port of the switch, including the fiber ports. And the simplicity of the ring topology makes it easier to locate failure points and troubleshoot them without affecting other connected devices. 



4-Port L2+ Industrial Managed PoE Switch with SFP

This 4-port L2+ industrial PoE managed switch is designed to power devices such as WAPs, thin clients, light sensors, PTZ cameras, and other factory automation equipment. Protected in an IP40 aluminum housing, this industrial PoE switch supports a wide operating temperature range from -40° to 75°C. To minimize network downtime and power failures, this PoE switch is equipped with redundant power supplies. And it also has a fanless heat dissipation design, ready for applications in dusty environments. With PD alive check, the industrial managed PoE switch can be configured to monitor the status of the PD. A variety of managed features are also available, such as SNMP, QoS, VLAN, ERPS, static routing and port aggregation.

For small-to-medium-sized networks, we also launched an 8-Port L2+ Industrial Managed PoE Switch with SFP to allow you to connect more IP devices.

Applications of Industrial Managed PoE Switches

The industrial managed PoE switches are specifically designed to deliver data accurately in critical applications and provide uninterruptible power supplies in harsh environments. They can be used in different applications, such as mining, transportation, factory floors, city surveillance, etc. 

Mining: Using an industrial managed PoE switch in an underground mine can effectively block dust, dirt and other particles that may damage equipment. It monitors and controls the entire mining facility, and enables data exchanges from hydraulic high-pressure mining cannons. In addition, the data from the cameras connected to the control center via fiber optics makes it possible to adjust the loading of the trucks as well as the sand drying rooms.

Transportation: With a rugged industrial design, compact size, and high management features, the industrial managed PoE switches can provide reliable network connectivity for the transportation industry and offer a high-level means to strengthen traffic management. It can form a ring network with a bandwidth of 1Gpbs to improve the transmission speed with less time and ensure the reliability of communication.

Factor Floors: The need for factories to scale and operate more efficiently is growing quickly. hey also offer a suite of other features that make it possible to manage and troubleshoot your network remotely and securely. And they also ensure the timely recovery of critical segments of your production floor. They’re equipped with industrial-grade protective construction such as IP40, which can withstand high-intensity vibration and shock. 

City Surveillance: Running cables from telecommunications rooms to surveillance cameras can be extremely expensive, but using an industrial managed PoE switch to provide the required power for IP cameras with simplified wiring can help you control the devices in an easier way and troubleshoot the problem even faster. 

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A Quick Guide to Industrial Switches

Industrial switches play a crucial role in various industrial applications to help your network stay up and keep it running even in the least favorable circumstances. When network devices are deployed in harsh environments, the reliability of the commercial switches will be greatly challenged by the wide swings in temperature, high humidity, excessive heat, etc., while the industrial switches have the stability and capability to maintain a robust network connection and adapt to complex industrial environments. They are generally immune to shock, vibration and extreme temperature fluctuations ranging from -40°C to 75°C.



Industrial Switch Overview


The industrial switches are specially designed and manufactured to withstand harsh weather conditions and industrial environments to minimize network downtime. What’s more, they are certified to meet the standards of various communication protocols like EN 50121, EN 50155, IEC 61850, etc., to ensure that they can tolerate an extended range of temperature, electrical noise, vibration, EMI, etc., making them ideal for harsh working environments like industrial and factory automation, railways and transportation systems, oil and gas platforms, mining sites, etc. Moreover, some of the industrial switches are also protected in a rugged enclosure that is IP-graded (Ingress Protection) to protect the switches from water ingress.

Moreover, these industrial switches are available as PoE and non-PoE. The industrial PoE switch can deliver electrical power and data to powered devices like wireless access points, IP surveillance cameras, and various industrial and transportation equipment. The industrial PoE switches can deliver power and data to the powered device at the same time via a single Ethernet cable. With no need to connect to mains power, PoE allows for quick outdoor installation without installing new electrical infrastructure. However, the non-PoE models, namely the industrial Ethernet switches can only transmit data to the connected device.

Commercial vs. Industrial PoE Switch?


The industrial PoE switch is more reliable than the commercial PoE switch. It’s resistant to electrical or magnetic noise, exposure to chemicals or combustible environments, etc., which makes it ideal for industrial applications. It can work well from -40°C to 75°C, while the commercial PoE switch can only work in a temperature range between 0°C and 40°C. The industrial PoE switch has a longer life span of up to 10 years (MTBF: 300,000 hours), while the commercial PoE switch can only last for 3-5 years (MTBF: 50,000 hours). Moreover, the commercial PoE switch only has one power supply, while the industrial switch normally has two power inputs as backup power to avoid power failure and ensure stable and reliable operation. And for heat dissipation, the industrial switch will use a fan-less enclosure to dissipate the heat from the actual hardware, while the commercial one is usually fan-distributed so dust and dirt will accumulate inside.



Industrial Switches Recommendation


According to their functions, industrial switches can be divided into unmanaged or managed industrial switches, industrial PoE switches or non-PoE switches, etc. With a wide variety of features to consider, you need to carefully choose the most appropriate industrial switches for your network. And Fastcabling has launched different types of industrial PoE switches that suit most industrial applications in harsh environments.



Highlights of FC Industrial PoE Switches


Industrial switches with high reliability and redundancy have emerged as the perfect solution for complex industrial applications. Here, we have listed some of the main characteristics of our industrial PoE switches.

1. Rugged Design & Construction

The industrial PoE switch is built specifically to adapt to the harsh conditions in industrial applications like oil and gas, mining, etc. With a rugged design, it can deliver data and power stably in extreme temperatures from -40° to 75°C. Protected in a hardened enclosure of IP40 or higher protection ratings, the industrial switch is designed to withstand water and dust ingress. Each PoE port is armed with carrier-grade surge protection to protect the PoE switch from lightning strikes, unstable power input and electrical surges.

2. Redundant Power Supply

The power supply is a very important part of PoE switches. Power failures account for more than 35% of network outages. However, the industrial PoE switches have dual DC inputs, guaranteeing a stable and reliable connection in harsh environments. Each power supply has the ability to work independently, which ensures that even if one power supply fails, the other takes over. So there is no downtime at all. The redundant power supply ensures maximum uptime and reliable operation in continuity-critical operations, avoiding the trouble of costly shutdowns and other disruptive events.

3. Fast Failover Recovery

By using the industrial PoE switch, high-level redundancy and up-time protection will be added to your network. It integrates the advanced ERPS technology and STP feature into the industrial network to enable the device to quickly recover from network crashes and protect Ethernet traffic (loss recovery<50 msec). This network failover technology can help redirect traffic in the event of a link or node failure and can be configured on any data port of the switch, including the fiber ports, which makes problem diagnosis and troubleshooting even easier. Moreover, the simplicity of the ring structure makes it easy to locate points of failure. 

4. Flexible Mounting Options

Most industrial PoE switches have DIN Rail or wall mount options. DIN rail mounting is the default method for installing crucial electrical devices, and the rail-type industrial switches do not need to be fixed with screws and are easy to maintain. Industrial switches are usually installed in a space-constrained cabinet, but with the help of DIN-rail mounting, the wiring in the cabinet will become clearer. And the installation is quite easy: just clamp the back of the industrial switch to the rail, and it’s all done. And wall mounting also gives you a quick, easy option to install the switch in outdoor applications.

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Managed Outdoor PoE Switches for Harsh Environments

There are a number of challenges when installing network devices in outdoor environments, like dust, rain, lighting, UV exposure, varying temperature swings, acid corrosion in ambient air, etc., which can deteriorate and even shut down your network over time. Nowadays, all kinds of applications require constant connection both inside and outside, such as expanding the reach of your home WiFi network into the great outdoors and installing security cameras in a parking lot or outside of a building. 

However, most PoE or network switches are limited to residential or commercial use and are designed for well-conditioned settings only. And most of them can only deal with small networks with very little or no management required. Therefore, to simplify and optimize your network connection in outdoor environments, you’ll need a managed outdoor PoE switch to deliver consistent performance in whatever conditions are present.

What’s a Managed Outdoor PoE Switch?

The managed outdoor PoE switch is a managed PoE switch that is specially designed for use in outdoor or harsh environments. It’s an all-in-one outdoor solution to transmit both power and data to the PDs installed outdoors to eliminate the need for installing new AC outlets in remote places. Moreover, the managed outdoor PoE switch also allows you to manage, configure, and monitor your switch settings. It’s manufactured and tested to meet the industrial standards for operation even in applications that require the highest level of reliability like IP surveillance camera systems. With a rugged design, the managed outdoor PoE switch can provide a reliable network connection in outdoor environments and supply uninterruptible power from a centralized source to ensure the continuous operation of edge PoE devices. The waterproof enclosure and various mounting options (din-rail and wall-mounting) also help to facilitate fast installation in outdoor applications. 



5 Reasons You Need a Managed Outdoor PoE Switch

It’s essential to choose the right PoE switch for your needs. Here, we’ve summarized 5 top reasons why you need a managed outdoor PoE switch for applications in harsh environments.

1. Increased Durability

Protected in a hardened enclosure of IP65 or a higher level of protection rating, they are designed to withstand wide temperature fluctuations and extreme weather conditions, shocks and vibrations, corrosive elements, etc. Each PoE port is armed with 6kV surge protection to protect the device from lightning strikes, unstable power input and electrical surges. They are regularly capable of working in intense temperatures from about -40°C to 75°C and can be well adapted to complex temperatures and humidity. They generally use better metal casing for faster heat dissipation. In addition, the managed outdoor PoE switches have higher reliability and longer service life. Commercial PoE switches usually have a life cycle of 3 to 5 years, while outdoor PoE switches can operate for 10 years or more. 


2. Advanced Network Management

Managed outdoor PoE switches often have many advanced capabilities over commercial switches. They allow you to manage, configure and monitor the network in many ways to facilitate better traffic filtering and protection of data in transit. They help prioritize the traffic flow coming in and out of each port and create VLANs on the managed outdoor PoE switch to keep smaller groups of devices segregated. Monitoring traffic and performance is critical to preventing costly downtime. The managed outdoor PoE switches generally offer Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) to improve troubleshooting. They can monitor the status of the devices on the network and provide statics on traffic throughput, network errors and port status. And many other management features are also supported like QoS, STP, port mirroring, bandwidth control, etc. 

3. Redundant Power Supply

The power supply is a very important part of PoE switches. Power failures account for more than 35% of network outages. Commercial PoE switches usually rely on a single power supply, while the managed outdoor PoE switches dual power inputs as backup power to avoid power failure and ensure stable and reliable operation. Each power supply has the ability to work independently, which ensures that even if one power supply fails, the other takes over. So there is no downtime at all, and the device will continue to operate normally. Redundant power inputs allow the switches quickly recover from power failures. This capability ensures maximum uptime and reliable operation in continuity-critical operations, avoiding the trouble of costly shutdowns and other disruptive events.


4. Fast Failover Recovery

The managed outdoor PoE switches also have the ability to create a fast failover link in order to build a resilient network for your business. Ethernet Ring Protection Switching (ERPS) is a standardized feature in managed PoE switches to add high-level redundancy and up-time protection to any network, regardless of size and traffic. It fosters faster recovery from failed data pathways, protects Ethernet traffic and maintains recovery times under 50 milliseconds. Such a network failover technology can help redirect traffic in the event of a link or node failure and can be configured on any data port of the switch, including the fiber ports. And it facilitates easier troubleshooting since it comes with minimal network topology changes. The simplicity of the ring structure makes it easy to locate points of failure.

5. Better Network Security

Another major advantage of using managed PoE switches is their high security. The unmanaged PoE switches are only able to provide basic security features like lockable port covers for small networks and temporary network workgroups, but the managed outdoor PoE switches can provide major security features to keep threats at bay and provide access to authorized devices and block unknown devices. With the 802.1X Port-Based Network Access Control (PNAC), the administrator can set up the level to access the switch. What’s more, VLANs can also be created to only allow temporary and limited access to your network. 

Best Outdoor PoE Solutions for Your Business

Fastcabling has designed and produced a series of L2+ managed outdoor PoE switches to meet the challenges of harsh environments and deliver the most reliable, affordable, and safest network solution for a business’s outdoor installation needs. 

4-Port L2+ Managed Outdoor PoE Switch with SFP

Housing in an IP67 waterproof and aluminum IK10 vandal-proof rugged metal casing, this 4-port L2+ managed outdoor PoE switch gives you an easy way to deploy outdoor devices over long distances while keeping your installation costs low. It also supports 6kv surge protection and a wide operating temperature of -40°C~60 °C, ideal for outdoor use. This 4-port managed outdoor PoE switch has 4*10/100/1000M PoE ports, 1*Gigabit dedicated RJ45 Ethernet port, and 2*Gigabit SFP ports. It can supply a maximum power of 30W per port with a total power budget of 75W. Moreover, it also supports the ERPS ring protocol to quickly recover from the failed data pathways with recovery times of less than 20 milliseconds. With the PD alive check, The PoE switch can be configured to monitor the real-time status of the powered devices by sending alive check packets to enhance network reliability.


8-Port L2+ Managed Outdoor PoE Switch with SFP

This 8-port L2+ managed outdoor PoE switch is specially designed for a small-and-midsize network in outdoor applications. IP67 waterproof enclosure and 6kV surge protection ensure your IP cameras and wireless APs operate safely outdoors. With four integrated SFP slots, it can reserve sufficient uplink bandwidth to ensure fast data transmission, and the distance can be extended to 10km between point A and point B. The 8-port managed outdoor PoE switch has a switching capacity of 24Gbps, which meets the demand for a high-speed network connection. Featuring a total power budget of 120W, the maximum power supply of each PoE port can reach 30W. As an L2+ managed PoE switch, it provides many advanced management capabilities like QoS, VLAN, SNMP, STP, ERPS, static routing, remote access, port aggregation, etc. To minimize network downtime and operational issues, this PoE switch also adopts dual power inputs to ensure stable and reliable operation of the system.

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Why Do You Need Web Smart PoE+ Switches in SMB Networks

An appropriate network design is important for all business owners, but knowing how to do so is not easy. Everything from the position of the router, the number of devices connected in a single chain, and the modem you use will affect the speed of data within a company. A robust network design, however, can provide protection against attacks, increase employee productivity, offer safe remote access, and react promptly to network disasters. And due to our increased dependence on the Internet, today’s network should be easy to manage, fast to scale and convenient to troubleshoot. Therefore, to stay up-to-date with fast data networking, a web smart PoE+ switch will be needed to optimize the connection.

What’s a Web Smart PoE Switch?

The web smart PoE switch has become a popular choice for SMBs. It’s managed through a Web browser to provide users with intuitive guidance to manage their networks but it has a limited selection of advanced management. The web smart PoE switch enables the SMB to connect its full sets of devices, like desktops, laptops, IoTs, access points, IP security cameras, building control devices and more, through an integrated wired connection. It goes beyond plug-and-play connectivity to offer advanced management capabilities and security features, such as traffic management controls, IP routing, VLAN, access controls and link aggregation. But it cannot provide SNMP management capabilities or a CLI.

Web Smart or Managed PoE Switch?

The differences between the web smart PoE switch and the managed PoE switch have always been discussed. And here, we’ve summarized the most obvious differences between them:



Benefits of Web Smart PoE Switches

Here, we’ve listed some of the key benefits of using web smart PoE switches in SMBs.

1. Easy Management

The web smart PoE switch is designed for easy management, and all configurations can be made via a Web browser. It provides an easy-to-use web-based GUI management for reduced configuration complexity and offers a series of management features – traffic management, QoS, VLANs, remote access, etc. It allows you to prioritize data traffic, configure the basic settings of each port and split your network into multiple virtual networks. It helps allocate network bandwidth and provides reliable connectivity for small business networks.

2. Cost-Effectiveness

For SMBs or home users who need visual network management with limited budgets, a high-performance, easy-to-manage web smart PoE switch is an ideal option. The web smart PoE switch is cheaper than the managed PoE switch and with the development of technology, it can now cover most of the management features in a fully managed model. Compared to the unmanaged PoE switch which cannot be modified at all, the web smart switch opens the door to managing, monitoring and configuring the network and provides better network security.

3. Energy Efficiency

The web smart PoE switches can be seen as “lighter” or entry-level managed PoE switches. Although they often come without any console port and have less configuration flexibility via a web-based interface, the web smart PoE switches are often capable of conserving power without sacrificing the operational performance or functionality of the network. Using the Energy Efficient Ethernet Standard, most of them can automatically decrease the power usage when network traffic is low. These switches offer advanced power management so that unnecessary power consumption can be saved during off hours.

Scalable & Secure Switch Solution for SMB Networks

To help small business owners simplify network management, Fastcabling has launched the 8-Port Web Smart PoE+ Switch with 2 Gigabit SFP that can be used in both commercial and residential applications. It supplies up to 30W of power per port with a total power budget of 120W, allowing you to connect multiple devices at a time. Equipped with 8 Gigabit PoE ports and a 20Gbps switching capacity, this web smart PoE+ switch is designed for applications where a fast-speed network is required. It also has 2 TP/SFP combo ports to support long-distance fiber networking. And a broad range of management features is supported: QoS, VLAN, MAC address filtering, static routing, remote access, port mirroring, etc., making this a powerful solution for any SMB network.


Targeting SMBs and home users, this 8-port web smart PoE+ switch provides functionality, security, and manageability to help you set up a robust network. Its applications include:

• Working groups interconnecting a host of office devices;

• Small business network hosting less than 100 active users;

• Building access control and centralized management of lighting, humidity and temperature;

• Smart sensors and IP cameras to monitor manufacturing floors;

• Digital signage displays, point-of-sale systems, high-power WAPs.

Compelling Features You’ll Want to Know

The main advantages of this web smart PoE+ switch are listed below.

1. Web GUI Interface

Since this PoE+ switch is modified via a Web GUI interface, so you can configure your switch settings with the computer or laptop. The GUI uses graphics like windows, scrollbars, buttons, etc. to allow users to communicate with the web smart PoE+ switch or and to carry out commands. Compared with CLI, it’s more user-friendly and easier to operate. The system is primarily navigated using a mouse, and a keyboard can also be used via keyboard shortcuts or the arrow keys. And users do not need to know any programming languages or use any command line, so the port configuration will be easier and faster. This 8-port web smart PoE+ switch is an ideal choice for startup businesses and novice users.

2. PoE+ Functions

The biggest advantage of a PoE switch is that it can transmit data and power simultaneously over one Cat5 or Cat6 Ethernet cable to a powered device (PD) such as a VoIP phone, IP camera, WAP, and so on. Another advantage is that PoE power comes from a central and universally compatible source, rather than from a collection of distributed wall outlets, which makes it more robust and reliable. Compatible with the IEEE802.3at standard, this 8-port web smart PoE+ switch is able to deliver power up to 25.5W for a PD with a voltage range of 42.5-57V, and the maximum power on each port can reach 30W. PoE+ helps squeeze more value and usefulness from Cat5 cabling while expanding the benefits of PoE to a broader range of PDs, such as PTZ cameras, thin clients, alarm systems and biometric sensors.

3. Fiber Connectivity

This 8-port web smart PoE+ switch is designed to help you create a high-performance and future-proof network in applications like working groups, home offices and SMBs. Equipped with two Gigabit TP/SFP combo ports, this switch can offer a network speed ten times faster than the average broadband network and ensure you can get plenty of spare bandwidth for 4K streaming, video conferencing, online gaming, etc. Moreover, by using the fiber optical cable, this PoE switch can cover a great distance of up to 10-60 km, which makes it ideal for applications where a long-distance setup is required, i.e. the remote IP camera system. Build a dedicated fiber line straight to your business, meaning you’ll get more security. Since the fiber optic cables don’t radiate a signal, it’s extremely difficult to extract data from them.

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Apply Managed PoE Switches in Home or Business Network

Knowing how to manage your network is crucial to businesses of all sizes. When you’re planning to retrofit your network facility, consider implementing a managed PoE switch to meet the growing needs of intelligent network management. The managed PoE switch is fully configurable, which gives you more control in network building to ensure each connected PD can deliver its optimal performance. It provides an effective and affordable solution for homes and SMBs to prioritize the traffic that is forwarding to each PD, monitor the status of each PoE port and supervise the data flow through your network.



Everything You Need to Know About Managed PoE Switch


The managed PoE switch is a managed network switch that has PoE capabilities built into it. Apart from some basic features like delivering data and power simultaneously to the PD via the same Ethernet cable, it also supports various configuration options, advanced security settings, VLAN functions, Quality of Services (QoS) and other network protocols like SNMP. It’s a centralized ‘data+power’ management center where you can configure the network speed and amount of power on each port. The managed PoE switch configures each port to low priority during low activity periods to reduce power consumption. FASTCABLING has launched a whole collection of managed PoE switches, such as 8-Port L2+ PoE Managed Switch with 2 Gigabit SFP and 8 Port 60W Visual PoE Managed Switch with 2 Gigabit SFP, and we’ve summarized some basic features shared by these products:

1.Layer 2+ Network Protocol


Layer 2, also known as Data Link layer, is the second of the seven-layer OSI model designed for error-free data transmission in the same network and provides methods to detect and correct the errors that occur in the physical layer (Layer 1). It helps to forward the packet on MAC addressing and encapsulate data packets into frames. Layer 2+ network protocol comes with improved security capabilities to avoid any direct tempering on the device and fend off cyberattacks. The layer 2+ managed PoE switches provide a simple way to create a data link between two geographically isolated locations without latency.

2.User-Friendly Management with VLAN, QoS, etc.


FASTCABLING managed PoE switches with full layer 2+ functions provide direct and visual network management on a web browser. These managed PoE switches allow you to create VLANs on the switch to help you segment the network without installing separate equipment. You just need to create a VLAN ID on the switching tab, assign it to the ports you select, and then create a PVID to isolate it from other VLANs. And you can also configure the features of QoS by setting the desired CoS, Queue scheduling, bandwidth control, etc., to prioritize critical traffic for your business.


3.Gigabit Switch with High-Speed Uplink Ports


These layer 2+ managed PoE switches support Gigabit Ethernet at each PoE port, ideal for applications at every scale, small networks like home and SMBs or large-scale networks on campus or governmental projects, to help you create a high-performance and future-proof network in any scenario. Gigabit Internet is normally available in FTTX applications, but these Gigabit managed PoE switches offer a network speed ten times faster than the average broadband network (Fast Ethernet) and ensure you can get plenty of spare bandwidth for 4K streaming, video conferencing, online gaming, etc. Each managed switch is also equipped with one or two Gigabit uplink port(s) to provide a reliable backbone of your network.

4.Auto-Sensing PoE Ports and SFP Interfaces


All layer 2+ managed PoE switches are built with auto-sensing ports that automatically detect the compatibility of the connected devices so it won’t forward PoE power to the incompatible device by mistake. Before the managed PoE switch sends any power to a connected PD, it will initiate a procedure called ‘power handshake’ to verify if the PD is PoE-compatible, decide how much power the connected device requires, and reallocate surplus power to high-power devices when needed. Moreover, they’re also built with SFP interfaces to help you set up a high-speed fiber link over longer distances to overcome the limitations of standard PoE. With fiber cabling, you can install the PDs miles away from the server and control center.

5.Improved Security and Enhanced Surge Protection


Monitoring network performance is critical to mitigating network downtime. Compared with the unmanaged PoE switch, the managed PoE switches have some major security benefits to keep out unauthorized access and shut down active cyber threats. For example, VLANs can be created to only allow temporary and limited access to your network. Additionally, to safeguard the network in case a connection or device goes down in the lightning storms, all our managed PoE switches are manufactured with carrier-grade surge protection (6kV) to prevent power failures and safety hazards.



Applications of Managed PoE Switches


• Smart home automation: security cameras and sensors at the main entrances and driveway; voice command devices like Amazon Alexa and Google Home; remote lighting control, etc.

• Smart offices: smart building access control; security camera systems; video conferencing; centralized management of lighting, humidity, temperature; computer monitors, etc.

• Small and medium-sized businesses: security cameras; digital signage displays; point-of-sale systems; the expansion of WiFi networks and the addition of thin clients, etc.

• Industrial automation: smart sensors and IP cameras to monitor manufacturing floors, etc.



Managed PoE Switch Setup Guide


The very first step before you mount the switch on any server is to configure its setting. For the first time usage, you must activate the device and reset the password on the web. After the switch is activated, you can configure the switch for further network management. You can change the IP address and gateway address as needed. When you log in, go to the configuration or switching tab for port configuration, VLAN setting, Trunk management, SNMP setting, IGMP snooping, etc., to configure your managed PoE switch as required.

The managed PoE switch should work in an indoor environment, and extra surge protection is suggested to ensure the continuous operation of the device. Use electromagnetic shielding if possible to reduce external interference. There are mainly three ways of installation: rack-mounted, wall-mounted and desk-mounted. For rack-mounting, you only need to attach two L-shaped brackets to both sides of the switch and fix it on the rack but check the grounding and the stability of the rack first. For wall mounting, you need to attach the screw template to the wall and tighten the screws to secure the mount. Place the managed PoE switch onto the mounting screws, and slide it down until it locks in place. For desk mounting, you only need to place it on a table and remember to attach four rubber pads on the bottom to avoid any scratches on the table. Use a chassis if available.

Lastly, let’s make the connection. To set up the managed PoE switch, you’ll need a router, a short patch cord, some Ethernet cables, and PoE splitters if you want to connect PoE and non-PoE devices on the same switch. First, plug the managed PoE switch into a wall outlet (100-240V AC). Second, take a short patch cord to connect the switch to the router. Then, connect the PoE switch with the PD with a long Ethernet cable, and check if the LED indicator is on. If so, the connection is successfully made. If you want to connect a non-PoE device like a computer, then you will need to add a PoE splitter between them. The splitter will isolate the power from data and feed it into a separate output that the non-PoE device can use.

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Benefits of Managed Switches in Business Networks

Nowadays, managed PoE switches are getting more and more popular among network users, especially in enterprise-level businesses where a higher level of management is required to prioritize the traffic coming in and out of the LAN switch to ensure the optimal performance of the connected devices. Unmanaged network switches are more of a plug-and-play type with no settings to configure, and they will immediately start forwarding traffic once plugged in. They are easier to maintain and manage and work fine in small networks where only a few devices are connected. But in larger networks where reliability and security are critical, such as mid-sized enterprises, government agencies and universities, managed switches will give you greater control over your network.



What is a Managed Network Switch?


The managed network switch is a device that allows connected devices to communicate with each other and remains the feature to manage, monitor and configure the traffic of the LAN. The unmanaged switch is developed with a fixed configuration to which you cannot make any changes, while the managed switch is fully configurable and offers greater functionality than its counterpart. It allows users to create new VLANs and guarantees fast data recovery in network failures. The managed switch is equipped with advanced security features to avoid any type of tampering on the device. Managed network switches generally provide a higher level of QoS and support various protocols like SNMP to allow the users to check the status of each network port for traffic throughput and network error. The managed switch is more expensive than the unmanaged one but it provides advanced features like port mirroring. But since it’s an enterprise-level switch, it needs to be set up and handled by skilled IT staff.



Benefits of Managed Switches in Business


When a network becomes more complex, a higher level of management is required, and this is why you’ll need to use a managed switch to create a fully optimized network to achieve more than basic needs. Here’s a quick look at the benefits of using managed network switches in business.

Optimized Network Traffic

The managed switch helps to prioritize the traffic flow of each network port. Since different network devices have different bandwidth requirements, when these devices are connected on the same switch, the managed switch can help you control the amount of traffic each port is forwarding to ensure the optimal performance of each connected device. For example, the average bandwidth consumption of a static IP camera is merely 4Mpbs (2MP streaming with H.264), while a 4K quality camera will require at least 15Mbps even when streaming with H.265. By using a managed switch, you can easily configure the low-bandwidth-consumption devices to low priority so other devices can get enough bandwidth to function properly.

Less Network Downtime

Managed switches provide services like network monitoring and problem diagnosis to allow you to have better control over your network. It provides full reports of status on each port and speeds up troubleshooting if necessary to shorten the time wasted on data recovery. Network failures pose a great safety and economic risk to enterprise networks, and occasional IT downtime may cost you thousands of dollars per year. To avoid such a problem, deploying a managed switch that supports ring redundancy will be of great help. In this configuration, the switches can be connected in a ring topology where each network switch is connected to two other switches on either side. The backup ring remains inactive during normal operation, but if one network switch fails, it will activate until the connection is repaired.

Increased Security

Another major advantage of using managed switches in business networks mainly lies in its high security. Unmanaged switches only provide basic security features, but the managed switches can only provide access to trusted devices to prevent unauthorized access and block unknown devices. With the 802.1X Port-Based Network Access Control (PNAC), the user can set up the level to access the switch.

How to Choose a Managed Network Switch?


Since there are various models out there with different specifications and features, we’ve concluded a quick buying guide to help you pick the best managed switch for your network:

Switch Ports: Network switches have different port numbers: 4, 8, 16, 32 and 64. A 4/8-port network switch is normally enough for everyday use, but the larger the network is, the greater number of Ethernet ports you’ll need. Based on how many devices you’re going to add to your networks, you can choose the suitable LAN switch that fulfills your needs, but it’s always better to choose a switch that has more interfaces than you actually need for future network expansions.

Features and Performance: When choosing a managed switch, the network speed is the priority. Fast Ethernet is enough for powering normal IP cameras and wireless access points, but Gigabit speed is required for running PTZ cameras, high-performance APs, LCD displays, etc. And make sure you select one with enough network capacity. Apart from some basic features such as advanced QoS, VLAN, and security, the managed switch should have some advanced features and diagnosis tools like remote network mirroring.

Commercial or Industrial: The commercial network switches are developed for applications in well-controlled and air-conditioned settings like an office and campus, while the industrial managed switches are designed for applications in factory automation, oil and mining, and public transportation projects like intersection traffic monitoring, etc. The industrial-grade managed switch has a strong resistance to vibration, electrical noise, temperature fluctuations and exposure to chemicals or combustible environments. The industrial switch features a fan-less heat dissipation mechanism, while the commercial one is usually fan-distributed.

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IP Cameras: Fixed Lens VS. Varifocal Lens

IP cameras are proven to be one of the most effective security devices to deter burglaries and intrusion. They play a crucial part in combating crimes and upholding justice. And in recent years, IP cameras are widely deployed in residential, commercial and industrial applications for asset protection and theft prevention. Choosing the right IP camera is especially important for your surveillance system. IP cameras are priced differently for many reasons, but one of the main factors is the lens, and generally, you’ll be faced with two options: fixed lens and varifocal lens.



What’s a Fixed-Lens Camera?

The fixed-lens camera, as its name implies, is equipped with a fixed-focal lens that doesn’t allow you to change the focal length and field of view of the camera, so the position of the fixed-lens camera is crucial provided it has a limited view and there is no zooming activity occurring. But a limited view also guarantees more details captured in the frame. Almost all of the fixed-lens cameras are wide-angle, which helps eliminate dead zones in smaller areas.

The fixed-lens camera is the most cost-effective and appropriate choice for domestic use to help housekeepers build a comprehensive surveillance camera in a more budget-friendly way. It’s relatively cheaper. Although the viewing angle of the fixed-lens camera cannot be easily adjusted once installed, if properly positioned, it can still make sure the most critical areas be covered. Moreover, the footage of such cameras can be ‘zoomed’ in on after. Additionally, the fixed-lens camera always comes in a compact size. With few moving parts, it’s also easier to set up. Compared with a varifocal lens, the fixed lens has a less complicated construction and can generate clearer images.



Mini 5MP IR IP Camera with 2.8mm Lens

This 5MP IR IP Camera comes in a dome shape, featuring a high resolution of up to 5MP at 25ps and a wider-angle lens of 2.8mm. It’s equipped with a removable IR cut filter: in the daytime, the filter covers the sensor to provide color footage, while at night the filter opens to generate B&W clear 1080p images in the dead of night, offering a maximum night vision range of 10 meters. Protected in an IP66 waterproof, vandal-proof housing, this PTZ camera can operate safely in any imaginable environment under a wider temperature range of -35°C to 55°C. Compliant with IEEE802.3af, this 5MP IR IP Camera can be directly powered by a PoE switch or PoE injector via the same network cable, eliminating additional power cabling.



What’s a Varifocal-Lens Camera?

The various-lens camera, however, is built with an adjustable focal length, which allows you to adjust the viewing angle for any particular application to deliver a larger field of view. If you plan on changing the angle of the camera every now and then, the varifocal camera is obviously a wiser investment over the longer run. In this way, you don’t have to reinstall the camera to a different location every time. With the various-lens camera, you can change the focus of the camera to adjust the view to the desired location. And you can easily zoom in or out on a target to capture faraway or small objects like license plates.

Unlike the fixed-lens camera, the varifocal camera gives you more flexibility and adaptability when selecting an installation site and it’s great for focusing on one area. It’s more suitable for business applications to monitor the main entrances of the buildings, gateways, parking lots, warehouses, etc. Since it’s very hard to envision the exact field of view you need on the installation site, using a varifocal camera allows you to get the desired view. Thanks to variable focal length, you can easily zoom in the lens to get a clearer image and zoom out to get a wider view without affecting the image quality.

How does the varifocal camera work? Is it necessary?

Unlike the PTZ camera which can change its focal length automatically via scheduling or controlled through a smart app, most varifocal cameras only support manually adjustable lenses, which means you need to adjust the lens to the desired angle during the installation. Once adjusted, it will stay at this angle forever unless you adjust it once again. With the varifocal security cameras, you can capture a wider area in enough detail. And here are the situations, you must employ a varifocal camera: 1) when you only have the budget to install one camera in the room; 2) when you cannot mount the camera close to a place of interest; 3) when you need to get a close look at the passing person and vehicles; 4) when you need to identify a subject or target 15 meters away.

H.265 5MP PoE Bullet IR IP Camera with Vari-focal Lens

Long and cylindrical in shape, this PoE Bullet IR IP Camera is designed to target one specific location with a substantial viewing angle. It’s capable of housing a larger lens, covering a larger area, which makes it ideal for surveillance in places like parking lots, airports, and traffic intersections to provide higher levels of detail. Additionally, its distinguishable appearance also serves as an effective visual deterrent to burglars and thieves. It can record videos at stunning 5MP with a 2.8-12mm varifocal lens and 4x optical zoom. The infrared illuminators will automatically switch on to light up the monitored area 30 meters away. This camera is also equipped with an intelligent person detection function, so when a person enters the detection zone, auto-tracking will be automatically triggered.

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PTZ Speed Dome Cameras for IP Surveillance

Security cameras are crucial to any type of surveillance system. Camera footage is extremely useful in criminal investigation and evidence taking to prevent activities like illegal poaching. It’s a helpful tool to safeguard your property and business, but the question is “which camera is the best for your surveillance system?”. The most commonly used security cameras are bullet cameras, dome cameras and PTZ cameras. The bullet camera comes with a bullet-shaped housing, a fixed lens, etc., and is ideal for monitoring larger areas. The dome camera is more low-profile and has a tinted casing that prevents intruders from recognizing in which direction the camera is pointing. But sometimes, we don’t want to be limited to a camera’s field of view, and here’s where the PTZ camera comes in. It provides more comprehensive coverage and gives us more freedom to customize our surveillance needs.



What is a PTZ Camera?

The PTZ camera is a kind of security camera that can pan side-to-side, tilt up and down and zoom in and zoom out. It is typically used to provide surveillance for wider areas that require a 180°-360° view and 24/7 continuous monitoring. It can be operated in remote locations via the internet from the control room. Compared with the traditional IP cameras, the PTZ camera has a highly movable lens while the camera stays completely stationary within its housing. It can capture footage at various angles and can zoom in and out to capture more details and cover a larger area. It’s commonly used in business and commercial surveillance systems like office buildings, factories, and some public areas such as schools and hospitals. And it can also be seen in railway stations and intersection traffic monitoring.



The Functions of PTZ Cameras in IP Surveillance

Here, we’ve summarized the basic functions of PTZ cameras in IP surveillance.

Optical Zooming: One of the biggest advantages of using PTZ cameras is their ability to zoom in and zoom out, which can be of great help to capture faraway or small objects like license plates. There are two basic ways of zooming: optical zooming and digital zoom. Optical zoom physically adjusts the focal length of the lens, while digital zoom uses magnification technology to make a subject appear close-up by enlarging pixels in the center of the image. In digital zooming, resolution and image quality will be greatly compromised, while optical zooming will keep image resolution the same no matter how far you zoom in.

Motion Tracking & Auto-focus: Although a great number of IP security cameras support motion tracking functions, the PTZ cameras offer a more powerful and reliable motion-based auto-tracking to target the moving subjects (even a high-speed moving vehicle) automatically and more freely with the Pan-Tilt-Zoom capacities to cover a larger area. Additionally, nearly all PTZ cameras can auto-focus: they can automatically adjust the focus while tilting, panning or zooming until you get a clear image and can make out all necessary details of the scene.


Automatic Tours: The PTZ camera can be configured or preset to patrol or scout pre-determined areas automatically and repeatedly at a certain speed and interval. For instance, the PTZ camera can be configured to pan, tilt, or zoom every one minute to capture different areas of interest within the camera’s overall surveillance area. But since it is programmed to change its facial view and camera angle now and then, scientifically speaking, a PTZ camera cannot guarantee a 360-degree perspective in actual applications——there’s and always will be a dead zone or blind spot, and it’s also the reason why you need to set up multiple security cameras at a time. What’s more, you can also manually control the camera to turn and rotate to provide a constant view of an area if you spot any suspicious activities at the scene.



How to Install the PTZ Camera?

A functioning surveillance system offers full property coverage around the clock, and it’s normally composed of different types of security cameras, a router, a power device like a PoE switch, an Network Video Recorder (NVR), and proper cabling.

Mounting the Camera

There are many ways to mount the PTZ cameras but choose one that works best for your situation. Avoid placing the camera in places where they will face direct sunlight, which will jeopardize the visibility. Fastcabling’s PTZ cameras are all designed for wall-mounting: 1) mark the areas where the wall-mount bracket will be placed and drill some holes accordingly; 2) Attach the bracket to the wall and tighten it with screws; 3) feed the pigtails of the PTZ camera up into the bracket and slide the camera up into place until you feel the camera lock into the bracket; 4) tighten the bolts on the bracket arm to secure the PTZ camera.

Wiring the Cables

After you’ve mounted the PTZ camera to the wall, you should consider how to get the power and network. Since our PTZ cameras are compliant with IEEE802.3 standards, you can send power and data to the cameras simultaneously via the same cables. Follow the procedures here to complete the connection: 1) plug the PoE switch into a power outlet; 2) take a short patch cord, connect one end to one of the uplink ports on the PoE switch and connect the other end to the router; 3) take another cable, connect one end to the other uplink port of the switch and connect the other end to the NVR; 4) take an Ethernet cable, connect one end to one of the PoE ports on the switch and the other end to the pigtail of the PTZ camera. When the PTZ camera starts to activate, then the connection is completed.