In addition to the functions of an ordinary switch, PoE switches also have PoE power supply functions that can power network devices such as network cameras (IPCs) and wireless APs, thus saving them from cumbersome power wiring. Choosing the right PoE switch will require attention to the following points:

1、Power supply standard

Determine the power supply protocol (such as 802.3af, 802.3at or non-standard PoE) supported by the powered end (AP or IPC). The PoE power supply protocol supported by the switch needs to be consistent with the powered end. The single-port output power of 802.3af standard PoE switch is 15.4W, and the single-port input power of 802.3at standard PoE switch is 30W. For larger powered devices, it is recommended to use 802.3at standard PoE switch.

In addition to the power supply protocol and single-port output power, PoE switches also need to consider the overall power of PoE switches. The higher the total power, the stronger the power supply capability (the maximum power supply must be greater than the total power of the powered end).

Note: Our current PoE switch power supply protocols support 802.3af and 802.3at (adaptive matching of the receiving end).

2、Physical ports

The number of ports of PoE switch is also different, ranging from 4 to 48 ports. Please consider the number of PoE ports according to the number of powered terminals.

3、Transmission rate

The transmission rate of PoE switch is divided into 100 and 1 Gigabit, so you need to consider the highest rate that the port needs to support according to the powered terminal and business requirements. In general, Gigabit PoE switch performance is better than 100 Gigabit PoE switch, to network monitoring, for example, if the monitoring equipment is configured with high-definition cameras, but the bandwidth is not enough to support HD propagation, there will be packet loss, affecting the monitoring effect (delay, lag). To achieve a smooth HD effect, a Gigabit PoE switch can be used.

4、Manageability

PoE switches are divided into managed PoE switches and basic PoE switches. The basic PoE switch mainly provides PoE power supply ports, which can be used directly without configuration; the managed PoE switch can flexibly configure the port power supply time and priority in addition to providing PoE power supply, so that a more reasonable power supply plan can be specified.


5. Usage environment

PoE switches can be divided into commercial grade and industrial grade according to the usage environment. Commercial grade POE switches are generally used indoors and are widely used in stores, SME parks, banks, schools, etc. Industrial grade POE switches can be used in harsh environments to ensure stable video transmission due to their resistance to high and low temperatures and lightning strikes.

H&T Optoelectronics has a complete commercial and industrial POE product line, which can meet the needs of customers in diverse scenarios.