PoE Switches

PoE Switches Buying Guide

A PoE (power over Ethernet) switch sends power and data down the same Ethernet cable, so security cameras, Wi-Fi access points, and VoIP phones run without an outlet or power adapter at each device. That saves electrical work on every install, makes ceiling and exterior mounting simple, and centralizes power for every device at one PoE network switch, which is easy to back up with a UPS.

PoE, PoE+, and PoE++ Switches

Match the switch to what you're powering. Standard PoE handles VoIP phones and basic devices, PoE+ covers typical fixed security cameras and Wi-Fi access points, and PoE++ steps up for high-power gear like PTZ cameras and Wi-Fi 7 access points. Then add up the wattage of everything you plan to connect and choose a switch whose total PoE budget covers it with room to grow. For a single device, a PoE injector is the simpler option.

Managed vs. Unmanaged PoE Switches

An unmanaged PoE switch is plug and play, a good fit for a small camera system or office. A managed PoE switch adds VLANs to keep camera and guest traffic separate, traffic priority for voice, and per-port power control, so you can reboot a frozen camera or access point without climbing a ladder. Cloud-managed lines like UniFi, TP-Link Omada, Zyxel Nebula, and HPE Instant On let you set up and monitor every switch from one app or cloud dashboard.

Specialty PoE Switches

Not every job fits a standard switch. Multi-gig PoE switches keep up with Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 access points, industrial DIN-rail models from TRENDnet have hardened metal housings rated for extreme temperatures, and the Netgear AV Line is designed for AV-over-IP systems. For enterprise campus networks, browse our UniFi Enterprise campus switches or the full range of network switches.