How to choose a PoE switch for IP cameras and access points

A PoE switch powers IP cameras, access points and door terminals over the same cable that carries their data. Choosing one comes down to port count, the power each device draws, the total power budget of the switch, the uplink speed, and whether the switch will be managed. This guide walks through those decisions across the brands listed on this site.

What this guide covers

PoE classes: 802.3af (PoE), 802.3at (PoE+) and 802.3bt (PoE++) and what each powers
Total power budget versus per-port power
Unmanaged, smart and managed switches
Uplink ports: copper, SFP and 10-gigabit
Long-range or extend mode for camera runs
Industrial switches for cabinets and outdoor enclosures

Typical applications

CCTV systems with 4 to 48 cameras
Wi-Fi access points across an office
Door access terminals and intercom stations
Mixed networks of cameras, phones and PCs

What you will find

Worked method: list devices, add their power, allow headroom, pick the switch
Where to place switches in a building to keep cable runs short
When to use the NVR's built-in PoE ports instead of a switch
Which brand ranges on this site fit each size of project

Functions vary by model and firmware; see each model page and the official datasheet.

Selection questions

How many PoE devices now, and how many will be added later?
What is the power draw of each device: fixed camera, PTZ, access point?
Does any run exceed 100 metres, and is fibre or a long-range switch the answer?
Is VLAN separation of CCTV from the office network required?

Prepare an enquiry

ISD in Kuching, Sarawak handles PoE switch selection enquiries for projects in Sarawak and Malaysia. Send the full model code and quantity, or describe the site. Supply only; ISD confirms the model separately.

Describe your requirement

Frequently asked questions

How do I calculate the PoE budget?

Add the maximum power of every device that will be connected. The switch's total PoE budget must be above that sum, with headroom for devices added later. Per-port limits also matter for PTZ cameras and heaters.

Is an unmanaged PoE switch enough for CCTV?

For a small system with one switch and a recorder, usually yes. Larger sites use smart or managed switches for VLANs, monitoring and port control.

Which brands of PoE switch does ISD list?

Hikvision DS-3E, TP-Link Omada and TL-SG, D-Link DGS, Huawei S-series, Ruijie Reyee and Mercusys MS series all have PoE models with pages on this site; see the linked guides.

How to choose a PoE switch for IP cameras and access points - models on this site

123 more related models are listed in the product catalogue.

Related guides and categories

Reference

Written by ISD from manufacturers' public product information; confirm specifications on each model page and the official datasheet. Checked 2026-11-01.