PoE Switches Explained: Powering Your CCTV Network the Right Way

A PoE switch powers your IP cameras and carries their video over a single network cable, which is why it is one of the most important parts of a CCTV network. Here is what Power over Ethernet is, why it suits cameras, and how to choose the port count, power budget and PoE standard for a site in Mozambique.

What is a PoE switch?

A PoE switch delivers both data and electrical power over a single network cable. That means each IP camera needs only one cable, with no separate power adapter at the camera. This makes installations cleaner, faster and cheaper.

Why PoE is ideal for CCTV

• One cable per camera: simpler cabling, fewer points of failure.
• Easier placement: mount cameras where there is no power outlet.
• Centralised power: connect the switch to a UPS to keep cameras running during outages.

Choosing the right PoE switch

• Port count: match it to your camera count, with room to grow.
• Power budget: make sure the total wattage covers all cameras, especially PTZ or heated models.
• PoE standard: IEEE 802.3af (up to 15.4 W per port), 802.3at or PoE+ (up to 30 W) or 802.3bt (PoE++) for high-power devices.
• Outdoor vs indoor: waterproof switches, like the Witek outdoor models, for external installs.

A worked example

Eight fixed dome cameras drawing about 6 W each need roughly 48 W in total. A 16-port switch with a 130 W budget covers that, leaves room for eight more cameras, and still has headroom if one of them is a PTZ that draws 25 W.

Frequently asked questions

How far can a PoE cable run?

Standard Ethernet allows 100 metres between the switch and the camera. For longer runs, add a PoE extender or a second switch, or use a long-range mode where the switch supports it, which trades speed for distance.

Will my cameras stay on during a power cut?

Only if the switch is on a UPS. Because all camera power comes from the switch, one UPS in the rack keeps every camera and the recorder running, which is the main advantage over local power adapters.

Can I use a cheap unmanaged switch?

For a small system, yes, as long as the power budget and PoE standard match the cameras. Larger sites benefit from a managed switch that shows per-port power use and can restart a camera remotely.

Get the network right the first time

A poorly powered network causes cameras to drop offline. A.S.S. LDA supplies and installs Witek, Hikvision and Ubiquiti networking gear across Mozambique. Contact us at vendas@asslda.com or 844888222 for expert network design, or request a free quote on our website.

Written by the A.S.S. LDA technical team, Maputo.