Networking Guides

How to Choose the Right PoE Switch for CCTV & Wi-Fi in Lebanon

Published by HI-GAIN Engineering Team on March 5, 2026

Understanding Power over Ethernet (PoE)

Power over Ethernet (PoE) simplifies installations by transmitting both data and electrical power over a single standard Ethernet cable (Cat5e/Cat6). This is critical for IP cameras (CCTV) and Wireless Access Points (APs), eliminating the need for AC outlets near the ceiling or outdoor poles.

Types of PoE Standards

Choosing the wrong PoE standard can literally fry your equipment. Here is what you need to know:

  • 802.3af (PoE): The original standard. Delivers up to 15.4W of DC power. Perfect for basic IP cameras, VoIP phones, and standard Wi-Fi access points.
  • 802.3at (PoE+): Delivers up to 30W. Required for high-end PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) cameras, advanced Wi-Fi 6 access points (like the UniFi U6-Pro), and alarm systems.
  • 802.3bt (PoE++): Delivers 60W (Type 3) up to 90W (Type 4). Used for heavy power consumers like building management systems or multi-radio outdoor APs.
  • 24V Passive PoE: WARNING: This is a non-standard, "always-on" power delivery method heavily used by older Ubiquiti airMAX and MikroTik devices. It does not perform handshake safety checks. Plugging a non-24V device into a 24V Passive port will destroy the device.

Top PoE Switch Recommendations

1. The Enterprise Choice: Ubiquiti UniFi

If you want seamless management and a beautiful UI, UniFi is unmatched. The UniFi Pro 24 PoE offers a mix of 802.3af/at and 802.3bt ports with 10G SFP+ uplinks, perfect for corporate CCTV and WiFi 6 deployments.

2. The Highly Configurable Authority: MikroTik

For ultimate control and hybrid power needs, the MikroTik CRS328-24P-4S+RM is our best seller. It supports auto-sensing 802.3af/at AND 24V passive PoE on every single port, selectable via software. This is a lifesaver when mixing modern IP cameras with older wireless bridges.

3. The Budget/Edge Solution

For small, cost-sensitive deployments, simple unmanaged switches like the Syrotech 8-port PoE switch offer reliable 802.3af power for standard 1080p/4MP cameras.

Power Budgets: The Silent Killer

A 24-port PoE switch doesn't mean it can power 24 devices at max power. Always check the total PoE Power Budget. If a switch has a 120W budget, and you connect 10 cameras requiring 15W each (150W total), the switch will reboot or drop cameras randomly at night when the IR LEDs turn on.

HI-GAIN offers expert consultation on power budget calculations to ensure your CCTV or Wi-Fi deployment runs flawlessly 24/7.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I plug a non-PoE device into a PoE switch?
Yes, if the switch uses active PoE (802.3af/at/bt). Active switches check if the device needs power before sending it. Unpowered devices act normally. However, DO NOT plug normal devices into a 24V Passive PoE port.
What switch do I need for UniFi U6-Pro?
The UniFi U6-Pro requires 802.3at (PoE+) power. You need a switch that supports the PoE+ standard, such as the UniFi PoE switches or a MikroTik CRS model.
Why do my IP cameras disconnect at night?
This is usually a PoE Power Budget issue. At night, cameras turn on their Infrared (IR) LEDs for night vision, which dramatically increases their power consumption. If this pushes your switch over its total power budget, ports will shut down.