The network and power behind every camera
PoE switches, structured cabling, Wi-Fi and UPS backup, so your cameras stay online, your footage keeps recording and your system survives power cuts.
What is PoE and why does CCTV use it?
PoE (Power over Ethernet) delivers electrical power and video data to an IP camera through a single network cable. It means fewer cables, no separate power outlet at each camera, cleaner installation and the ability to back everything up with one UPS at the switch.
The infrastructure layer
PoE switches
Managed and unmanaged switches sized for camera count and power budget.
Structured cabling
Cat6 runs, trunking, labelling and neat patch panels built to last.
Wi-Fi coverage
Reliable wireless for gates, outbuildings and staff devices.
UPS & surge protection
Keep recorders and switches running through brownouts and protect from surges.
Fibre & wireless links
Connect distant buildings, gates and yards where cabling is impractical.
Rack & enclosure
Tidy wall or floor racks with cooling and lockable doors.
Cable and PoE basics
| Topic | Guideline |
|---|---|
| Maximum Ethernet cable run | About 100 m per segment; extend with switches, fibre or wireless bridges |
| Recommended cable | Cat6 for new installs, copper conductors rather than copper-clad aluminium |
| PoE standards | 802.3af (15.4 W), 802.3at (30 W) and 802.3bt for high-power devices such as PTZ |
| Power budget | Total PoE watts of the switch must exceed all connected devices combined |
| Backup | UPS sized for the recorder, switch and cameras to match the runtime you need |
Most CCTV problems are network problems
Without proper infrastructure
- Cameras drop offline or reboot
- Footage has gaps during power cuts
- Messy cabling is hard to maintain
With a planned network
- Stable live view and continuous recording
- UPS keeps the system running through outages
- Labelled, documented cabling for easy support
Network & Power
Network & power brochure
PoE sizing, cabling standards and UPS options in a single guide.
- PoE standards and power budget table
- Cabling and rack best practice
- UPS sizing and surge protection
Benefits of Network & Power
Stable cameras
A planned network and PoE budget stops cameras from dropping offline.
One cable per camera
PoE carries power and data, reducing cables and installation time.
Survives power cuts
A UPS at the recorder and switch keeps recording during outages.
Neat and maintainable
Labelled cables, racks and documentation make faults easy to trace.
Full Wi-Fi coverage
Access points reach gates, outbuildings and upper floors.
Ready to grow
Spare ports and capacity let you add cameras later without rework.
PoE vs normal switch, managed vs unmanaged, access point vs router
| Option | What it does | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Normal switch | Data only; devices need their own power | Computers and recorders |
| PoE switch | Power and data through one cable | IP cameras, access points and intercoms |
| Unmanaged switch | Plug and play, no configuration | Homes and small systems |
| Managed switch | VLANs, monitoring and port control | Larger sites and separate camera networks |
| Router | Connects your network to the internet | Internet gateway and firewall |
| Access point | Extends Wi-Fi coverage over a wired network | Offices, multi-storey and outdoor areas |
Keep cable runs to about 100 m, or use long-range switches, fibre or wireless bridges beyond that.
Explore products and guides
Network and power questions
Wi-Fi cameras are possible for light use, but wired PoE is far more reliable for 24/7 recording. We recommend wiring wherever practical.
It depends on the load and battery size. We size UPS units for your recorder, switch and cameras to meet an agreed runtime.
Local recording uses your internal network, not your internet line. Only remote viewing uses upload bandwidth, and we configure streams to keep it light.
Yes. We re-route, label and rack existing cabling as part of upgrade and maintenance work.
Yes: IP address plan, cable labelling and equipment list, so future upgrades are simple.