POE Camera Explained for Dummies

If you are looking for a POE camera, there are many different cameras that you are going to be able to choose from. Before purchasing one of these types of cameras, it is very important that you understand exactly what it is and make sure that it is going to suit the needs want it to do.

Introduction 

A POE camera stands for a power over Ethernet camera. POE is a technology that lets network cables carry electrical power. When you have a security camera is POE-enabled, only the network connection needs to be made, as it will receive its electrical power from this cable as well.Power over Ethernet is going to simply reduce the number of cables required in order to connect a POE camera.

Why a POE Camera?

A Power over Ethernet is going to give you many advantages to an installation:

·         Time and cost savings - network cables do not require an electrician to fit them and can be located wherever you want

·         Flexibility - access points can be located anywhere needed most and be moved around easily when needed

·         Safety - designed to protect network equipment from overload, underpowering or incorrect installation

·         Reliability - can be backed-up by an uninterruptible power supply or easily controlled in order to disable or reset devices

·         Scalability - installation and distribution of network connections is simple and effective

Devices 

A POE camera is now ubiquitous on networked surveillance cameras where it is able to have fast deployment and can easily be repositioned. Wifi and bluetooth APs and RFID readers are commonly POE-compatible which is what allowsthem to be used in a remote location away from AC outlets and relocated if needed following site surveys.

Upgrading 

Adding POE to your network is easy. There are two routes that you can choose. A POE switch is a network switch that has power over Ethernet injection built right in.  You just need to connect other network devices to the switch as normal and the switch will detect whether they are POE-compatible and enable power automatically. The switches are available to suit all applications.

POE Switch

A POE injector is used to add POE capability to regular non-POE network links.  They can be used to upgrade existing LAN installations to POE and they can also provide a versatile solution where fewer POE ports are required.  Upgrading a network connection to POE is as simple.

POE Midspan

It is also possible to upgrade IP cameras to POE by using a POE splitter.  The POE splitter is patched to the camera's network connection and taps off the POE power.

Conclusion

There are many different POE cameras that you are going to be able to find on the market today. Before purchasing your next one of these types of security cameras, it is important to research it in full in order to make sure it is going work for you and the place that you want to have it installed at.