POE simply means Power Over Ethernet. This is a technology that allows network cables carry electricity. Your security camera usually needs two connections when it’s installed, A network connection which allows it to ‘talk’ to video recording and play back equipment and the power connection, to deliver the juice to make the camera work. If you have a POE switch enabled, you only need the network connection because it will receive electricity from the same cable.
There are a few advantages to using this POE switch. Cost is always one we like, but it saves time as well. You can install this yourself and the switch can be purchased anywhere normal hardware items are sold. It frees up the devices can be moved about and placed wherever they are most needed.
It controls and protects your network equipment from overloading, underpowering or being installed incorrectly. It’s reliable and be backed up, reset or easily disabled. It’s also easy to install or upgrade to an existing system you may already have. They come in a multiple of styles, from low-cost with a few ports to rather complex models with many more ports.
Q: Do I need a router to connect IP cameras using the PoE switch?
A: Yes, you must connect the PoE Switch and NVR to a router on your network. A router is required to connect the NVR to the Internet and to connect devices within the system. The router will assign addresses to the IP cameras to ensure that any cameras connected to the LAN will be detected by the NVR.