Best PoE Switches for IP/CCTV Cameras in 2025

 

PoE switches are network switches that are equipped with Power over Ethernet or PoE technology. PoE technology allows you to transmit data and electricity through one Ethernet cable, such as Cat5e or Cat6 cables. You can thus save money as you don’t have to purchase separate cables and bring aesthetics to your workplace by removing cable clutter. PoE switches can be used for multiple devices such as IP security cameras, VoIP phones, wireless access points, smart lighting systems, access control devices, and other Internet of Things (IoT) equipment. 

PoE switches are available in different standards. For instance: 

• PoE (802.3af) supports 15.4W, and it is suitable for IP phones, basic IP cameras, and 802.11n APs. 

• PoE+(802.3at) supports 30W, and it is recommended for IP Video Phones, PTZ HD IP Cameras, 802.11ac (WiFi 5) and 802.11ax (WiFi 6) Access Points, and Small Audio Speakers.

• PoE++(802.3bt) that supports 60W to 100W, and it is suitable for PTZ HD IP Cameras with Heaters, 802.11ax (WiFi 6) and 802.11be (WiFi 7) APs, Smart Building Lighting, Audio System, and Thin Clients. 

However, if you are looking to establish a reliable CCTV or IP surveillance system, you need to choose a PoE that is tailored to your specific operational and budget needs. It can be quite a daunting task for you! 

Worry not! In this article, we will help you know why choosing PoE switches can be a game-changer for you, and we will also let you know which PoE switches you should consider for CCTV or an IP surveillance system. 

Why Should You Choose PoE Switches for Your CCTV/IP Surveillance System?

Deploying PoE switches can provide multiple advantages to your network. For instance. 

First,

It provides one-cable convenience; you can combine both data and cables through one cable, making it possible for you to avoid cable clutter. You don’t need to go hunt for nearby outlets and make sure that the installation is faster and cleaner. 

Second,

Since PoE switches can provide power, you can place cameras wherever you like, such as walls, parking lots, or any other place, without any need for electricians to run AC lines. 

Third, 

A PoE switch-based IP surveillance system can help you manage all security cameras from a single and centralized place. You can provide backup for the whole system with a single UPS. You can also reboot any camera from the centralized dashboard. Furthermore, managed PoE switches allow network administrators to segment network traffic with VLANs, making it convenient for you to manage network traffic and prioritize bandwidth for mission-critical surveillance. 

Fourth,

Modern PoE switches support smart power management. They can sense the power requirements of every device, say IP cameras, and allocate wattage automatically. For instance, you can make sure that power-hungry PTZ cameras are always receiving the requisite power for smooth surveillance and security. 

Finally,

PoE switches feature easy scalability, allowing you to add more CCTV cameras or Ethernet lines without any worry, as they come with future-proof port configurations.

Having discussed the importance of PoE switches for IP surveillance systems, we now share our top picks.

Best PoE Switches for IP Cameras in 2025:

Normally, a perfect PoE switch must come with a solid-rock power budget, sufficient PoE density, and reliable network performance. 

Here are our recommendations vis-à-vis the best PoE camera you can choose in 2025. 

1. Best 8-Port PoE Switch for Home CCTV:

FS IES3100-8TF-P, 8-Port Industrial Switch is recommended as the best 8-port PoE switch for CCTV/IP surveillance systems. It comes with 8x 10/100/1000BASE-T RJ45 ports, 26Gbps switching capacity, 148,800 pps/100M port forwarding rate, and -40 to 75°C operating temperature, making it suitable for indoor as well as outdoor home CCTV surveillance systems. 

Similarly, there are other 8-port PoE switches that you can look into before making an ultimate choice. For instance: 

 

Best 16/24-Port PoE Switch for Enterprise Installations: 

Here are our top picks when it comes to the best available 16-port and 24-port PoE switches suitable for an enterprise-grade CCTV surveillance system.

NETGEAR GS116PP, 16-Port:

Featuring 6-gigabit ports, each delivering up to 30W, with a hefty 183W total PoE budget, Silent, fanless metal housing for office or AV racks, and more, NETGEAR GS116PP, 16-Port is often recommended as the most suitable 16-port switch for enterprise-level IP surveillance systems. Also, you can check other Netgear Network Switches to find which one best serves your needs.

Cisco Catalyst 3650 WS-C3650-24PS-L:

Supporting a 390W PoE budget, StackWise, Layer 3, advanced security, and 24 fully managed PoE ports, Cisco Catalyst 3650 WS-C3650-24PS-L is the right choice if you are looking for a 24-port PoE switch for your enterprise CCTV surveillance system.

Here are alternative options if you are interested in finding the most suitable PoE switch solution. 

 

Best Outdoor-Rated PoE Switches: 

Here is a table showing the top-rated PoE switches that you can choose in 2025 for your IP cameras. 

 

Top Industrial-Grade Switches for Harsh Environments: 

Industrial-grade PoE Ethernet switches must feature rugged construction, wide temperature tolerance, robust power features, and advanced network reliability. Based on these metrics, here is our selected list of top industrial-grade switches suitable for a harsh environment.