When you have a large network of IP cameras to cover a massive space, PoE extenders become essential. These ensure the reliable and faster performance of the cameras.
In this article, we will explore the basics of PoE extender for IP cameras. We will explain its types and how it works. You’ll get a better deal on how and when to use them to increase the network’s performance.
Basic of PoE Extender
What is a PoE Extender?
A PoE extender is a device that extends the network distance between your PoE switch and PoE-enabled device.
The distance can be no more than 100m in a direct connection. But the distance can be up to 200m after connecting the PoE extender. Multiple PoE extenders can be connected in series (daisy-chain) to increase the distance further.
A PoE extender, also called a PoE repeater, boosts the signals to make it travel longer distances. If the distance between your PoE switch and PoE device is over 100m, you need to use a PoE extender to ensure signal integrity.
Types of PoE Extender
PoE extenders can be classified into several types, depending on power and daisy chaining.
Ultra PoE Extender
Ultra PoE extenders are very powerful. They are capable of taking 60-90W input from the switch; therefore, they can extend the network longer than other PoE extenders.
High-power PoE Extender
High-power PoE extenders are the next option. They can take up to 30W input, which is lower than the Ultra PoE extenders. Thus, they have limitations on the distance. However, they are less expensive.
Daisy Chain PoE Extender
The PoE extenders that can be daisy-chained, which means one extender connected after the other and so on, are daisy chain PoE extenders.
Non-Daisy Chain PoE Extender
Not all PoE extenders support daisy chaining. Such extenders are referred to as non-daisy chain PoE extenders.
How Does a PoE Extender Work?
When signals travel through an electrical wire, they lose power over the distance. So, if the distance is significant, the signal will be very weak.
Say you want to connect an IP camera at a 150m distance. It won’t give results without an extender; there will be a compromise in video quality, speed, data, etc. You’ll have to connect an extender between the switch and the device.
Then, the PoE extender will amplify the signal and offer the power it needs to cover a long distance without losing any data or compromising the integrity.
It takes power from the PoE switch. Some of the power is consumed by the extender, and the remaining power is passed on to the IP camera. That’s how it amplifies the signal and helps it reach the endpoint.
Suppose a PoE extender takes 50W input. It will consume 5W and send the remaining to the camera. However, if the extender supports daisy chaining and you have connected multiple extenders to cover a vast distance, each will consume around 5W, and the remaining will be passed on.
Main Features of PoE Extender for IP Camera
Here are a few PoE extender features you need to consider for an IP camera.
- The extender should be plug-and-play.
- It should be compatible with the PoE standard, i.e., 802.3af/at/bt.
- If there are multiple devices to connect, there should be more than one port.
- Check out the power rating of the power that the extender can take as input. For daisy chaining and excellent performance, it should be 60W or higher. For one device within the 200m range, above 30W is enough.
- The housing of the extender should be waterproof, especially if you are placing it outdoors. It ensures a long life.
- For heavy-duty applications and extremely long distances around 500m, pick an industrial-grade extender. It can even be buried underground.
- The extender should have the daisy-chaining feature. So, if you want to increase the distance in the future or use the extender for any other purpose, you can add more extenders to the series.
Bonus: Proper PoE IP Camera Recommendation
16MP Dual-lens PoE Security Camera - Duo 3 PoE
Duo 3 PoE is a powerful 16MP outdoor camera for all weather conditions. It has a dual lens that gives you a wider field of view of 180⁰ and high resolution for crisp and clear videos. Its manual zoom offers clear facial features and even license plates.
The camera offers color night vision, accurate alerts, quick installation setup, and many features that make it an ideal outdoor camera.
Groundbreaking 16MP Dual-Lens PoE Camera
16MP UHD, Dual-Lens, Motion Track, 180° Wide Viewing Angle, Power over Ethernet, Color Night Vision.
4K PoE PTZ Security Camera - Reolink TrackMix PoE
This is an incredible PTZ camera for covering large outdoor areas. It contains a wide-angle and telephoto lens to capture clear 4K videos with incredible details. It tracks the motion through pan-tilt and gives a lot of information in a single frame.
The camera has auto-focus, auto-tracking, two-way audio, smart detection, instant alerts, and a lot more. It is a good option for household use.
4K Dual-Lens PTZ Camera with Dual Tracking
4K 8MP Ultra HD, Wide & Telephoto Lenses, Pan & Tilt, Auto-Tracking, Person/Vehicle Detection, Power over Ethernet, Two-Way Audio.
4K PoE Security Camera with Zoom - RLC-811A
RLC-811A is a 4K PoE security camera that offers 5X zoom to get into fine details. It detects persons and vehicles and sends instant alerts on your device. It can also alert intruders through its siren and spotlight.
It facilitates two-way audio for communication with the person at the door. You get clear and colored videos even at night. Enjoy its time-lapse, remote access, flexible storage, and other exciting features.
4K Smart PoE Camera with 5 Spotlights
4K 8MP Ultra HD Day & Night, Person/Vehicle Alerts, 5X Optical Zoom, Two-Way Audio, Built-in Siren, Color Night Vision, Live View Anywhere.
FAQs
1. How do you tell if the PoE extender for the IP camera went bad?
It will block the signal and power, which prevents the IP camera from working. Secondly, it can affect the video quality, speed, and other characteristics of the camera.
2. What is the difference between a PoE injector and a PoE extender?
A PoE extender extends the network distance between a PoE switch and a PoE device. In contrast, a PoE injector allows a PoE-enabled device to connect with a non-PoE switch. Both serve different purposes.
Conclusion
PoE extenders ensure signal stability and excellent performance of your PoE devices when the distance is over 100m. Without any system upgrade, these plug-and-play devices can increase the network distance. For covering long distances, use a PoE extender, but make sure to consider the features we have mentioned.