PoE IP Cameras & NVRs

A PoE camera is a security camera that delivers both power and data through a single Ethernet cable, such as Cat5 or Cat6. This eliminates the need for separate power adapters and helps ensure a stable, reliable network connection.

PoE IP cameras, when paired with NVRs, are commonly used in business and professional surveillance setups. Many advanced models offer simplified installation, 4K UHD video resolution, and long-distance transmission for larger properties.

Thanks to single-cable PoE technology, the working process of PoE security systems is straightforward and easy to understand.

- Power and data via one cable: PoE cameras receive both power and data through a single Ethernet cable.

- Connection to a PoE Switch or Injector: The Ethernet cable connects the camera to a PoE switch or injector, which supplies power and handles network communication.

- Video Transmission and Recording: The camera sends video data through the same cable to an NVR or network for stable, high-speed recording.

- Live Monitoring and Alerts: Users can view live footage, access recordings, and receive motion alerts via apps or connected devices.

- Stable network connection: PoE cameras use a hardwired connection, making them immune to signal jamming or interference from other wireless devices. Wired connections also ensure a stable 24/7 video stream, which is critical for security monitoring.

- Reliable power backup: During a power outage, connecting your PoE switch or NVR to an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) allows your entire camera system to stay online.

- Simplified and flexible one-cable installation: Traditional cameras require two cables—one for data and one for power. PoE reduces this to a single cable. You can mount cameras in high or hard-to-reach locations, such as roof eaves or poles, without needing a nearby electrical outlet or hiring an electrician.

- Plug-and-play setup: Most modern systems automatically recognize the camera as soon as it is connected to the NVR or PoE switch.

- Easy expansion: You can simply add a PoE switch to your network to support 4, 8, or even 16 additional cameras using your existing infrastructure.

- Enhanced physical security: Wired connections are harder to jam than wireless signals. PoE cameras often use waterproof couplers that seal the cable connection. This helps prevent corrosion and short circuits.

- Hardware requirements: You can't just buy a camera; you also need a PoE Switch or a Network Video Recorder (NVR) to provide power and manage the data.

- Wiring labor: If you aren't comfortable drilling through exterior walls or running cables through an attic, you will likely need to hire a professional.

- Power budgets: If you use a low-cost PoE switch with many cameras, it may not supply enough power. Each switch has a limited power budget. High-power cameras like PTZ models can use 30–60W. This can reduce the power available to other cameras on the same switch.

- Distance Limits: Once your cable run exceeds 100 meters (328 feet), you will experience "voltage drop" and data loss. The camera may flicker, lose night vision, or stop working entirely.

- Fixed Placement: Once an Ethernet cable is run through your walls and terminated, moving the camera even a few feet can be a major chore. Unlike wireless Wi-Fi cameras, you can't just "unstick" it and move it to a different room.

Yes, you can connect a PoE camera directly to a router if the router supports PoE. Most home routers do not supply power, so you need a PoE switch or injector to provide electricity and allow the camera to transmit video data.

PoE cameras are often better than WiFi cameras for reliability and security. A wired connection delivers stable video and avoids wireless interference. PoE systems also support higher resolution and constant recording. WiFi cameras are easier to install, but they depend on signal strength and can drop connections in busy or crowded networks.

PoE cameras do not need the internet to record video. They can work on a local network with an NVR and store footage continuously. Internet access is only required for remote viewing, alerts, and cloud features. Even without internet, PoE cameras still capture video, trigger motion detection, and keep recordings safe inside your local security system.