Netgear POE Switch (Switch features, benefits, types of models)

What is a Netgear POE Switch?

A Netgear POE switch is a device commonly used in the networking of devices which is capable of extending both power and Ethernet data in a single wire.. Switches come in different brands and models, one known and known by many is the manufacture called Netgear which deals mainly with switches for home and business use. I am grateful for the this article as it aims to provide a description of what a Netgear POE switch is and the options available in the market, the features and benefits of Netgear POE switch and some frequently asked questions about it.

Key Features of Netgear POE Switches

Some key features of Netgear POE switches include:

• PoE Ports: Netgear POE switches are devices available in different models though they all come with PoE ports and these may range from four to fifty two ports respectively. These ports may also provide power and may transmit data over Ethernet channels.
• Auto Power Detection: This Netgear POE switches have got PandP technology which enable them to identify if the device that is connected to it requires power through its PoE port and provide that power autonomously. It makes installation and setup less complicated.
• PoE Standards Supported: Almost all Netgear switch models are compatible with both the PoE+ standard (IEEE 802. 3at) and PoE++ (IEEE 802. Some also incorporate support for the older version of PoE, the IEEE 802. 3af standard.
• Switch Ports: However, it is important to note that apart from the PoE ports that are used to connect PoE devices such as IP phones or IP cameras, other Netgear switches also include non PoE switch ports for connecting other regular network machines such as desktops, laptops, routers, etc.
• VLAN Support: One of the features confirmed on many of the Netgear POE switches is VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) to create sub networks logically for enhanced security.
• Web GUI and Software: Netgear switches can be managed remotely using the web-based interface or dedicated management software for advanced configuration and monitoring.
• Redundant Power Supply: Some Pro-grade Netgear switches feature dual power supply units for redundancy to ensure network uptime in case one power source fails.
• Green Ethernet: Select models implement Green Ethernet technology to reduce power consumption during periods of low data traffic or when ports are inactive.

Benefits of Netgear POE Switches

There are several advantages of using Netgear POE switches in your network:

• Convenient Power and Data over Single Cable: POE also cancels the need of having extra power outlet close to the devices as it passes electricity as well as the data through the Ethernet cable thus making it easier to install.
  Centralized Power Management: POE switches from Netgear enable the control of power among POE connected devices, with a single point of observance.
• Centralized Power Management: Netgear POE switches allow centralized monitoring and management of power consumption for all connected POE devices from a single point.
• Longer Cat Cable Runs: Since POE switches provide power delivery at the switch port, longer cable runs are possible compared to non-POE switches to remotely power devices.
• Secure Installations: Eliminating power cords near devices reduces safety and cable management issues while providing a clean, tidy installation.
• Supports IP Camera & Wireless AP Deployments: Netgear POE switches are ideal for powering IP security cameras, WiFi access points and other network devices installed in hard-to-wire locations.
• Future Proofing & Flexibility: Adding new POE devices doesn’t require electricians as switches provide the power. Ability to repurpose unused cabling for other POE devices saves money.
• Manageable & Monitorable: Netgear switches with software management allow central monitoring and control of POE functions like scheduling power budgets.

Types of Netgear POE Switches

Netgear offers various POE switch models for home, small office and enterprise use with different port configurations and feature sets:

Home/SOHO POE Switches

• Netgear GS108EP: An 8-port Gigabit desktop switch with 4 PoE ports that is ideal for powering wireless access points and IP cameras at home.
• Netgear GS116PE: A 16-port Gigabit desktop switch with 8 PoE+ ports for powering multiple PoE devices in small home/office networks.

Small Business POE Switches

• Netgear GS110TP: A 10-port Gigabit desk/wall mount switch with 8 PoE+ ports for powering VoIP phones and WiFi APs.
• Netgear GS305P: A managed 5-port Gigabit desktop switch with 4 PoE+ ports for basic SOHO network and security needs.

Pro-grade Rackmount POE Switches

• Netgear XS708E: A 48-port Gigabit PoE+ rackmount switch for powering IP surveillance cameras and wireless APs in medium businesses.
• Netgear XS748T: A 48-port Gigabit rackmount switch with 24 PoE++ ports for power-hungry VoIP phones and network devices in large office environments.

The model of Netgear POE switch is arrived based on the number of ports that are needed to support POE and other essentials like management and VLANs that may be essential to carry out business or business income that is fine to spend by a company.

Setting up a Netgear POE Switch

Setting up a Netgear POE switch is very simple. Here are the basic steps:

1. Mount/place the switch in a secured rack, shelf or desktop location near the network devices to be powered.
2. With regards to the POE ports on the switch side, use one end of an Ethernet cable to connect it to the Ethernet port in the device, which may include the IP cameras, the wireless APs and so on.
3. Switch on the POE switch by connecting the power cord of the POE switch to a proper source of power.
4. It means that connected POE devices will be recognized by the switch right after the connection and power supply will be initiated through Ethernet ports without setting up the switch.
5. You can optionally configure advanced settings like VLANs or implement security features using the switch’s web interface or Netgear management software if available.
6. Monitor the switch dashboard to view PoE usage details like ports enabled, power used and connected device names.
7. Connect computer systems and other non-POE devices using the regular switch ports for data connectivity to build the complete Ethernet network.

Netgear POE Switch FAQs

Here are some common frequently asked questions about Netgear POE switches:

Q- What type of cables should I use between the switch and devices?

Cat5e or higher quality shielded or unshielded twisted pair Ethernet cables rated for PoE are recommended for connections from the switch ports to PoE devices.

Q- How much power do Netgear POE switches provide per port?

Most home/SOHO switches deliver 15.4 watts per port and enterprise/pro switches 30 watts as per PoE+ standard. Some support new 60W PoE++ standard for maximum power budgets.

Q- Can I use a non-PoE device on a POE switch port?

Yes, non-PoE devices like desktops and routers can still receive networking through the POE switch ports without needing PoE power since switches detect power requirements automatically.

Q- Do I need all PoE ports in use to enable PoE functionality?

No, you can use the PoE capabilities on a port-by-port basis. Any number of PoE or non-PoE devices can be connected without relation to number of PoE ports used.

Q- Do POE switches reduce total networking speeds?

No, Netgear POE switches maintain full Gigabit or faster speeds like regular switches even for PoE connections. Power and data transmission happen simultaneously without affecting bandwidth.

Q- What happens if connected device draw more power than switch can provide?

The POE switch ports are designed to automatically shut off power delivery if a device attempts to draw more current than rated. This protects both the device and switch from overloads.

Conclusion

Netgear POE switches provide an elegant, affordable and future-proof solution to power IP devices over the network simultaneously while reducing infrastructure wiring costs. Their user-friendly automated features and flexible port configurations make them ideal for powering cameras, access points and Voice over IP deployments in both small businesses and large enterprises. With centralized monitoring and intelligent power management abilities, Netgear remains a premier provider of POE switches for growing network needs.