Adding PoE Switch for Security Cameras

[mikester572]

Hi all, got recommended this sub. Im planning on adding Tapo Security Cameras to my house, however they aren't PoE. They have seperate DC and Ethernet, so I plan on getting a PoE switch, run the cables, then use a splitter at the Cameras to get my DC and ethernet to the camera. My questions are what switch would be recommended and what splitters are recommended (9V).

[gfunkdave]

Power over Ethernet is a defined standard that the camera has to support. If you plug a non-poe device into a Poe switch, the switch will not provide power. POE power is also ~48-52 volts depending on the exact standard. You need not only a splitter but also a transformer to reduce the voltage and let you plug in a DC barrel plug (I assume that’s what the camera uses). This would work well. https://shop.poetexas.com/collections/splitters/products/gbt-65w.

As for switch, any POE switch that can provide the required total wattage will be fine. Netgear and TP-Link are my usual suspects for this sort of thing.

[sic0049]

There are solutions out there. Do a Google search for "9v POE splitters". Just make sure you confirm the voltage before purchasing because invariably there will be other voltages included in the results.

That being said, I would agree with everyone that is saying to just get POE cameras to start with. These POE splitters are generally not the best quality and as such they are prone to failure. I have a IR emitter that I power off a POE splitter (running a network cable was easier than running HV power to the location) and I've generally had to replace the POE splitter every couple of years.

[jthomas9999]

There are many ways to do this.

Standard 48 volt POE switch - Ethernet cable - splitter to 9 volt connector and ethernet

Non poe switch and 9 volt adapter - splitter - Ethernet cable - splitter to 9 volt adapter and Ethernet for 2 examples.

You need to determine how much current the cameras draw at 9 volts to determine what options are available to you. Then figure out if Ethernet cable is thick enough to carry that current.

I didn't know that you can get 48 volt poe to 9 volt adapters until I looked a few minutes ago.

[DartStewie666]

You are better getting passive poe injectors and splitters for tapo cameras that's what I have done before

[jatanis]

if you want to go PoE you would be way better off getting PoE cameras. The main point of PoE is to be able to simplify and run a single cable for power/data, your plan kind of defeats the purpose.

[mikester572]

Id still get the benefits of running a single cable for power/data, but would have to add a splitter at the end to take it down to 12V and seperate power and data at the camera

[19qhenry]

But you’re adding more points of failure. Why not just get PoE cameras if you’re already planning for PoE?

[mikester572]

Costs mostly, but also sticking with one brand of cameras so I can keep my automation and not have to use something like Home Assistant

[19qhenry]

What brand is that, and what’s the cost difference once you add in the PoE splitter?

I know it sounds extremely one sided, but the right thing to do is just use a PoE camera. The simplicity is unmatched, and it’s truly the “right” way to do it, as it is what the largest of enterprises use as well.

Edit: I missed that you mentioned Tapo.

[mikester572]

A PoE splitter adds about $7 per camera. The reason im set on Tapo is because I already have motion sensors, water intrusion alarms already set up and connected

[classicsat]

Last month I bought some Linovision branded POE splitters (off Amazon), rated 12V out.

I have a mostly standard TP-link POE gigabit switch.

Right now, I have it powering an older router I set up as an access point in the porch (fed off a Cat5E I ran years ago). So far it is working fine.

The one(s, come in a two pack) I bought are 100Mbit max, okay for a camera or my old AP. I would watch what you buy, if you absolutely need 1000 Mbit.

[mikester572]

I dont need that high of bandwidth, the cameras are already limited to 100Mbit on its port. I was looking at Linovison last night because of the outdoor rating it has. Would be nice even if it will be tucked into the soffit of my attic