Can a PoE switch be a general switch?

Nov 17, 2020 Leave a message

The difference between PoE switches and general switches


A PoE switch is a switch with PoE function, which can transmit data while supplying power. The main function of a common switch is to exchange data and does not have the function of power supply. This is the essential difference between a PoE switch and a common switch.

For security monitoring systems, the use of PoE switches is a good choice. It can not only avoid additional power wiring costs and reduce labor costs, but also improve the flexibility of the system, simplify subsequent upgrades and maintenance, and provide high-performance PoE The switch can manage each PoE port and the power supply of the device, which is more convenient for the administrator to control, and these are advantages that general switches do not have.



Can PoE switches be used as general switches?


The PoE switch has the function of a switch, but when used as an general switch, it does not maximize the value of the PoE switch, but wastes the powerful functions of the PoE switch. If you do not need to provide direct current to the connected devices and only need to transmit data, then it is recommended that you use a common switch. If you need not only data transmission but also power supply, it is recommended that you choose a PoE switch.


If you want to turn an general switch into a PoE switch, you can only meet your needs in the following two ways:

Way 1:Directly select PoE switch

If you want to change the structure of the general switch to realize the power supply of the PoE switch, it is not possible for us personally. It is recommended that you directly use the PoE switch. Although its price is slightly higher than that of the general switch, it is cost-effective and has high performance. , Smooth transmission and strong flexibility.

Way 2:Add a PoE power supply upstream of the common switch

General switches only have the function of transmitting data, while PoE power supply has only the function of power supply. The combination of the two is equivalent to a PoE switch, which can supply power to the equipment at the other end, but there are some risks in doing so.

 

Conclusion



PoE switches are not recommended to be used as general switches. This will greatly waste the powerful functions of PoE switches. In addition, the cost of PoE switches will be slightly higher than that of general switches. Therefore, the use of PoE switches instead of general switches does not pay off. If you need to meet the needs of power supply and data transmission at the same time, it is recommended that you choose a PoE switch that coexists with high performance and high cost performance.