16 Port PoE Switch

AvaEye 16 Port PoE Switch for Security Cameras with 180W Power Budget

The AvaEye 16POE is an unmanaged 16 port PoE switch built for IP security camera systems, business camera networks, and NVR expansion projects. It provides 16 PoE camera ports, a 180W total PoE power budget, 2 Gigabit RJ45 uplink ports, and 1 SFP fiber uplink slot for flexible network connections.

This switch is a practical choice for homes, offices, warehouses, retail stores, schools, and business security camera systems where multiple PoE cameras need to be powered from one central location. Instead of using separate power adapters at each camera, the AvaEye 16POE sends power and network data over standard Ethernet cable.

The 16POE is also useful when your NVR does not have enough built-in PoE ports, or when a group of cameras is located away from the recorder. You can place the switch closer to the camera group, then send the combined camera traffic back to the NVR, router, or main network switch through one of the uplink ports. It is also NDAA compliant, making it a good fit for customers building professional NDAA compliant security camera systems.

16 Port PoE Switch Video Overview

Watch our video overview of this 16 port PoE switch to see how it is used to power IP security cameras, connect back to an NVR, and simplify PoE camera installations with uplink ports, Extend mode, and a built-in SFP fiber uplink option.

Quick Highlights

• Best for: PoE security camera systems, business camera networks, NVR expansion, and long cable runs
• PoE ports: 16 x 10/100Mbps PoE ports for IP cameras and compatible PoE devices
• PoE budget: 180W total PoE power budget
• Standard PoE ports: Ports 1-12 support up to 30W per port
• Hi-PoE ports: Ports 13-16 support up to 60W per port for higher draw devices
• Uplink ports: 2 Gigabit RJ45 uplinks plus 1 SFP fiber uplink slot
• Working modes: Extend mode, VLAN/port isolation, and PoE Watchdog
• Long run support: Up to 984ft (300 meters) in Extend mode for supported camera runs
• Switch type: Unmanaged PoE switch with no cloud management account required
• Mounting: Desktop, wall mount, or 19-inch 1U rack installation

Why Choose the AvaEye 16POE for Security Cameras?

Many PoE switches are made for general networking. The AvaEye 16POE is better suited for surveillance installations where PoE power, camera grouping, long cable runs, uplink flexibility, and simple setup matter. It gives installers and property owners a clean way to power up to 16 PoE cameras from one switch.

Use it when you need to expand a camera system, place cameras in a separate part of a building, connect cameras back to an NVR, or build a dedicated camera network. You can also browse our full selection of PoE switches if you need a different port count, higher total power budget, or a different uplink layout.

This switch works well with many common IP cameras, including bullet cameras, turret cameras, dome cameras, motorized zoom cameras, wireless access points, and compatible PoE devices. It is especially useful when you have a mix of standard cameras and a few higher power devices that may benefit from the 60W Hi-PoE ports.

180W PoE Budget with 4 Hi-PoE Ports

The AvaEye 16POE provides a 180W total PoE power budget. Ports 1-12 support standard 802.3af/at PoE power up to 30W per port, while ports 13-16 support up to 60W per port for compatible Hi-PoE / bt devices.

That makes this switch more flexible than a basic 16 port PoE switch. Standard fixed lens cameras can be connected to the regular PoE ports, while higher draw devices such as select PTZ cameras, long range cameras, wireless access points, or video intercom equipment can be placed on ports 13-16.

As with any PoE switch, the total power draw of all connected devices should stay within the switch's 180W PoE budget. Most fixed PoE security cameras use far less than 30W, so this switch is usually a good fit for 16-camera layouts that use a normal mix of fixed cameras and a small number of higher draw devices.

Unmanaged PoE Switch with No Cloud Management Account

The AvaEye 16POE is an unmanaged PoE switch, which means it does not require a cloud controller, cloud dashboard, subscription, or remote management account to operate. For most security camera systems, that is exactly what you want. Connect power, connect your cameras, connect the uplink to your NVR or network, and the switch starts passing traffic.

Because there is no cloud-managed switch account, there is also no manufacturer-hosted cloud dashboard that needs to be secured for the switch itself. You should still secure your router, NVR, camera passwords, and remote viewing settings, but the PoE switch does not depend on a cloud management service to function.

2 Gigabit RJ45 Uplinks and 1 SFP Fiber Uplink

The AvaEye 16POE includes 2 Gigabit RJ45 uplink ports and 1 SFP fiber uplink slot. The RJ45 uplinks are useful for connecting the switch to an NVR, router, firewall, or main network switch. The SFP slot gives you the option to use a compatible fiber module when the switch needs to connect over fiber optic cable.

The SFP uplink can be helpful in larger buildings, warehouses, multi-building properties, and business installations where fiber is already being used between network closets or equipment rooms. The SFP module is not included and must be selected separately based on the fiber type and distance needed.

Extend Mode for Long Camera Cable Runs

Extend mode is one of the most useful features for camera installations. When enabled, supported camera runs can reach up to 984 feet (300 meters), depending on the connected device, cable quality, and network requirements. This gives installers more flexibility when a camera needs to be placed beyond the normal 328ft Ethernet distance limit.

This is helpful for cameras near gates, detached buildings, barns, warehouses, parking lots, fence lines, loading docks, and property edges. For long PoE runs, use solid copper CAT5e or CAT6 network cable. Avoid CCA cable because it can cause voltage drop, unstable video, and PoE power issues.

For demanding long-distance camera projects, you can also read our real-world test showing how an AvaEye PTZ camera can run far beyond 300ft without a separate PoE extender: Run a PTZ Camera Over 300 Feet, No Extender Needed.

VLAN Mode and PoE Watchdog

The built-in DIP switch functions make this PoE switch more useful for surveillance networks than a basic unmanaged switch. VLAN/port isolation mode helps keep camera ports separated from one another while allowing them to communicate with the uplink ports. This can reduce unnecessary camera-to-camera traffic and keep the camera network cleaner.

The PoE Watchdog function helps recover cameras that stop responding. If a connected camera becomes unresponsive, the switch can cycle PoE power to that port so the camera can restart without someone manually unplugging and reconnecting the cable. This is especially useful when cameras are mounted in hard-to-reach locations.

Are 100Mbps PoE Ports Enough for Security Cameras?

Yes, for most IP security camera installations, 100Mbps per camera port is more than enough. Most 4MP, 5MP, and 4K security cameras use only a fraction of a 100Mbps connection when configured with normal H.264 or H.265 video settings.

The design makes sense for surveillance systems: each camera uses a 10/100Mbps PoE port, while the uplink ports provide Gigabit connectivity back to the recorder or network. For camera systems, the more important factors are usually PoE budget, stable power delivery, cable quality, camera isolation, and uplink capacity.

Rackmountable 1U Design

The AvaEye 16POE can be used on a desktop, wall mounted, or installed in a 19-inch 1U rack or network cabinet. Rack mounting keeps the switch organized with your NVR, router, patch panel, UPS, and other network equipment, which is especially helpful in professional and business camera installations.

NDAA Compliant PoE Switch

The AvaEye 16POE is an NDAA compliant PoE switch, making it a good match for professional camera systems where equipment sourcing matters. It pairs well with AvaEye cameras, NVRs, and accessories for customers who want a wired surveillance system without relying on consumer cloud camera equipment.

For businesses, contractors, schools, warehouses, retail stores, and other professional environments, using an NDAA compliant switch helps keep the network hardware aligned with the rest of the surveillance system. You can browse our full selection of NDAA compliant security cameras and systems, or read our guide What Are NDAA Cameras? for more background.

Good Fit for Business Security Camera Systems

The AvaEye 16POE is a strong fit for business security camera systems where cameras may be spread across offices, warehouses, retail spaces, hallways, entrances, loading areas, and parking lots. It gives you enough ports for a 16-camera layout, stronger uplink options than a basic desktop PoE switch, and useful camera network features like Extend mode, VLAN mode, and PoE Watchdog.

How This 16 Port PoE Switch Compares to a Basic PoE Switch

What's Included

• 1x AvaEye 16 Port PoE Switch
• 1x Pair of rackmount ears
• 1x AC power cord

Specifications