How We Ran a PoE PTZ Camera 650ft Without an Extender
Most installers are taught that PoE cameras cannot run beyond 328 feet without adding a PoE extender somewhere in the middle of the cable run. In this real-world demo, we show how we successfully ran an AvaEye PTZ camera over approximately 650 feet of solid copper Cat5e cable without using any PoE extenders.
The goal of this test was simple: prove that with the right cable and the right extended PoE switch, long-distance PoE camera installations are possible without adding extra powered devices in the middle of the run.
This setup uses an AvaEye Extended PoE switch, an AvaEye PTZ camera, a compatible NVR, and UL-listed solid copper Cat5e cable. During testing, the camera maintained stable live video, infrared night vision, and full pan tilt zoom control over the entire cable distance.
What this video demonstrates
- a real-world 650ft PoE PTZ camera run without PoE extenders
- why UL-listed solid copper Cat5e cable matters for long PoE runs
- how extended PoE mode works on AvaEye PoE switches
- stable PTZ control, video, and infrared night vision over long distance
- why PoE wattage and switch budget matter for PTZ cameras
Why this matters
Many long-range PoE camera installations still use midspan PoE extenders, repeaters, or fiber conversion equipment to go beyond the traditional 328 foot Ethernet distance limit. However, modern extended PoE switches can often eliminate the need for additional hardware when paired with compatible cameras and proper full copper cable.
This type of setup is especially useful for gates, long driveways, parking lots, farms, warehouses, detached buildings, and perimeter security camera installations where running power in the middle of the cable path is impractical.
Equipment used in this test
- AvaEye 4 Port Extended PoE Switch
- AvaEye PTZ Camera
- Avalonix and AvaEye NVRs
- PoE Security Camera Systems
Important installation notes
- always use UL-listed solid copper network cable for long PoE runs
- avoid copper clad aluminum cable for high-power PoE cameras
- extended PoE mode reduces bandwidth speed but increases transmission distance
- high-power PTZ cameras require proper PoE wattage planning
For more information about long-distance PoE camera installations, see our guide on running PoE PTZ cameras beyond 300 feet without extenders.
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