how does this one compare? The 2 port switch.
As an IP camera installer, you sometimes need to get creative to solve problems. These are some of our best sellers for a reason. They solve problems. They can solve 2 different problems either simultaneously or by themselves. #1) What happens if you have a camera that requires a cable run over...
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I know it's been some time since your question, but seeing no reply I thought I'd offer my experience.
I recently ordered several POE Extenders and Splitters to use for an outbuilding where I've currently got a couple of cables run, but want at least one more camera on each cable. These are the choices I identified:
* Loryta POE Extender PFT-1300 -
Amazon.com : Loryta PoE Extender Mini Passive 2 Port POE Switch, IEEE 802.3af/at POE Extender, POE Repeater, Ethernet Splitter, Powering 2 POE Devices (IP Camera) Over One Cat5/6 Cable PFT1300 : Electronics
* Ipcampower POE Splitter/Combiner -
* 1 to 4 POE Extender -
Amazon.com: POE Extender RJ45 4-Port 10/100M IEEE802.3at (Power-in) to IEEE802.3af (Power-Out) for Ethernet/PoE Power AP, IP Camera, IP Telephone and Other Network equipments : Electronics
*
Amcrest 4-port switch AMPS4E4P-AT-60 -
Amazon.com: Amcrest 4-Port POE+ Power Over Ethernet POE Switch with Metal Housing, 4-Ports POE+ 802.3af/at 60W (AMPS4E4P-AT-60) : Electronics
* Anvision Splitter/12V Adapter -
Amazon.com: ANVISION 2-Pack Active 48V to 12V Waterproof PoE Splitter Adapter, IEEE 802.3af Compliant 10/100Mbps, for IP Camera AP Voip Phone and More, White : Electronics
Note: The Loryta POE Extender is the same as Linovision Passive Port Extender -
. There is a significant difference in price, however. The Loryta is pricing at $39.99 and the Linovision is pricing at $29.99.
Note 2: The Loryta/Linovision POE Extenders fit nicely into a Dahua PFA121 Junction Box -
Amazon.com : Dahua PFA121 Water-Proof Junction Box for Bullet Camera : Electronics. If anyone is, like me, wondering what the internal mounting posts and screws are for, this POE Extender mounts up perfectly inside the box.
The Anvision splitter was purchased so I could add either a microphone or an illuminator, but not an additional camera. I have 3 of these installed and they have worked perfectly after several months of use. Tow of them are powering cameras and a microphone, one of them is powering camera plus an illuminator.
I benchtested the Loryta by connecting 2 cameras, one a Hikvision turret and the other a Dahua bullet camera, each rated at less than 8w. I first tried by simply connecting the Input on the Extender to a cable from my switch. The POE switch is a Netgear unmanaged POE+ switch. I was able to power on both cameras and gain access to their settings menus through a browser, but then one or the other started giving connection errors. If you look on the Linovision listing at Amazon, you will notice their diagram shows the Input to be 60w. I read through Loryta's documentation and they refer to connection to their other device the PFT1200, which supplies 60w to this Extender. To confirm, I later conducted the same bench test, but connected the POE Extender to a cable from a switch supplying 60w power. Both cameras behaved normally when connected to a 60w input source.
The Ipcampower Splitter/Combiner was next to be benchtested. Same pair of cameras, the Hik turret and Dahua bullet. This device requires two (2) ports on your switch, then combines into a single cable, then splits back into 2 connections for powering 2 devices. This product performed perfectly. Both cameras were fully addressable and seemed to have no problems running simultaneously.
The 1 to 4 POE Extender is sold under a variety of brand names. They all seem to have the same specification. You connect a single POE+ cable carrying 25w, and it splits that into the 4 ports running a maximum of 24w between the 4 ports. So in this case, where I connected only 2 cameras each drawing less than 8w, they performed perfectly. I did not try to add a 3rd camera with another 8w, but since that would be at the outer limit of the outbound power budget, I would be concerned about possible problems. My sense is so long as one stays within the outbound power budget, this should work well.
Finally, the Amcrest 4-port switch. This is obviously not an option unless power is available nearby. This particular switch has the ability to deliver 60w from a single port, or a total budget of 60w across the 4 ports. For my use in the outbuilding, this is what I will choose once I configure a weatherproof and secure junction box.
Costs:
The Loryta/Linovision POE Extender is $40/$30 depending on which you select.
The Ipcampower Splitter/Combiner is $20.
The 1 to 4 POE Extender is $39.
The Anvision Splitter/Adapter is $17 for a pack of 2, or $10 each.
The Amcrest switch is $40 less a $5 discount, for a total of $35.
At this point all the items are fully benchtested and/or in use. I can honestly say I recommend all of them, depending on application.
For those who want to install an extra illuminator or take advantage of the Audio connection in your camera by adding a microphone, the Anvision solution is simple and straightforward. You will likely need a simple 2-to-1 splitter -
, and be sure to weatherproof the 12v connections if outdoors. Also, be cognizant of the power requirements of your illuminator. The small ones require 4 or 5w, but one of mine has a 20w requirement, so it needs separate power.
The Loryta/Linovision is a perfect complement to anyone using the PFA121 Mount
and can supply the requisite 60w power on the Input cable. If you don't already have a 60w power source, this solution might end up being higher priced than the others.
I really like the Ipcampower Splitter/Combiner. It does take up 2 ports on your switch, so that is some consideration. Otherwise, it is a low-cost solution to adding another camera to an existing camera location using a single cable.
Similarly, the 1 to 4 POE Extender seems like a straight-forward solution for adding an additional camera or other accessories, while keeping within the outbound power budget limitations. If outdoors, it will need to be located or housed in a weatherproofed location.
I will be, or already am, using all these in various locations around my property. For the original need which started my search, I settled on the Amcrest 4-port switch since I can access power easily and all I need to do is weatherproof and secure the switch and incoming power.
Unfortunately I don't have enough time with these to offer any sense of their long-term durability.
I hope this helps.
