Which PoE switch do I need for 4, 8, 16 or 24 cameras?
Two things decide the right PoE switch: how many cameras you will connect and how much power they need together. Get both right and the system runs for years without trouble.
Quick answer: cameras → switch
| Cameras | Choose | PoE power budget | NEXELTRON models |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 – 4 | 4 port PoE switch | 65 W | 4FE · 4Gb + AI · 4Gb + SFP |
| 5 – 8 | 8 port PoE switch | 120 – 150 W | 8FE · 8Gb · 8Gb + SFP |
| 9 – 16 | 16 port PoE switch | 250 – 300 W | 16FE + SFP · 16Gb · 16Gb + 2 SFP |
| 17 – 24 | 24 port PoE switch | 300 W | 24FE + 2 SFP |
If you are close to the limit (for example 8 cameras on an 8 port switch), think about the next size up so you have room to add cameras later.
Step 1 — Count cameras, then add spare ports
Count every IP camera that will get power from the switch. Then leave one or two ports free. Most sites add a camera or two within a year, and a spare port saves you from buying a second switch.
The uplink ports are not counted as camera ports. They connect the switch to your NVR or router.
Step 2 — Check the power budget
Every PoE switch has a total power limit (the PoE budget). Add up what your cameras draw and keep the total under that limit.
Normal 2MP–5MP IP cameras typically draw about 4–8 W each. Example: 8 cameras × 6 W = 48 W, which is well within the 120 W of an 8 port switch.
Cameras with motors, heaters or strong IR (such as PTZ cameras) can draw much more. Always check the power figure on the camera's datasheet before you add them up.
Step 3 — Fast Ethernet or Gigabit?
For normal CCTV, Fast Ethernet ports are enough and cost less. Choose Gigabit for 4K cameras, Wi-Fi access points or office networking. Read the full comparison: Fast Ethernet vs Gigabit.
Frequently asked questions
How many cameras can an 8 port PoE switch run?
Up to 8 PoE cameras, as long as their total power stays within the switch's PoE budget (120 W on the NEXELTRON 8FE and 8Gb, 150 W on the 8Gb + SFP).
Kitne camera ke liye kaunsa PoE switch lein?
1–4 camera ke liye 4 port, 5–8 ke liye 8 port, 9–16 ke liye 16 port aur 17–24 ke liye 24 port. Ek-do port future ke liye khaali rakhein, aur sab camera ki total watt switch ke PoE budget se kam honi chahiye.
Do uplink ports count as camera ports?
No. Uplink ports connect the switch to the NVR or router. Count only the PoE ports for cameras.