Power and Data. Through One Cable. Done Right.
PoE switch supply, sizing, and installation — the backbone that powers every access point, IP camera, and VoIP phone on your network.
What is PoE and Why It Matters
Power over Ethernet eliminates the need for a separate power outlet at every network device location. One cable carries both data and power — simplifying installation and reducing cost significantly.
Access Points
IP Cameras
VoIP Phones
Access Controllers
Smart Lighting
Digital Signage
“The most common PoE mistake is under‑sizing the switch’s power budget. If your switch provides 30W total PoE and your APs require 15W each, you can only power 2 APs — not 24. This mistake is made constantly by teams that treat PoE switches like regular switches.”
What Layerix Delivers
End‑to‑end PoE switch infrastructure.
PoE Budget Calculator Explained
How to size your PoE switch correctly.
Step 1:
Count your PoE devices (APs, cameras, phones, etc.)
Step 2:
Find the wattage per device:
AP: 12–30W / Camera: 7–15W / Phone: 3–7W
Step 3:
Add 20% headroom for future expansion
Step 4:
Choose a switch with that total PoE budget
Example:
10 APs × 25W = 250W
+ 20% headroom = 300W minimum
→ Recommended: 370W PoE switch
Switch Selection Guide
Choose based on scale and power requirements.
| Scale | Ports | PoE Budget | Recommended For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small office | 8–16 | 65–130W | Small office / branch |
| Mid‑size enterprise | 24–48 | 370–740W | Floor / IDF |
| Large enterprise | 48+ | 740W+ | Core / MDF |
| Outdoor | 8–16 | 130–250W | Outdoor APs / cameras |
PoE Standards Explained
| Standard | Power per Port | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| 802.3af (PoE) | 15.4W | Basic APs, phones |
| 802.3at (PoE+) | 30W | Modern APs, cameras |
| 802.3bt (PoE++) | 60–90W | High‑power APs, PTZ cameras, smart lighting |
Our PoE Switch Deployment Process
Survey
Assess device count, power needs, cable runs.
Load Calc
Calculate total PoE budget with 20% headroom.
Selection
Choose switch model, port count, uplink speed.
Rack Mount
Install in rack or cabinet, connect patch panels.
Config
VLANs, QoS, management access.
Test & Handover
Verify PoE output, connectivity, documentation.
✓ 240‑AP Wi‑Fi 6 Deployment
Enterprise Office, Bengaluru
12 × 48‑port PoE+ switches, 740W each. Centralised cloud management, VLAN per floor, QoS for voice/video. Zero power‑related issues post‑deployment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we use our existing switches and just add APs?
Possibly. We check your existing switch's PoE budget, port count, VLAN support, and uplink speed before recommending. Often existing switches can support additional APs if the budget allows.
What brands of PoE switches do you supply?
Cisco, Aruba, D‑Link, TP‑Link, and Netgear — selected based on your scale, budget, and management preference.
Do PoE switches need special power supply?
No. They run on standard 230V AC. The PoE power budget is derived internally from the switch's power supply — no UPS or special outlet is needed beyond what you'd use for a regular switch.
Can a PoE switch be managed remotely?
Yes — managed PoE switches support SNMP, web GUI, and cloud management platforms. Layerix configures remote management as standard on all enterprise deployments.
What happens if the PoE budget is insufficient?
If the total device power exceeds the switch's PoE budget, some ports will fail to power on. We calculate with 20% headroom to avoid this.
Can I mix PoE and non‑PoE devices on the same switch?
Yes. PoE switches detect connected devices and only provide power to those that request it. Non‑PoE devices are safely ignored.
What's the difference between a managed and unmanaged PoE switch?
Managed switches allow VLAN configuration, QoS, monitoring, and remote management. Unmanaged are plug‑and‑play but offer no control. For enterprise Wi‑Fi, managed is essential.
Can PoE switches power devices over long distances?
Standard PoE works up to 100m (328 ft) over Cat5e or better cable. For longer runs, we use PoE extenders or fibre with remote PoE injectors.
Do you provide redundant power for PoE switches?
Yes — for critical deployments we offer switches with dual power supplies or external RPS (redundant power supply) to ensure uptime.
What is the warranty on PoE switches you supply?
We supply OEM‑authorised hardware with standard manufacturer warranty. Layerix also provides post‑installation support and AMC options.
Can you integrate PoE switches with our existing network architecture?
Yes. We design the PoE switch configuration to integrate seamlessly with your existing VLANs, routing, and management platforms.
How long does a PoE switch deployment take?
Typically 1–2 days for a floor or IDF, depending on rack preparation and cabling. We schedule to minimise disruption.
Get a PoE Switch Recommendation
Tell us about your PoE needs and we'll recommend the right switch.
Or reach us directly
📞 +91 872599-12527
✉️ sales@layerixnetworks.com
⏰ Mon–Sat, 9 AM – 7 PM