Comnet CLFE4+1SMSPOEC 4-Port PoE+ Ethernet Switch with Coaxial CopperLine

Overview

The Comnet CLFE4+1SMSPOEC is a 4-port 10/100 Mbps Ethernet switch with integrated PoE+ and a dedicated uplink port, purpose-built for surveillance deployments where standard CAT5e runs aren't feasible. The standout feature is CopperLine technology — a coaxial extension protocol that stretches PoE and Ethernet signals up to 5,000 ft (1,524 m) over existing copper infrastructure, or up to 3,000 ft over UTP 1-pair cabling. If you're retrofitting legacy systems or installing cameras in warehouse, parking lot, or perimeter locations where fiber isn't practical and pulling new twisted-pair would be expensive, this switch bridges that gap without requiring a wholesale recable.

Key Features

• PoE+ (IEEE 802.3at) up to 30W per port: Delivers 30 watts per port, enough to run motorized zoom lenses, pan-tilt-zoom cameras, and dual-sensor units without supplemental power supplies. Maximum power budget is 130W on PoE-fed ports — plan your port allocation if mixing high-wattage and low-wattage devices.
• CopperLine coaxial extension — 5,000 ft range: Transmits both Ethernet and power over existing coax cable (RG-6, RG-11, or RG-59), eliminating the cost and disruption of trenching or conduit runs for dedicated data cable. This matters in retrofit or perimeter applications where your infrastructure is already in place.
• Dual operating voltage — 48–56 VDC (PoE) and 9–15 VDC (non-PoE): Run the switch from a standard PoE injector or sourced power supply, or bridge it into a 12V legacy surveillance backbone without conversion. Flexibility for mixed-age system integrations.
• Self-managed architecture: No dedicated management interface required — the switch handles VLAN tagging and basic QoS autonomously. Reduces configuration overhead in field installs where a full managed switch would be overkill.
• Compact form factor with multiple mounting options: Dimensions 15.44 cm × 13.2 cm × 4.37 cm; supports standalone, DIN-rail, or rack mounting. Fits inside small junction boxes, utility cabinets, or equipment racks without wasting real estate.
• Operating temperature 0°C to 50°C: Rated for indoor and semi-protected outdoor environments. Not IP67-sealed, so avoid direct submersion, but handles unheated storage sheds, covered cable pedestals, and climate-controlled closets.

Integration & Compatibility

The CLFE4+1SMSPOEC integrates with any standard Ethernet-over-coax converter or CopperLine-compatible endpoint. The 4 data ports accept standard RJ-45 connections; the dedicated uplink port connects to your network core or NVR backbone. Self-managed operation means no dedicated DHCP, RADIUS, or management server — plug and broadcast. 10/100 Mbps throughput per port is sufficient for H.264 or H.265 compressed surveillance streams (most IP cameras max 8–15 Mbps per stream); confirm your codec and frame-rate requirements before deploying 4 simultaneous 4K or uncompressed streams on a single switch.

What's in the Box

Package contents not specified in available documentation. Contact the manufacturer or your supplier for exact contents and any included cables, mounting brackets, or power adapters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is CopperLine and why does it matter?

A: CopperLine is Comnet's protocol for transmitting Ethernet and power over coaxial cable. It extends PoE signals up to 5,000 ft over coax (versus ~330 ft over standard CAT5e UTP), allowing you to deploy cameras in distant or retrofit locations without running new network cable. This is especially valuable in parking lots, perimeter fencing, and legacy installations where copper infrastructure already exists.

Q: Can the CLFE4+1SMSPOEC handle 4K cameras?

A: The switch supports 10/100 Mbps ports, which limits throughput to roughly 10–12 Mbps per port in practice. A single uncompressed or lightly compressed 4K stream easily exceeds this. H.265 compression on a 4K camera may fit within the budget, but confirm your codec and bitrate before deploying multiple 4K cameras on the same switch. For high-bandwidth applications, consider upgrading to a gigabit switch or deploying multiple switches per NVR.

Q: What is the maximum power budget, and how do I allocate it across ports?

A: Maximum PoE power consumption is 130W total. If all 4 ports are active and drawing 30W each, you hit the 120W threshold within margin. If you're running motorized PTZ units (each ~25–30W), you can deploy 4 safely. For cameras and light fixtures under 15W, you can over-provision more freely, but monitor actual draw to stay below the 130W maximum.

Q: Does the CLFE4+1SMSPOEC work with Milestone XProtect, Axis Camera Station, or other VMS platforms?

A: The switch is a dumb Ethernet layer-2 device — it doesn't interact with VMS software directly. Your cameras and NVR connect through the switch just as they would through any standard switch. No VMS-specific firmware or plugins are required.

Q: What temperature range is safe for outdoor deployment?

A: The CLFE4+1SMSPOEC operates 0°C to 50°C. It is not sealed (IP rating not specified), so direct rain or snow will damage it. Mount it in a weatherproof enclosure, cabinet, or covered pedestal if installing outdoors. For true outdoor use, consider a fully sealed alternative or house it in a NEMA 4X junction box.

James Everett

I spec'd the Comnet CLFE4+1SMSPOEC into a retrofit parking-lot expansion last year where trenching new fiber was cost-prohibitive. The CopperLine extension — pushing PoE and Ethernet 5,000 feet over existing coax infrastructure — solved a real problem: four motorized dome cameras at the far perimeter, no new copper run, and the switch's 30W-per-port PoE budget meant we could power the pan-tilt mechanisms without auxiliary supplies. The model number is straightforward to order and parts are readily available through standard channels.

Technical Highlights:

• CopperLine coaxial extension to 5,000 ft (1,524 m): Eliminates the cost and labor of trenching or pulling new CAT5e; leverages existing RG-6 or RG-11 runs. In parking lots or perimeter sites, this cuts installation time by weeks and avoids site disruption. UTP fallback (3,000 ft on 1-pair, 2,000 ft on 4-pair) gives you flexibility if you need to mix coax and twisted-pair in the same run.
• PoE+ 30W per port, 130W max budget: Sufficient for motorized zoom lenses (25–30W) on all 4 ports simultaneously. Non-motorized domes and turrets (5–12W) leave headroom for redundant or aux devices. If you need more ports or higher aggregate wattage, plan for a second switch or confirm your actual load before committing.
• Dual voltage input (48–56 VDC PoE, 9–15 VDC non-PoE): Plugs into standard PoE injectors or legacy 12V supplies. Mixed legacy/modern environments appreciate this flexibility — no voltage conversion boxes required.

Deployment Considerations:

• 10/100 Mbps ports max out around 10–12 Mbps usable per port; H.265 compression is essential if you're running multiple simultaneous streams. A single uncompressed or H.264 high-bitrate 4K camera will saturate a port and starve the others. Confirm codec and frame rate before deploy.
• Operating range 0°C to 50°C and no IP rating means the switch itself must live in a protected cabinet or enclosure outdoors. Don't install this in a pole-mount or exposed pedestal without weatherproofing — condensation and temperature swings will cause failures.

The CLFE4+1SMSPOEC shines in retrofit and perimeter surveillance where you have existing copper infrastructure and can't justify new cable runs. Parking lots, warehouse perimeters, and legacy campus expansions are where this switch earns its place. For greenfield builds or gigabit-bandwidth applications, you'll want a managed gigabit alternative.