Altronix NETWAYSP4BTPL3 4-Port 802.3bt PoE++ Switch with 360W Battery Backup

Overview

The Altronix NETWAYSP4BTPL3 is a hardened, compact managed PoE++ switch purpose-built for physical security deployments where both power delivery and uptime are non-negotiable. It packs four 10/100/1000 Mbps PoE++ ports — each capable of delivering up to 90W — two Gigabit SFP fiber uplinks, and an integrated battery charger/management circuit into a 10.75" x 8.875" x 2.375" enclosure, all at a combined 360W power budget. Unlike a standard unmanaged PoE switch paired with a separate UPS, the NETWAYSP4BTPL3 integrates the charger, the switching fabric, and the battery interface in a single assembly. That consolidation matters in junction boxes, backrooms, and above-ceiling installs where space is measured in inches.

This unit is part of the Altronix NetWay product line, which focuses on edge-powered network infrastructure for PoE switch deployments in surveillance, access control, and intercom applications. The NETWAYSP4BTPL3 is specifically configured for high-draw endpoints — pan-tilt-zoom cameras, multi-sensor cameras, door controllers with reader and lock power, and IP intercoms that pull more than the 30W ceiling of older 802.3at infrastructure.

Key Features

• 90W per port (IEEE 802.3bt): Each of the four ports independently delivers up to 90W via the 802.3bt (PoE++) standard — more than double what 802.3at provides. That headroom matters for PTZ cameras with integrated IR and heaters, multi-sensor units, or access control panels that power both a reader and an electromagnetic lock from a single run. No splitters, no injectors, no separate power home-run required at the endpoint.
• 360W aggregate power budget: The 360W total is sized so all four ports can sustain maximum draw simultaneously — 4 × 90W — without throttling. In practice most deployments won't saturate every port, but the budget means you don't need to spreadsheet power allocation across endpoints.
• Integrated battery backup (sealed lead acid or gel): The built-in charger and battery interface support both sealed lead acid and gel cell batteries. When AC drops, connected PoE devices stay powered through the battery — cameras keep recording, access control doors maintain their programmed state, and intercoms remain online. This eliminates the need for a separate UPS shelf in the same enclosure.
• Two Gigabit SFP uplink ports: Fiber uplinks let you push the switch to the edge of a building or campus without copper distance constraints. A 100m copper Ethernet run won't reach a perimeter camera cluster or a parking structure — a single-mode SFP can cover several kilometers. Pairing fiber uplinks with PoE++ downlinks at the edge is the standard design pattern for distributed surveillance infrastructure.
• Dual-voltage AC input (115VAC or 230VAC): Ships ready for both North American and international 230V mains without a transformer or SKU swap. Useful for multi-site deployments with mixed infrastructure or for projects that standardize on a single part number across regions.
• 54VDC output at 6.4A: The 54VDC rail is the correct operating voltage for high-wattage 802.3bt delivery — higher voltage means lower current for the same watt budget, which reduces resistive losses in the cable and keeps PoE performance consistent at the rated cable lengths. The 6.4A output current is the math behind the 360W total budget (54V × 6.4A ≈ 345W, with the balance absorbed by the switching overhead).
• Extended operating temperature range (-30°C to 65°C): This range covers unheated utility rooms in northern climates, outdoor-rated enclosures, and rooftop mechanical spaces where a commercial-grade switch rated to 0°C would fail in winter. The -30°C floor is significant — most enterprise PoE switches are not rated below -10°C or 0°C.
• CE listed: CE marking documents conformance with applicable EU directives for electromagnetic compatibility and low voltage, supporting deployments in European markets and simplifying import paperwork.

Integration & Compatibility

The NETWAYSP4BTPL3 connects into any standard network topology via its two Gigabit SFP uplinks. The 802.3bt PoE++ ports are backward-compatible with 802.3at (PoE+) and 802.3af (PoE) endpoints — lower-draw cameras and readers negotiate the correct power class automatically. No firmware reconfiguration is needed when mixing endpoint types on the four downlink ports.

The SFP cages accept standard Gigabit SFP transceivers (LC or other form factors per transceiver spec) — single-mode for long-haul runs, multimode for intra-building fiber. Altronix does not lock the SFP slots to proprietary modules, so integrators can source transceivers matched to existing fiber plant. For guidance on matching fiber type to run distance, see the PoE switch selection guide.

Battery wiring uses the integrated charger circuit — connect a compatible sealed lead acid or gel battery to the terminals per the installation documentation. Operating humidity up to 85% ±5% and a storage temperature range of -30°C to 85°C mean the unit tolerates the condensation cycling common in unconditioned enclosures. For installs requiring complementary edge power distribution, the Altronix power supply and accessory line offers compatible enclosures and battery trays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the maximum wattage the NETWAYSP4BTPL3 can deliver per port?

A: Each port delivers up to 90W under IEEE 802.3bt (PoE++). The total power budget across all four ports is 360W, so all four ports can sustain maximum draw simultaneously without derating.

Q: What battery types does the NETWAYSP4BTPL3 support?

A: The integrated charger is compatible with sealed lead acid (SLA) and gel cell batteries. The battery is not included — you connect a compatible external battery to the onboard terminals.

Q: Are the SFP uplinks locked to Altronix-branded transceivers?

A: No. The two Gigabit SFP slots accept standard third-party Gigabit SFP transceivers. Select single-mode or multimode modules based on your fiber plant and run distance.

Q: Is the NETWAYSP4BTPL3 compatible with 802.3af and 802.3at devices, or only 802.3bt endpoints?

A: The ports are backward-compatible with 802.3af (PoE, up to 15.4W) and 802.3at (PoE+, up to 30W) endpoints. The switch negotiates the correct power class per port — you can mix PTZ cameras drawing 60–90W with standard IP cameras drawing under 15W on the same unit.

Q: What AC input voltage does the NETWAYSP4BTPL3 require?

A: The unit accepts 115VAC (North America standard) or 230VAC (international), making it suitable for multi-region deployments without a step-down transformer.

Q: What is the operating temperature range, and is this unit suitable for unheated enclosures?

A: Operating range is -30°C to 65°C (-22°F to 149°F). The -30°C floor makes it appropriate for unheated utility rooms, outdoor-rated enclosures, and cold-climate installs where standard enterprise switches rated to 0°C would fail.