Altronix NETWAYSP41X 4-Port PoE+ Gigabit Media Converter Switch

Overview

The Altronix NETWAYSP41X is a hardened 4-port PoE+ managed media converter designed for surveillance edge deployments where you need to bridge copper endpoints to a fiber backbone while keeping the power budget honest. It delivers four IEEE 802.3at/af PoE ports at up to 30W each, two Gigabit SFP uplink slots, and a 120W total power envelope — all from a NEMA 1 enclosure rated to operate from -40°C to 45°C. If you're pushing cameras or access control readers to the edge of a building and need fiber to get the signal back cleanly over distance, this unit handles both the electrical conversion and the PoE delivery in a single chassis.

The form factor is a wall-mountable NEMA 1 metal enclosure measuring 13.5" x 13" x 3.25" and weighing 6.65 lb. — compact enough for a secondary IDF closet or a secured equipment room, and purpose-built for PoE network switches and edge aggregation applications in commercial security infrastructure.

Key Features

• Four 802.3at PoE+ Ports at Up to 30W Each: Every copper port delivers full PoE+ (IEEE 802.3at), so you can run a 25W PTZ camera or dual-radio access point without negotiating power class. That said, the 120W shared budget means you'll hit the ceiling if you max all four ports simultaneously — plan your load accordingly before you finalize the install.
• 120W Total PoE Power Budget: 120W across four ports averages 30W per port, which works cleanly for most IP cameras and access control devices. If your device mix is lighter (say, four 15W 802.3af cameras), you're well within headroom and the unit runs conservatively, which extends component life.
• Dual Gigabit SFP Uplinks: Two SFP slots let you connect to single-mode or multimode fiber depending on your site's cabling plant — covering runs that copper simply can't reach. Fiber uplinks also electrically isolate the switch from the upstream network, which matters in buildings with ground-loop or surge exposure on the copper runs.
• 10/100/1000 Mbps Auto-Sensing Copper Ports: All four downlink ports auto-negotiate up to Gigabit, so you're not forced to run 100Mbps even if your cameras support higher data rates. This matters when you're deploying 4K or multi-stream devices that benefit from headroom on the link.
• 100m Maximum Copper Reach: Standard IEEE 802.3 copper distance limit of 100 meters from switch to endpoint. For longer runs, the SFP uplinks on the upstream side extend reach over fiber; the copper side is constrained to the standard limit regardless of PoE class.
• Wide Operating Temperature Range (-40°C to 45°C): The -40°C cold-start rating means this unit can sit in an unheated equipment room, parking garage, or rooftop closet in northern climates without a thermostatically controlled enclosure add-on. The 45°C upper limit is worth noting — if the enclosure is in a poorly ventilated space that heats above that threshold in summer, you'll need to plan for airflow or an air-conditioned cabinet.
• 56VDC Output at 2.2A: The internal power supply steps AC mains down to 56VDC for PoE delivery. The higher voltage headroom compared to a 48VDC supply reduces resistive losses on long copper runs, which translates to more usable power at the endpoint — particularly relevant when you're at or near the 100m copper limit.
• Dual Voltage AC Input (115VAC or 230VAC): The unit accepts either 115VAC/60Hz or 230VAC/50-60Hz input, so it deploys globally without a transformer. For US installs, it draws 2.5A at 115VAC — a single 15A circuit handles multiple units without a panel redesign.
• NEMA 1 Enclosure: Rated for indoor use in clean, dry locations. Not suitable for outdoor installation or wet/dusty environments — if you need outdoor edge deployment, you'll want a NEMA 4 or IP-rated enclosure solution instead.
• CE Certification: European Conformity marking supports EU deployments and indicates the unit has passed relevant electrical safety and EMC standards for that market.
• Lifetime Manufacturer Warranty: Altronix backs this unit with a lifetime warranty, which reduces lifecycle cost calculations for long-horizon security system builds where replacing switch hardware mid-project is operationally disruptive.

Integration and Compatibility

The NETWAYSP41X fits into any standards-based IP security topology. The copper downlinks are VLAN-transparent and support any 802.3at/af endpoint — cameras, access control panels, intercoms, or wireless APs. The dual SFP uplinks accept standard Gigabit SFP modules (single-mode, multimode, or BiDi) — confirm your preferred fiber module's compatibility with Altronix before procurement if you're using a non-standard transceiver type.

For larger deployments, this unit functions as a fiber-to-copper aggregation node: fiber from the main IDF, copper out to four edge devices, with PoE delivered locally. It pairs naturally with a network video recorder at the head end and any ONVIF-compatible camera at the edge. The Altronix surveillance power line includes complementary enclosures and power distribution accessories for integration into unified physical security infrastructure.

For architects planning PoE infrastructure, see the PoE switch selection guide for coverage planning, port budget calculations, and fiber uplink considerations before finalizing equipment lists.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the total PoE power budget on the NETWAYSP41X?

A: The NETWAYSP41X provides a total of 120W of PoE power shared across all four copper ports. Each port supports up to 30W (IEEE 802.3at PoE+), but the combined draw across all ports cannot exceed 120W simultaneously.

Q: What type of fiber modules does the NETWAYSP41X support?

A: The unit has two Gigabit SFP slots that accept standard SFP transceivers. You can use single-mode or multimode Gigabit SFP modules depending on your fiber plant. Confirm specific module compatibility with Altronix prior to purchasing non-standard transceivers.

Q: Can the NETWAYSP41X be installed outdoors?

A: No. The NETWAYSP41X carries a NEMA 1 enclosure rating, which is designed for indoor, dry, clean environments only. For outdoor or exposed installations, a NEMA 4 or higher-rated weatherproof enclosure is required.

Q: What is the warranty on the NETWAYSP41X?

A: Altronix provides a lifetime manufacturer warranty on the NETWAYSP41X.

Q: Does the NETWAYSP41X support both 115VAC and 230VAC power input?

A: Yes. The unit accepts 115VAC at 60Hz (drawing 2.5A) or 230VAC at 50/60Hz (drawing 1.3A), making it suitable for both North American and international deployments without an external transformer.

Q: What is the maximum operating temperature for the NETWAYSP41X?

A: The operating temperature range is -40°C to 45°C. The -40°C cold-start capability is well-suited for unheated equipment rooms and northern climate edge installations. The 45°C upper limit requires attention in poorly ventilated spaces — ensure adequate airflow in the installation environment.