Altronix NETWAY8GL 8-Port Managed Gigabit PoE Midspan
Overview
The Altronix NETWAY8GL is an 8-port managed gigabit PoE midspan delivering up to 240W total output across eight IEEE 802.3at/af-compliant ports. Designed for surveillance and security integrators who need reliable high-wattage PoE without replacing an existing non-PoE switch, the NETWAY8GL slots into your cabling infrastructure and adds powered network capability at each port — no forklift upgrade required. With 60W available per port, it handles pan-tilt-zoom cameras, multi-sensor heads, and access control readers that standard 15.4W 802.3af ports simply cannot sustain. Flexible mounting — rack, wall, or shelf — means it fits a head-end rack just as easily as a utility closet shelf in a mid-size deployment.
Key Features
- 60W per port, 240W total budget: At 60W per port, the NETWAY8GL exceeds standard PoE+ limits, letting you power high-draw PTZ cameras or multi-sensor units without external injectors or local power taps. Budget the 240W total across all eight ports — a mix of PTZ cameras at 30-40W and fixed domes at 8-13W fits comfortably.
- IEEE 802.3af and 802.3at compliance: Both PoE (802.3af, up to 15.4W) and PoE+ (802.3at, up to 30W) device classes are supported, so legacy cameras and newer high-power units coexist on the same midspan without per-port configuration headaches.
- 10/100/1000 Mbps per port: Gigabit throughput on every port keeps pace with multi-stream 4K or high-bitrate H.265 cameras without creating a network bottleneck at the midspan. If your switch is already gigabit, the NETWAY8GL won't be the weak link.
- CAT5e and higher wiring: The NETWAY8GL works with installed CAT5e or CAT6 runs using standard 4-pair cabling — no rewiring needed for most existing infrastructure, which matters when pulling new cable isn't in the project budget.
- Dual-voltage AC input (115VAC or 230VAC): Accepts 115VAC/60Hz at 3.25A or 230VAC/50-60Hz at 2.0A, making the unit deployable in North American and international facilities without a separate transformer or voltage converter.
- Wide operating temperature range (-20°C to 40°C): Rated down to -20°C, the NETWAY8GL survives unheated equipment rooms and outdoor enclosures in cold climates without thermal shutdowns interrupting camera coverage.
- 55V PoE output voltage: The 55V output sits above the IEEE minimum, compensating for voltage drop over long CAT5e runs — useful when cameras are installed near the maximum 100m Ethernet distance and every volt matters for stable link negotiation.
- Rack, wall, or shelf mounting: Three mounting configurations mean the NETWAY8GL fits 19-inch rack bays, flat wall surfaces, or standard equipment shelves — integrators aren't locked into a single installation scenario.
Integration and Compatibility
As a midspan device, the NETWAY8GL inserts between any existing non-PoE gigabit switch and the field runs serving IP cameras, access control readers, or VoIP endpoints. It does not require replacement of the upstream switch, which preserves existing VLAN, QoS, and management configurations. The dual IEEE 802.3af/at compliance means it works with the broad range of PoE-compatible network devices on the market. For projects scaling beyond eight ports, review the broader Altronix power and networking catalog for higher-port-count midspan and managed switch options. Integrators planning camera deployments should also consult a PoE planning guide to budget wattage across port mixes before finalizing the design — the 240W total cap is the binding constraint when all eight ports carry high-draw devices simultaneously.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can the NETWAY8GL power PTZ cameras that require more than 30W?
A: Yes. The NETWAY8GL supports up to 60W per port, well above the 30W ceiling of standard PoE+ (802.3at), making it suitable for high-draw PTZ cameras and multi-sensor units that exceed PoE+ limits.
Q: Does the NETWAY8GL require replacing my existing switch?
A: No. It functions as a midspan injector, inserting between your existing non-PoE gigabit switch and the field cabling. Your current switch configuration, VLANs, and management settings remain unchanged.
Q: What cable type does the NETWAY8GL require?
A: It requires 4-pair CAT5e or higher (CAT6, CAT6A). Standard structured cabling installations using CAT5e or better are compatible without rewiring.
Q: Can the NETWAY8GL be used internationally on 230V power?
A: Yes. It accepts either 115VAC/60Hz (North America) or 230VAC/50-60Hz (international), so no external transformer is needed for European or international deployments.
Q: What is the maximum data throughput per port on the NETWAY8GL?
A: Each port supports 10/100/1000 Mbps (gigabit), sufficient for multi-stream 4K IP camera feeds without a bandwidth bottleneck at the midspan.
Q: What are the mounting options for the NETWAY8GL?
A: The unit supports rack mount, wall mount, and shelf mount configurations, giving integrators flexibility for head-end rack bays, utility closets, or open-shelf equipment areas.
The NETWAY8GL earns its place in surveillance head-end designs specifically because of that 60W-per-port ceiling. Most integrators size midspans around PoE+ (30W) and then scramble when a PTZ or a multi-sensor dome shows up on the bill of materials at 40-50W. This unit removes that scramble — 60W per port means you can slot in the high-draw device without a secondary injector or a local 12V supply eating space in the enclosure.
Technical Highlights:
- 60W per port: Handles PTZ cameras, multi-sensor heads, and access readers on the same midspan — no secondary injectors needed for high-draw endpoints.
- 240W total output at 55V: The elevated 55V output compensates for resistive voltage drop on long CAT5e runs, keeping link negotiation stable at distances approaching 100m.
- Dual AC input (115/230VAC): Single SKU covers North American and international projects — no local power adapter or transformer required for international deployments.
Deployment Considerations:
- The 240W total budget is the binding constraint when populating all eight ports with high-draw cameras — plan your port load before deployment. Eight PTZ cameras each drawing 40W would exceed the budget; a mixed load of four PTZs at 35W and four fixed domes at 10W sits comfortably under 200W.
- Operating altitude ceiling is 3,048m (10,000 ft). High-altitude installations above that threshold need a verified altitude rating from a different unit — passive cooling efficiency drops with air density.
The NETWAY8GL is the right call for retrofitting an existing gigabit switch infrastructure in a surveillance project where port power demands exceed standard PoE+ — particularly camera systems mixing PTZ and fixed-camera endpoints in a single head-end rack or wall-mount enclosure.
