Altronix NETWAY1X Single Port PoE Midspan Injector
The Altronix NETWAY1X is a single-port midspan PoE injector designed to deliver PoE+ power to compatible devices over standard Ethernet cabling without replacing existing network infrastructure. Operating from standard 230VAC supply, the NETWAY1X provides up to 30W of PoE+ (802.3at) power on a single output port, extending reach to 100 meters. This architecture is purpose-built for retrofit scenarios where power infrastructure does not exist at the device end—a common constraint in older buildings, remote monitoring installations, and single-device deployments.
Key Features
- 30W PoE+ Output: Delivers PoE+ (802.3at) power sufficient for power-hungry IP cameras, outdoor PTZ units, and enterprise-class access points without requiring a separate power supply at the endpoint.
- Midspan Injection Architecture: Injects power into unused wire pairs on standard Ethernet runs, eliminating the need to replace cabling or run separate power drops—critical for retrofit projects and building code compliance.
- 100m Cable Distance: 802.3at standard supports full 30W delivery over Category 5e or higher cabling up to 100 meters, enabling flexible camera or access-point placement.
- 230VAC Single Input: Accepts standard European/international AC mains supply, simplifying site-wide power distribution and eliminating dependency on site-specific voltage regulators.
- UL Listed and CE Certified: Safety certifications meet North American and European electrical code requirements for commercial and industrial deployments.
- Lifetime Warranty: Manufacturer warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship, reducing replacement risk on long-term outdoor or remote installations.
The midspan injector form factor is fundamentally different from PoE-enabled network switches. While switches consolidate power injection and switching into one device, the NETWAY1X separates concerns: it accepts power input independently and injects onto a single Ethernet run. This separation is valuable when the network switch is distant from the powered device, when you need to add power to a single existing run without replacing infrastructure, or when the switch lacks sufficient PoE budget for all attached devices.
The 30W budget supports the majority of fixed-position IP cameras (5–15W typical), enterprise Wi-Fi 6 access points (15–25W), and industrial sensor nodes. High-power heaters, visible-light strobes, or dual-motor PTZ units may exceed 30W, requiring external power supplies. The NETWAY1X provides no data switching or filtering—it is purely a power-injection appliance, making it compatible with any Ethernet topology and any managed or unmanaged switch upstream.
Deployment scenarios include retrofitting a single HD or 4K camera into a building with non-powered Cat5e runs, adding PoE to a remote wireless access point where separate AC is unavailable or impractical, and extending power injection into isolated network segments without recabling. The 100m reach means a camera can be mounted 100 meters from the nearest AC outlet via one injector unit per camera. For multi-camera or multi-device scenarios, integrators typically deploy one NETWAY1X per device or migrate to a PoE-enabled switch if the budget and infrastructure allow, both are valid choices depending on site constraints.
ONVIF compliance is implicit in the injector design—the NETWAY1X carries no network intelligence, so any ONVIF-compliant camera or access point works without firmware or driver changes. Integration is transparent: power travels on pins 4, 5, 7, 8 (spare pairs on 10/100 Ethernet), leaving the data lines untouched. VMS platforms (Genetec, Milestone, Avigilon, ExacqVision) detect and manage connected devices as if they were powered by a switch, with no special configuration needed on the injector side.
Eden PhillipsPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
We've installed hundreds of midspan injectors across retrofit and new-build projects, and the NETWAY1X represents a reliable, no-nonsense solution for the single-device power-injection use case. Its real strength is operational simplicity: it requires no configuration, no network management access, no firmware updates, and no integration with a management platform. Plug 230VAC in, plug an Ethernet run from a non-PoE switch into the data port, run another Ethernet cable from the power port to the camera or access point, and power flows. This is valuable in environments where network complexity must be kept minimal—retail locations, remote facilities, or temporary surveillance installations. Compared to PoE-enabled switches or multi-port injectors, the NETWAY1X costs less and occupies less rack space when you genuinely need power on only one device. However, it is decidedly not a scaling solution: if your project eventually requires powering five cameras, you will need five NETWAY1X units or a switch replacement. For two or more devices, the total cost and footprint of a managed PoE switch often becomes more economical.
Technical Highlights:
- 30W PoE+ Budget (802.3at): Sufficient for nearly all fixed outdoor IP cameras (5–12W), dual-sensor wide-angle models (10–15W), and most enterprise-class wireless access points (15–25W). High-power heaters or dual-motor PTZ exceed this; know your device power draw before specifying.
- 100m Reach on Cat5e or Higher: 802.3at standard guarantees 30W delivery at 100 meters. Distances beyond 100m require external power at the device or a secondary injector; voltage drop at longer distances becomes measurable.
- Midspan Injection on Spare Pairs (Pins 4, 5, 7, 8): Power and data travel independently on the same UTP cable. Data remains on pins 1, 2, 3, 6 (standard 10/100 pairs), so no data line interference, no signal degradation. This is the IEEE 802.3at specification and works with all compliant devices.
- 230VAC Single Input, No Backup Battery or UPS Support: The unit requires live mains power. If AC fails, power to the connected device stops. For mission-critical cameras, consider site-wide UPS infrastructure or a backup battery system upstream of the injector.
- Passive Midspan Design (No Active Switching or Filtering): The NETWAY1X adds no latency, no packet loss, no port negotiation delays. It is transparent to network monitoring and VMS discovery. A connected camera behaves identically to a camera powered by a PoE switch.
Deployment Considerations:
- Cable Polarity and Pinout: The data port expects a standard RJ45 Ethernet pinout from your non-PoE switch or router. The power port outputs standard PoE pinout (power on 4/5 and 7/8). Test polarity with a multimeter on the first installation to avoid reversed connections. Once verified, subsequent installs are identical.
- 230VAC Availability: This unit is specified for 230VAC input, which is standard in Europe, Asia, and many international markets. In North America (120VAC), you will need a step-up transformer or a source-switched 230VAC supply. Verify AC availability and voltage tolerance (typically 190–264VAC per UL spec) before purchase.
- Heat Dissipation in Confined Spaces: At 30W continuous output, the injector generates modest heat. In outdoor junction boxes or sealed enclosures, ensure adequate ventilation or choose a well-ventilated mounting location. Indoor installations rarely require thermal management.
- Single Points of Failure: If the injector fails or AC power is interrupted, the connected device loses power immediately. For critical surveillance, add site-level redundancy (UPS, backup AC, or dual power paths) upstream of the injector or migrate to a higher-availability architecture (PoE switch with redundant supplies).
- Endpoint Power Draw Documentation: Before installation, verify the attached device draws ≤30W (check the camera or access point datasheet). Devices attempting to draw >30W may behave erratically or fail to power on. Heaters, LED flood lights, or external antenna amplifiers often exceed budget.
The NETWAY1X is the right choice for single-device retrofit power injection in non-PoE environments, especially where infrastructure simplicity and low upfront cost are priorities. For multi-device scenarios or future expansion, plan a migration to a managed PoE switch. Explore the full Altronix catalog for complementary power distribution and backup solutions.
