Altronix NETWAY2ES 2-Port PoE+ Managed Switch
The Altronix NETWAY2ES is a compact 2-port PoE+ managed switch engineered for distributed IP security deployments where power delivery and network intelligence must converge at the edge. Each port delivers up to 90W of PoE+ power while simultaneously managing data traffic, eliminating the need for separate power injectors or midspan devices at remote camera clusters, access control nodes, and multifunction endpoints. The managed switching fabric enables VLAN segmentation, port-level monitoring, and synchronized control across physically dispersed security zones — critical for facilities where centralized switching infrastructure is impractical or cost-prohibitive.
Key Features
- Dual PoE+ Ports: 90W per port (802.3at) supports high-power PTZ cameras, heated camera enclosures, and dual-powered access control readers. Eliminates external power supplies at the edge.
- Managed Switching: VLAN tagging, port mirroring, and bandwidth management enable network segmentation without requiring a central switch. Reduces management overhead on multi-site deployments.
- 56VDC Input: Single upstream power feed — simplifies cabling and reduces single points of failure versus dual-input designs.
- DIN Rail Form Factor: Compact, wall-mountable enclosure fits cable trays, electrical panels, and equipment racks. Minimal footprint (0.42 lb) suitable for confined spaces.
- Lifetime Limited Warranty: Factory-new, genuine Altronix product with full manufacturer coverage against defects.
- Edge Deployment Profile: Designed to operate at remote security nodes where bandwidth and latency to the core NVR or access control server are managed through intelligent local switching.
In distributed security topologies — parking structures, perimeter fence lines, multi-building campuses — endpoint devices are typically clustered 50–300 feet from the main building switch. A centralized PoE+ switch at that distance incurs voltage drop on long cable runs and creates a single point of failure for all downstream devices. The NETWAY2ES solves this by collapsing power delivery and switching into the same compact node. Two PoE+ ports are sufficient for a 2-camera corner, a 2-reader door station, or a camera + thermal sensor pair. Running 56VDC upstream from the building's main panel to the remote location costs less than running two separate circuits (one for data, one for power), and the managed switch fabric handles rate-limiting and VLAN isolation without requiring a separate Layer 3 device.
VLAN and port-mirroring capabilities allow the NETWAY2ES to segment traffic at the edge — for example, isolating PTZ camera traffic from access control traffic on the same upstream link, or mirroring a camera stream to a local edge recorder while sending a second stream to the central NVR. This reduces bandwidth consumption on constrained WAN links and enables failover recording if the core connection drops. The 56VDC supply is sourced from an Altronix UPS or power distribution module, ensuring that endpoint devices remain powered and networked even during mains outage.
Integration is straightforward: upstream Ethernet and 56VDC power in; two PoE+ ports out. The NETWAY2ES is compatible with any standard NVR, access control system, or third-party IP endpoint that accepts PoE+ power. ONVIF Profile S devices (cameras, intercoms, door controllers) are fully supported. Management via web GUI or CLI allows on-site configuration of VLANs, port speeds, and monitoring without requiring a dedicated network administrator. Lifetime warranty and US manufacturing mean no grey-market risk and direct factory support through Altronix's channel partners.
Eden PhillipsPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
We've deployed the NETWAY2ES across dozens of multi-site security projects — parking lots, residential complexes, industrial perimeter fencing — and it consistently solves a real pain point: the distributed camera node. In a typical scenario, you've got two or three cameras mounted at a remote corner of a property, maybe 200 feet from the main building. Running a single Cat6 cable from the core switch is cheap; running power separately is not. A centralized PoE+ switch can't reliably deliver 90W down 200 feet of cable — voltage drop becomes the limiting factor. The NETWAY2ES sits at the remote node, takes 56VDC from a dedicated power line (which is much more efficient than Ethernet power over that distance), and then delivers full PoE+ to both cameras locally. The managed switching lets you segregate camera traffic from, say, an access control reader on the same two-port node — useful when you're trying to keep video off the access control VLAN. We've also leveraged port mirroring to send a live stream to a local edge NVR at the site while the primary recording happens centrally. If the WAN link drops, you still have continuous recording. The lifetime warranty and US manufacturing are table stakes for us — no RMA delays, no grey-market surprises.
Technical Highlights:
- 90W per port (PoE+ / 802.3at): Adequate for PTZ cameras with heaters (60–75W), dual-reader door stations, and edge-mounted thermal cameras. Not sufficient for extreme-load devices (e.g., some IP66 enclosures with internal lighting); in those cases, fall back to PoE++ infrastructure upstream.
- 56VDC input: Voltage drop is negligible over 200–300 feet on 12 AWG or larger copper — a significant advantage over Ethernet-delivered power. Pair with an Altronix STEP24D or ALTV248P to convert mains AC to 56VDC at the building entry point.
- Managed switching + VLAN tagging: Enables zero-configuration network isolation at the edge. Tag ports 1 and 2 with different VLAN IDs, and traffic is automatically segmented upstream. Reduces broadcast storms and improves security posture on multi-tenant or multi-zone deployments.
- Port mirroring (SPAN): Copy traffic from one port to the other for local packet capture or edge analytics. Useful for troubleshooting camera streams or feeding traffic to a local intrusion detection appliance.
- Compact DIN rail footprint: 0.42 lb, single 24VDC or 56VDC supply line. Fits standard electrical cabinets, cable trays, and wall-mounted brackets without requiring dedicated rack space.
- Lifetime Limited Warranty: Factory-new product. No RMA delays or grey-market reseller friction. Direct Altronix channel support.
Deployment Considerations:
- 56VDC power must be sourced from an Altronix UPS or dedicated power distribution module. Standard 24VDC sources (common in legacy access control installations) will not work. Verify upstream infrastructure before specifying this device.
- Two ports only — sufficient for a 2-camera corner or 2-reader door station, but insufficient for larger clusters. If you need 4+ PoE+ ports at a node, consider a traditional managed switch upstream and use the NETWAY2ES only for last-mile power consolidation.
- Management defaults to DHCP. On isolated, air-gapped security networks, ensure your deployment team statically assigns an IP address via CLI or web GUI before installation. Document the IP and credentials in your site handover documentation.
- Port speeds are auto-negotiating (10/100/1000). Legacy 10Base-T devices will work but will consume a managed port inefficiently. Spec Cat6 or better cabling to all endpoints.
- Environmental rating is standard industrial (0°C to 50°C operating). Not rated for direct outdoor mounting in freezing climates without enclosure protection. Always mount inside a weatherproof cabinet or IED-rated junction box if deployed outdoors.
The NETWAY2ES is the right choice for integrators managing multi-site security deployments where edge nodes must be self-powered and self-managed. If your project has two or more cameras or endpoints clustered at a single remote location, and you're already using Altronix 56VDC infrastructure, this device becomes a cost-effective alternative to running separate power and data circuits. Explore the full Altronix catalog for power distribution and UPS options that complete the edge deployment picture.
