Altronix NETWAY3012 PoE+ to 12VDC Midspan Converter
The Altronix NETWAY3012 is a rack-mount PoE+ midspan converter that transforms Power over Ethernet input into regulated 12VDC output. This single-output unit accepts standard PoE+ power budgets and delivers up to 2.5A at 12VDC—enough to power remote IP cameras, access control readers, and auxiliary security devices over extended cable runs without requiring additional power infrastructure at the far end.
Key Features
- PoE+ Input with Midspan Architecture: Accepts PoE+ power from your network switch or existing midspan injector. The midspan design lets you inject power into data lines without replacing your switch or running separate power drops—critical when retrofit work would be expensive.
- 30W (2.5A) Regulated 12VDC Output: Delivers a stable 12VDC rail with sufficient current headroom for multiple low-power devices (cameras, card readers, door locks, horn/strobe units). Regulation keeps output steady even as input PoE+ voltage varies slightly.
- 100-Meter Transmission Range: PoE can run over Ethernet cable up to 100 meters without significant voltage drop—meaning you can install IP cameras or readers in warehouses, parking structures, or outdoor perimeters without intermediate power supplies.
- Single Output Connector: One 12VDC output port per unit. For multi-zone power distribution, you'll run the output to a secondary power distribution board or use multiple NETWAY3012 units in parallel behind different PoE+ sources.
- Rack-Mount Enclosure: Integrates directly into 19-inch security racks alongside NVRs, switches, and patch panels. Compact form factor saves cabinet space and keeps cable routing organized in centralized installations.
- UL Listed and CE Certified: Meets safety and EMC standards for North American and European deployments. Certification also simplifies insurance and compliance documentation for integrators and facility owners.
- Lifetime Limited Warranty: Covers defects in materials and workmanship for the life of the product. Service claims are straightforward through specialty distributor.
Deployment Scenarios
The NETWAY3012 is most valuable in three situations: (1) Extended-run IP camera feeds where budget constraints prevent running dedicated 12VDC power to outdoor mounts—use PoE over the data cable instead; (2) Access control distribution where readers, relay modules, or door strikes need local 12VDC but power cabling isn't already in place; (3) Centralized PoE+ to legacy 12VDC equipment in retrofit or mixed-voltage environments where newer switches output PoE+ but existing devices expect regulated 12VDC. In each case, the NETWAY3012 converts a single PoE+ input into one stable 12VDC rail, eliminating the need for separate power supplies at remote locations.
Integration & Compatibility
The NETWAY3012 works with any PoE+ source that meets IEEE 802.3at+ specifications—standard managed or unmanaged PoE+ switches, or other PoE+ midspans. On the output side, connect to any 12VDC device using the appropriate connector type (verify pin configuration with your camera or control module beforehand). The unit requires minimal configuration: plug PoE+ input into an available port, connect your 12VDC load, and mount in a rack. No software, no IP address, no firmware updates—just passive voltage conversion. For large deployments with dozens of remote devices, use multiple NETWAY3012 units fed by separate PoE+ injectors or dedicated switch ports to avoid exceeding any single unit's 30W output ceiling.
What's in the Box
The NETWAY3012 ships ready to rack. Verify inclusion of all components with your distributor, but expect the unit itself and basic mounting hardware. Ethernet patching cables, 12VDC connector adapters, and cable management are your responsibility—allow lead time to source the right connectors for your cameras or devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I chain multiple NETWAY3012 units to increase output current?
A: Not directly in series—the NETWAY3012 is designed as a single PoE+ to 12VDC converter. For higher total current, deploy multiple units, each fed by its own PoE+ source (separate switch port or midspan), and run separate 12VDC lines to your load distribution board. Never parallel the outputs without blocking diodes or a smart distribution module.
Q: Does the NETWAY3012 support PoE++ (802.3bt)?
A: The unit is rated for PoE+ (802.3at+) input. While PoE++ switches can deliver backward-compatible PoE+ to legacy midspans, the NETWAY3012 will only consume up to its design envelope. Using a PoE++ switch doesn't increase output power—stick with PoE+ switches for cost savings.
Q: What happens if I exceed 30W on the output?
A: The NETWAY3012 is not a limitless power supply. Overload protection is built in, but continuous draws above 30W will either trigger shutdown or degrade regulation. Size your load carefully: add up the current draws of all devices on the 12VDC rail and confirm the total stays under 2.5A.
Q: Is the 100-meter range a hard limit?
A: 100 meters is the safe design window for PoE power delivery over standard Cat5e/Cat6 Ethernet cable under typical conditions. Beyond that, voltage drop becomes significant. If your run exceeds 100m, use an intermediate powered hub or place a second NETWAY3012 closer to the remote site.
Q: Can I wall-mount the NETWAY3012 instead of racking it?
A: The NETWAY3012 is purpose-built as a rack-mount unit. Wall mounting would require an aftermarket enclosure or bracket. For distributed powering in non-rack environments, consider alternative 12VDC power supplies designed for wall or DIN-rail mounting.
Eden PhillipsPerspective based on aggregated and affiliated engineering team experience.
The Altronix NETWAY3012 solves a real infrastructure problem: how to power legacy 12VDC equipment over long runs without dedicated power cabling. In warehouse and campus deployments, you often find PoE+ already running to cameras or readers—why pull separate low-voltage wire when the data cable can carry power too? The NETWAY3012 does exactly that at a single-output, single-purpose level. It's not a power distribution hub; it's a point converter. That focus matters for deployment clarity.
Technical Highlights:
- 30W (2.5A) output: Enough for a single IP camera, card reader, or relay module, plus a bit of headroom. Tight budget on high-current loads (multiple heavy-draw solenoids), but solid for typical security devices.
- 100-meter PoE+ transmission: Standard Ethernet cable reaches 100m without significant voltage drop at PoE power levels. Beyond that, you hit losses. Plan intermediate power distribution if your runs are longer.
- Midspan architecture: No need to replace or upgrade your switch. Inject power into the data line downstream. Cleaner than swapping hardware in a live network.
- Regulated 12VDC output: Voltage stays stable even as PoE+ input varies. Old unregulated supplies drift with load—this one doesn't. Matters for camera auto-iris circuits and door-strike magnets.
Deployment Considerations:
- Single output means one device or one small load per NETWAY3012. Multi-zone jobs need multiple units or a secondary distribution board. Plan accordingly.
- 30W is the ceiling. If you're powering a full access control station (readers + locks + sensors), add up the draw. Exceed 2.5A total and you'll either hit thermal shutdown or lose regulation.
- The 100-meter window is generous but not infinite. Long runs (80m+) through conduit or outdoor environments may see more drop. Test voltage at the far end under load before final commissioning.
Best fit: retrofit jobs where you've got PoE+ to the wall but need 12VDC locally, or centralized rack-based power distribution for 24/7 camera and access control arrays. Skip this if you need true redundancy (dual power supplies) or if your load is highly variable—the single-output design and 30W cap make scaling awkward. For that, step up to a managed PoE+ midspan with multiple outputs or a traditional 12VDC supply with backup.
