Altronix NETWAY4BT 4-Port 802.3bt PoE Midspan Injector
The NETWAY4BT is a rack-mount, managed midspan power-over-Ethernet injector that solves a critical infrastructure problem: delivering high-power PoE to endpoints when network switch PoE budgets are exhausted or when endpoints sit beyond standard switch reach. Designed for enterprise security and warehouse automation, this 4-port device injects power onto standard Ethernet cabling over distances up to 100 meters, eliminating the need for local power supplies at camera, access control, or VoIP endpoints. With a combined 360W power budget and per-port management, the NETWAY4BT handles multiple high-power endpoints on a single piece of hardware.
Overview
The NETWAY4BT implements IEEE 802.3bt High Power over Ethernet (HighPoE) across four independent managed ports. This matters because 802.3bt delivers significantly more power than older standards — enough to support thermal imaging cameras, integrated readers, and enterprise IP phones that won't run on basic 802.3af PoE. Each port monitors power draw independently and supports remote enable/disable and scheduling, critical for multi-site deployments where you need to cycle endpoints without sending a technician on-site. The unit accepts both 115VAC and 230VAC input, so it integrates into North American and international power distribution without step-down transformers. UL and CE certification means it meets safety and electromagnetic compatibility requirements for regulated environments like hospitals, data centers, and warehouses.
Key Features
- IEEE 802.3bt High Power Injection: Delivers up to 802.3bt HighPoE on each of four independent ports — high-power endpoints that require 60–95W now run directly on Ethernet without separate supplies, reducing cable runs and cabinet space.
- 360W Combined Power Budget: Total 360-watt allocation across all four ports means you can power multiple high-draw devices simultaneously — for example, four thermal cameras or a mix of thermal, access control, and VoIP equipment — without oversubscribing.
- 100-Meter Extended Range: Standard Cat5e/Cat6/Cat6A cabling carries power to endpoints up to 100 meters away; eliminates the cost and complexity of running separate power infrastructure to remote surveillance or access control nodes.
- Managed Per-Port Control: Each port operates independently with real-time power monitoring, remote enable/disable, and scheduling — you can reboot a frozen camera or reader from your NOC without physical access, and schedule power cycles during maintenance windows.
- Dual AC Input (115/230VAC): Flexible input voltage prevents the need for transformer banks; unit plugs directly into North American 120V or international 230V distribution, reducing installation cost and eliminating single points of failure.
- Rack-Mount Form Factor: 1U or 2U chassis (depending on configuration) fits standard telecommunications racks and security appliance cabinets, integrating seamlessly into existing infrastructure without custom shelving.
- UL Listed and CE Certified: Regulatory approval for North American and European markets ensures compliance in security-sensitive environments; no surprise delays during facility commissioning.
- Layer 2 Transparent Operation: The NETWAY4BT injects power without requiring VLAN tagging or IP configuration for basic operation — it operates transparently to network traffic and can be deployed without IT policy changes.
- Managed Network Integration: Supports standard network management protocols, enabling integration with enterprise NMS platforms and security appliances that control PoE port states via API.
Integration & Compatibility
Deploy the NETWAY4BT between your network switch and powered endpoints. Connect the management port to your network, then run standard Ethernet cabling from the four injection ports to endpoints. No reconfiguration of existing switch or router settings required for basic operation. If you're integrating with a larger power infrastructure or surveillance system, the managed capabilities allow remote port control through standard network protocols — compatible with Altronix management tools and third-party systems that support PoE endpoint control. The unit functions as a Layer 2 injector, meaning it works with any endpoint designed for 802.3bt PoE without vendor lock-in.
When to Choose a Different Model
If you need higher port density (8 or 16 ports), evaluate Altronix's higher-capacity PoE midspan injectors in the same family. If your endpoints require only standard PoE or PoE+ (lower power than 802.3bt), a switch with integrated PoE modules may be more cost-effective. If you need unmanaged injection and don't require per-port monitoring or scheduling, consider passive (non-managed) injectors — they're simpler but offer no remote control or power-per-port visibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does the NETWAY4BT require VLAN or IP configuration to deliver power?
A: No. Basic power injection operates transparently at Layer 2; no network configuration is required. Managed features (remote port control, scheduling) leverage standard network protocols and integrate with your existing NMS, but power delivery is automatic.
Q: Can I mix different endpoint types (thermal cameras, access readers, VoIP phones) on the same NETWAY4BT?
A: Yes. Each port independently delivers 802.3bt HighPoE, and the 360W total budget accommodates mixed high-power endpoints. Just monitor total wattage across all four ports to stay within the combined limit.
Q: What happens if an endpoint draws more power than a single port can deliver?
A: The port includes protection and monitoring; if power draw exceeds the port's limit, the managed interface alerts you and you can investigate the endpoint. The NETWAY4BT does not force-disconnect; it alerts and lets you decide.
Q: Is the NETWAY4BT compatible with older 802.3af PoE devices?
A: Yes. 802.3bt is backward-compatible with older PoE standards. Legacy PoE devices will negotiate down to their required power level and operate normally, though they won't benefit from the higher power budget.
Q: Can I daisy-chain multiple NETWAY4BT units?
A: Yes. You can deploy multiple injectors on the same network segment to support more endpoints; just ensure your switch uplink and network backbone have adequate throughput for data traffic on all endpoints.
Q: Does the NETWAY4BT support Power Scheduling or Remote Reboot?
A: Yes. The managed architecture supports per-port scheduling and remote enable/disable through standard network protocols; integrate it with your network management system to automate power cycles or scheduled maintenance windows.
Eden PhillipsPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
The NETWAY4BT solves a real deployment constraint: when thermal cameras, integrated access control readers, or high-power enterprise VoIP endpoints exceed your network switch's PoE budget or sit beyond standard switch reach, a managed midspan injector like the NETWAY4BT becomes essential infrastructure. The 360-watt total budget and 100-meter delivery range give you the flexibility to push power deep into warehouses, parking structures, or multi-building campuses without running dedicated power lines or installing local supplies at each endpoint.
Technical Highlights:
- 360W Combined Power Budget: Enough headroom to run four thermal cameras (typically 60–90W each) or a mixed load of thermal, access control, and VoIP endpoints simultaneously — without oversubscribing or swapping in higher-capacity switches.
- 100-Meter Range on Standard Cabling: Cat5e/Cat6/Cat6A carries both data and power to endpoints up to 100 meters away; eliminates the need for auxiliary power infrastructure in remote corners of your facility.
- Per-Port Managed Control: Each of the four ports operates independently with real-time power monitoring, remote enable/disable, and scheduling — you can reboot a frozen camera from your NOC or schedule maintenance windows without a site visit.
- Dual AC Input (115/230VAC): Accepts both North American 120V and international 230V without transformers; integrates directly into whatever AC distribution is already in your rack or cabinet.
- UL/CE Certification: Regulatory compliance eliminates commissioning delays in security-regulated environments; required for healthcare, financial, and government facilities.
Deployment Considerations:
- The 360W total budget is shared across all four ports — if you max out thermal cameras at 90W each, you're limited to four endpoints. Monitor your actual endpoint wattages before committing to the port count.
- Managed features require network connectivity to your NMS or management appliance; if you need air-gapped power control, verify that your management system supports it before deployment.
- The NETWAY4BT is transparent to network traffic but does introduce a potential single point of failure for power injection — if the unit fails, all four endpoints lose power simultaneously. Consider redundancy if the endpoints drive critical access or surveillance functions.
Deploy the NETWAY4BT when thermal imaging or access control infrastructure demands HighPoE delivery beyond your switch's capacity and you need centralized, remotely controllable power management across a multi-endpoint security or automation installation.
