Altronix NETWAY4E1PL 4-Port Gigabit Switch with SFP
The Altronix NETWAY4E1PL is a managed 4-port Gigabit Ethernet switch with integrated SFP fiber uplink, designed for distributed security and access-control networks requiring mixed copper-and-fiber infrastructure. This compact switch bridges edge PoE+ devices (cameras, door controllers, readers) over Gigabit copper ports while providing a fiber uplink for trunk connectivity, long-distance transmission, or electromagnetic isolation. The managed switching architecture supports redundant ring and mesh topologies, critical for facilities where network downtime directly impacts security operations.
Key Features
- 4 × Gigabit Copper Ports: Standard RJ45 connectivity at 1000 Mbps. Sufficient for 8–12 PoE+ cameras or access-control devices per port, depending on bitrate and recording profile.
- 1 × SFP Fiber Uplink: Hot-swappable SFP slot supports multimode or single-mode transceivers. Extends backbone reach beyond Ethernet distance limits and eliminates ground loops on long runs.
- Managed Switching: VLAN, QoS, and ring-redundancy protocols enable traffic isolation and automatic failover in multi-switch topologies.
- PoE+ Power Passthrough: 802.3at (PoE+) compatible — switches deliver full PoE+ to downstream devices without additional injectors.
- Compact DIN-Rail Mount: 2.15 lb, fits standard 35 mm DIN rails in small security enclosures, UPS cabinets, or pole-mount distribution boxes.
- 12 VDC Input: Operates from redundant UPS or Altronix power-supply outputs; integrates seamlessly into modular security power plants.
- Lifetime Warranty: Reflects engineering confidence in reliability and field-proven uptime in commercial security deployments.
The NETWAY4E1PL excels in campus and multi-zone security layouts where fiber backbone isolation is mandatory. A typical use case: four 4-port switches at remote buildings connected via single-mode fiber to a central NVR site, each switch feeding PoE+ to 4–6 perimeter cameras. Fiber eliminates ground-loop hum from CCTV video and protects against lightning transients on long copper runs. The managed switching layer allows you to VLAN-segregate camera traffic (vlan10) from access-control traffic (vlan20), improving throughput predictability and easing forensic packet capture.
Integration with Altronix power products (24/7E, VertiLine, NetWay UPS platforms) is seamless — the switch draws minimal standby current and accepts 12 VDC from any regulated Altronix output, eliminating the need for separate power injectors. Redundant network configurations are supported through managed ring topologies (Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol), so if one fiber link fails, traffic automatically reroutes through a secondary path within 10–50 ms — acceptable for video and access-control heartbeat traffic.
ONVIF device discovery and standard Ethernet frame forwarding ensure compatibility with all major VMS platforms (Genetec, Milestone, Exacq, Axis Camera Station) and third-party IP devices. The switch does not require per-license activation or cloud management — it operates autonomously after initial VLAN and QoS configuration via a simple web interface or command-line console port.
Choose the NETWAY4E1PL when your security deployment spans multiple buildings, requires isolated network segments for regulatory compliance, or faces ground-loop or EMI challenges on long copper runs. Its managed feature set and fiber connectivity eliminate expensive proprietary backbone switches while delivering carrier-grade uptime expectations at a fraction of enterprise-grade switch pricing.
Eden PhillipsPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
We've deployed the NETWAY4E1PL in over 60 mid-to-large security installations, from multi-building corporate campuses to manufacturing facilities with distributed perimeter coverage. What stands out is the managed switching foundation paired with the SFP uplink — it's the sweet spot for integrators who need fiber backbone isolation without jumping to industrial-grade switching at three times the cost. In a typical 8-camera satellite building scenario, the four Gigabit copper ports handle 6–8 cameras at 4–6 Mbps nominal bitrate each, plus a door-access PoE reader, all flowing through a single fiber trunk to the main NVR site. The ring-redundancy protocols mean that if a fiber link fails, traffic reroutes through an alternate path within one heartbeat cycle — no manual intervention, no missed frames. Managed VLANs let you isolate camera streams from access-control traffic, a requirement in many healthcare and financial institutions. The 12 VDC input is the kicker: it plugs directly into any Altronix power shelf, eliminating external power supplies and reducing cabinet clutter.
Technical Highlights:
- SFP Hot-Swap Slot: Accepts any LC multimode (OM3/OM4) or single-mode transceiver without downtime. A typical 62.5 µm multimode SFP costs $25–50 and handles up to 2 km. For campus backbone runs exceeding 100 m, fiber eliminates ground-loop hum and lightning-induced transients — worth the transceiver cost alone on a 500 m perimeter installation.
- Managed VLAN Support: Tag camera streams (vlan10) separate from access-control (vlan20) at the switch level. Reduces broadcast storms and improves NVR recording predictability when mixed device types share the same copper segment. QoS ensures PoE+ power and bandwidth prioritization to critical devices.
- PoE+ Passthrough on All Ports: Each of the four Gigabit ports delivers full 802.3at PoE+ (30W per port) to downstream devices. No separate PoE+ injectors needed — the switch itself must be powered from a 12 VDC source capable of sourcing the PoE load (see power calculations below).
- Ring Redundancy (RSTP): Build two-switch or three-switch rings at distributed sites so that fiber-cut events cause <100 ms failover. Critical for facilities where a single surveillance outage triggers security alert escalation.
- Compact Form Factor: 2.15 lb, DIN-rail mounted, fits inside a standard 12U security cabinet alongside Altronix power supplies and a small NVR. No separate network rack required at remote buildings.
Deployment Considerations:
- Power Budget Calculation: Each PoE+ port can deliver 30W; four ports at full load = 120W. Your 12 VDC input must provide sufficient amperage (typical ~15 A at 12V). If you're running four cameras + a PoE reader from this switch, use an Altronix 24/7E or VertiLine supply rated for at least 150W DC output. We've seen integrators underestimate this and face voltage sag under load.
- SFP Transceiver Selection: Confirm the fiber run distance and mode (multimode vs. single-mode). Multimode is cheaper and simpler for in-building campus runs (<2 km). Single-mode is essential for long perimeter runs or long-haul inter-facility links. Do not mix transceiver types on the same ring — use identical optics on redundant links.
- VLAN Configuration is Manual: The switch ships with VLAN tagging disabled. If you deploy multiple switches in a ring topology, tag each port on day-1 commissioning. Many integrators defer this, then face broadcast storms months into operation — do it upfront via the web interface or serial console.
- Console Port (Serial RJ45): There is a management console port (RJ45 to serial adapter required). In the field, we always carry a serial-to-USB cable for troubleshooting if the web interface becomes inaccessible due to misconfigured network settings.
- Fiber Cable and Connectors: Use SC or LC connectors and OM3+ multimode or SMF-28 single-mode cable for outdoor campus runs. Pre-terminated patch cables cost more upfront but eliminate field-splicing failures — worth the investment on mission-critical links.
The NETWAY4E1PL is the right choice for integrators architecting scalable, fault-tolerant security networks across multiple buildings or long distances. If your deployment fits within a single copper Ethernet segment (<100 m, single building), a simpler unmanaged switch is adequate. But for any multi-zone campus, fiber backbone, or VLAN isolation requirement, this managed switch earns its cost in reliability and operational simplicity. See the full Altronix catalog for compatible power supplies and enclosure options.
