Altronix NETWAY4ELWPX PoE-Managed Fiber Switch
Overview
The Altronix NETWAY4ELWPX is a hardened, outdoor-rated managed PoE switch engineered for security integrations requiring fiber backbone connectivity and high-power device delivery in demanding environments. Built around a NEMA 4/4X, IP66-rated enclosure, the NETWAY4ELWPX combines four gigabit Ethernet ports with configurable PoE/PoE+ output, a single 1G fiber SFP uplink, integrated 75W power supply, and optimized LiFePO4 battery charger to deliver resilient network infrastructure for video surveillance, access control, and IoT sensor deployments.
Key Features
- 4-Port 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet: Full-duplex operation on all four ports supports IP cameras, PoE endpoints, and network equipment at wire-speed throughput.
- Configurable PoE/PoE+ Output: Ports are configurable for standard PoE (15.4W) or PoE+ (30W per port), with the ability to configure two ports for 60W Hi-PoE delivery to support high-current devices including PTZ cameras and multi-sensor systems.
- 1G Fiber SFP Uplink: Single Small Form-Factor Pluggable (SFP) slot supports gigabit fiber connectivity for extended link distances, noise immunity, and isolation from electrical interference common in utility and telecom environments.
- 75W Internal Power Supply: Regulated 75W power supply mounted directly on the switch board provides stable voltage delivery across all PoE ports and internal logic circuits.
- LiFePO4 Battery Charger: Integrated charger circuit optimizes charging profile for lithium iron phosphate battery systems, extending backup runtime and lifespan compared to lead-acid alternatives.
- NEMA 4/4X IP66 Outdoor Enclosure: Stainless-steel or powder-coated steel construction rated for outdoor mounting with rated ingress protection against dust and high-pressure water jets; designed for pole, wall, or pedestal installation in surveillance, perimeter security, and field-deployed network applications.
- Managed Switch Functionality: Port-based VLAN support, QoS tagging, and LINQ integration enable centralized monitoring, remote configuration, and predictive troubleshooting across distributed edge sites.
- DIN Rail and Board-Level Integration: Internal switch and power boards mount on standard DIN rails within the enclosure, facilitating integration with external batteries, UPS systems, and field control devices.
Integration & Compatibility
The NETWAY4ELWPX operates as a Layer 2 managed switch supporting standard Ethernet frame sizes and is compatible with all IEEE 802.3af and 802.3at PoE sourcing equipment. The configurable PoE rails allow mixed power profiles within a single unit—for example, three ports configured for standard PoE and one for 60W Hi-PoE—adapting to heterogeneous device ecosystems common in distributed security networks. The SFP slot supports industry-standard 1G SFP transceivers (LC duplex connectors), enabling fiber runs to distant aggregation points without additional media converters. LINQ platform support provides firmware updates, event logging, and device health monitoring through a centralized management interface.
Physical Configuration
The switch and power supply boards are mounted on DIN rails inside a compact NEMA 4/4X outdoor enclosure. The unit accommodates optional external battery packs via standard DC connectors and includes screw-terminal field wiring for power input and output. Thermal management is passive in most deployments; the enclosure design and internal airflow path dissipate up to 75W without forced cooling, extending mean time between failures in outdoor temperature swings.
Eden PhillipsPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
I have evaluated the Altronix NETWAY4ELWPX during the planning phase of three large outdoor surveillance deployments over the past eighteen months. The combination of fiber uplink, configurable 60W Hi-PoE, and integrated battery charging creates a compact, self-contained edge switch suitable for remote sites where power conditioning and PoE aggregation were previously two separate appliances. The NEMA 4/4X enclosure is genuinely robust—our installations in salt-spray and high-humidity industrial zones have seen zero corrosion or component failure.
Technical Highlights:
- Fiber Isolation: The 1G SFP uplink decouples the local PoE network from long-haul backbone routing, eliminating ground loops and RF interference common in older copper backbones.
- Hi-PoE Configuration: The ability to configure two ports for 60W delivery without external PoE injectors simplifies sparing logic and reduces point-of-failure count; most PTZ cameras and multi-sensor heads draw between 40W and 55W and now run directly off the NETWAY4ELWPX.
- Battery Charger Integration: The LiFePO4-optimized charger eliminates the need for a separate desktop charger; battery packs charge and discharge within the outdoor enclosure, maintaining consistent performance across seasonal temperature variation.
Deployment Considerations:
- Confirm the PoE port configuration (standard vs. Hi-PoE per port) before ordering; this is typically set at the factory but can be field-modified. Verify your device power draw does not exceed 60W per port and that total site load does not exceed the 75W supply budget.
- Plan fiber SFP transceiver procurement separately; the NETWAY4ELWPX arrives without SFP loaded. Match transceiver wavelength and distance rating to your fiber plant specs.
- Size external battery packs based on backup runtime requirements; a typical 40Ah LiFePO4 pack will sustain two 50W cameras for roughly 8–10 hours in a complete power-loss scenario.
The NETWAY4ELWPX is a well-engineered platform for outdoor PoE aggregation with sufficient power headroom and fiber capability to anchor mid-sized distributed networks. It performs reliably in temperature extremes and corrosive environments, making it my recommendation for any integrator deploying remote surveillance or IoT infrastructure in harsh locations.
