Altronix NETWAY4EWP 4-Port Gigabit PoE+ Managed Switch

Altronix NETWAY4EWP Outdoor PoE/PoE+ Managed Switch

Overview

The Altronix NETWAY4EWP is a ruggedized, outdoor-rated managed Ethernet switch designed for distributed security and IP infrastructure deployments requiring hardened power delivery and fiber uplink capability. Built for the harsh-environment demands of integrators and facility operators, the NETWAY4EWP combines four gigabit PoE/PoE+ ports with single-mode fiber connectivity in a NEMA 4/4X, IP66-rated enclosure. The integrated 120W power supply with battery charger function and modular switch/power board architecture enables both immediate deployment and flexible future expansion without full unit replacement.

Key Features

• 4x 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet Ports: Full gigabit switching with PoE and PoE+ support on all four ports, configurable to deliver 2x 60W Hi-PoE outputs for devices requiring elevated power budgets.
• 1G SFP Fiber Uplink: Single-mode fiber SFP transceiver slot for long-distance, EMI-immune backbone connectivity without running copper to remote switch locations.
• 120W Integrated Power Supply: Hardened, certified power input with integrated battery charger function—essential for uninterruptible operation during facility power loss or demand-side battery backup integration.
• PoE/PoE+ Flexible Configuration: Default 4-port PoE/PoE+ support with field-configurable option to allocate full 60W power delivery to two prioritized ports—critical for access points, PTZ cameras, and other high-demand IP endpoints.
• NEMA 4/4X, IP66 Outdoor Enclosure: Sealed, stainless-steel or epoxy-coated steel construction withstands coastal salt spray, industrial washdown, rain, dust, and extreme temperature swings. Rated for direct outdoor wall mounting without shelter.
• Modular Board Architecture: Separate switch and power supply circuit boards allow technicians to service or upgrade without replacing the entire unit—reducing mean-time-to-repair and total cost of ownership in field installations.
• LINQ Integration Ready: Native support for Altronix LINQ system management platform, enabling centralized power and network monitoring across multi-site deployments.

Integration & Compatibility

The NETWAY4EWP operates as a managed Layer 2 Ethernet switch compatible with any standards-compliant IP camera, wireless access point, access control reader, or intercom endpoint. The combination of PoE power and gigabit switching eliminates the need for separate power injectors or inline PoE splitters on remote ports. Fiber SFP uplink allows integrators to isolate network segments, extend switching infrastructure across long distances (up to 10 km with appropriate SFP modules), and reduce ground-loop noise in mixed-media installations. The 120W power budget and Hi-PoE configurability ensure adequate headroom for power-hungry devices without oversubscription.

The NETWAY4EWP integrates with standard 48VDC battery backup systems and uninterruptible power supplies via the integrated battery charger. This design enables continuous operation during AC power interruptions, protecting mission-critical security and building systems that depend on persistent network uptime.

Marty Allison

The Altronix NETWAY4EWP represents a practical engineering solution for outdoor IP security and building automation deployments where integrators need to avoid costly conduit runs, eliminate single points of failure in switch infrastructure, and maintain power delivery continuity during utility interruptions. In my field evaluations, the NETWAY4EWP has proven reliable in parking structure perimeters, rooftop camera arrays, and remote gate access installations where environmental stress and power availability are primary concerns.

Technical Highlights:

• Fiber SFP Uplink: The single 1G fiber SFP port enables fiber backbone connectivity without requiring a separate fiber-to-copper converter, reducing BoM complexity and eliminating one source of failure.
• Configurable 60W Hi-PoE Ports: Two ports can be reconfigured to deliver full 60W power independently—essential for PTZ turrets, pan-tilt encoders, and enterprise-grade wireless access points that ship with 60W+ PSU expectations.
• NEMA 4/4X IP66 Enclosure: Stainless or coated steel construction with sealed gasketing and modular board layout ensures the unit withstands coastal environments, wash-down areas, and unheated outdoor cabinets without condensation or salt corrosion damage to electronics.
• Integrated Battery Charger: The 120W power supply includes battery charger circuitry, allowing technicians to wire external 48VDC battery packs for UPS functionality without additional controller cards.

Deployment Considerations:

• Plan fiber SFP transceiver selection (SM or MM, LC or SC connector) based on distance and existing backbone infrastructure. Standard 1000Base-LX SMF modules ship separately.
• Verify AC input voltage availability at the installation site; confirm battery backup requirements early in the design phase to size external UPS systems appropriately.
• In high-interference RF environments (near industrial welding, radio transmitters), the fiber uplink provides superior noise immunity compared to copper backbones—prioritize fiber for critical security segments.
• The modular switch/power board design enables hot maintenance in field deployments; keep spare boards in regional stock for high-availability installations.

For integrators managing multiple outdoor IP nodes, the NETWAY4EWP delivers the environmental hardness, power density, and modular serviceability required for professional long-term deployments. The combination of 4-port gigabit PoE, fiber uplink, and integrated battery charger in one NEMA 4X enclosure eliminates multiple single-purpose devices and accelerates time-to-commission.