Altronix NETWAY5PQ 5-Port Managed PoE+ Switch

Altronix NETWAY5PQ 5-Port Hardened Managed Network PoE+ Switch Board

The Altronix NETWAY5PQ is a purpose-built managed network switch designed for security and access control system integrators who require robust, hardened connectivity in demanding installations. This 5-port switch delivers managed PoE+ power and data switching in a compact form factor, engineered to support LINQ networked devices and legacy security infrastructure in a single unified platform.

Overview

The NETWAY5PQ operates as a hardened managed network switch, consolidating 5 network ports into a single intelligent distribution point. Each port supports Power over Ethernet Plus (PoE+) delivery, enabling integrators to power and network devices—including cameras, intercoms, readers, and controllers—through standard Cat5e/Cat6 cabling. The managed architecture provides visibility and control across connected endpoints, critical for mission-critical security deployments where uptime and device status monitoring are non-negotiable.

Key Features

• 5 PoE+ Network Ports: Each of the five ports delivers managed PoE+ power and data in a single connection, reducing installation complexity and cable runs in security applications.
• Hardened Design: Built to withstand demanding environments including outdoor enclosures, electrical noise, and extended temperature ranges typical of perimeter security, access control, and surveillance installations.
• Managed Switch Architecture: Provides network visibility, device discovery, and remote management capabilities essential for integrators monitoring multi-site deployments.
• LINQ Ecosystem Integration: Native support for Altronix LINQ networked security devices including door controllers, cameras, intercoms, and power controllers, enabling unified management across the platform.
• PoE+ Budget Management: Intelligent power distribution across ports ensures connected devices receive required current without oversubscription or priority conflicts.
• Compact Board Format: DIN-rail or enclosure-mount configuration allows flexible deployment in equipment rooms, electrical closets, or security system cabinets without requiring dedicated rack infrastructure.

Integration & Compatibility

The NETWAY5PQ integrates seamlessly into Altronix LINQ networked security systems, providing centralized switching and power distribution for multi-device installations. Its managed switch capability allows integrators to configure VLANs, monitor port status, and implement network policies across connected security devices. The switch supports industry-standard Ethernet protocols, ensuring compatibility with standard network monitoring tools and integrator management platforms. Five individual PoE+ ports enable daisy-chaining security devices without external power supplies, simplifying wiring and reducing points of failure in access control, video intercom, and surveillance gate systems.

For integrators deploying mixed security infrastructure—combining legacy systems with modern LINQ networked devices—the NETWAY5PQ serves as a unified connection point, consolidating both old and new technologies under a single managed platform. This approach reduces equipment proliferation and provides a single management interface for device status, power monitoring, and fault alerting.

Jerry Tildsen

I evaluated the NETWAY5PQ during a large access control refresh across a multi-building campus. The managed 5-port architecture proved invaluable for centralizing door controller, intercom, and camera power distribution without requiring separate PoE injectors at each endpoint. The hardened design handled outdoor temperature swings and electrical noise from HVAC systems without performance degradation.

Technical Highlights:

• Five PoE+ Ports: Each port independently delivers managed power and Ethernet connectivity, supporting standard security devices including 802.3at/af compliant cameras, intercoms, and controllers.
• Managed Switch Capability: Port-level visibility and VLAN support allow segmentation of security and general network traffic, improving security posture and simplifying troubleshooting during multi-site deployments.

Deployment Considerations:

• Verify total PoE+ budget against connected device requirements; the switch intelligently manages power distribution but should not exceed published per-port or total system ratings.
• Position the NETWAY5PQ in a central distribution point—typically in the security system cabinet or network closet—to minimize cable runs and simplify future device additions.
• Configure management access credentials during installation and ensure integrator documentation includes IP assignment and management authentication for handoff to customer IT or security operations teams.

The NETWAY5PQ is the natural choice for integrators building hardened, managed security networks. Its combination of five PoE+ ports, managed architecture, and compact footprint eliminates the need for external PoE injectors and separate switching infrastructure, reducing installation time and ongoing complexity. For multi-building access control, video intercom, and surveillance applications, this switch becomes the backbone of a scalable, maintainable security network.