Altronix NETWAY81G 8-Port PoE+ Midspan Injector
Overview
The Altronix NETWAY81G is an 8-port PoE+ midspan injector engineered for security integrators and IT managers deploying Power-over-Ethernet infrastructure across distributed surveillance, access control, and IoT networks. As a rack-mount midspan device, the NETWAY81G enables PoE power injection on non-PoE network infrastructure, extending deployment flexibility without requiring switch upgrades. With a 240W total power budget and per-port PoE+ delivery, the unit delivers the electrical capacity needed for high-draw endpoints including PTZ cameras, dual-lens sensors, and powered door stations.
Key Features
- 8 PoE+ Output Ports: Full complement of powered Ethernet outputs for simultaneous device supply across a single network segment
- 240W Power Budget: Aggregate power delivery accommodates multiple high-current devices without port prioritization constraints
- PoE+ Standard Compliance: Supports IEEE 802.3bt-class power delivery to compatible endpoints
- Rack-Mount Form Factor: Integrated mounting for 19-inch equipment racks, standard telecom cabinet installation
- UL Listed Certification: Safety-rated for commercial and industrial deployment environments
- CE Compliance: Meets European electromagnetic compatibility and safety directives
- Passive Injection Architecture: Midspan topology preserves upstream switch port functionality and enables retrofits on existing non-PoE infrastructure
Integration & Compatibility
The NETWAY81G operates as a transparent PoE delivery layer between standard network switches and powered endpoints. Because the unit functions as a midspan injector, integrators can deploy it downstream of any managed or unmanaged switch without dependency on switch-level PoE support. This topology is particularly valuable in retrofit installations where switch replacement is not feasible, or in multi-tenant facilities where power delivery must be provisioned independently from network switching infrastructure.
When integrated with IP security systems, the NETWAY81G supplies power to cameras, encoders, and access control devices while maintaining full network data pass-through. Uplink connectivity accepts standard Ethernet input from a network switch or router; all eight ports then deliver both data and power to downstream devices. Port-level power is delivered via standard PoE injected into the spare wire pairs (pairs 4-5 and 7-8) of Cat5e and higher cabling, ensuring backward compatibility with existing twisted-pair infrastructure.
Electrical & Environmental Specifications
The NETWAY81G is engineered for reliable operation in standard equipment room and outdoor-rated enclosure environments. The 150W maximum power delivery per input channel, combined with the 8-port architecture, yields the 240W aggregate budget. This specification ensures that integrators can supply full PoE+ power (up to 95W per port in IEEE 802.3bt) across multiple simultaneous devices. The unit's power architecture eliminates the need for per-port transformer blocks or external power injection modules at each endpoint, reducing field labor and component count during installation.
As a critical power infrastructure component, the NETWAY81G operates in standard commercial temperature ranges and requires standard AC mains input. Integrators should verify mains availability and UPS integration at the rack location to ensure continuous power delivery during utility outages; the device itself does not include integrated battery backup.
Eden PhillipsPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
I evaluated the NETWAY81G during a large-scale retrofit project where the customer's existing Cisco switch could not be replaced due to licensing constraints, but new PTZ and multi-sensor cameras required PoE+ delivery. The midspan architecture proved essential—we deployed the unit in the main IDF, and every powered endpoint received full electrical support without any network layer changes. The 240W budget gave us headroom for growth, which mattered when the customer added two additional camera zones mid-project.
Technical Highlights:
- 8-Port Density at 240W: The NETWAY81G packs sufficient aggregate power to supply a full segment of mixed high-draw devices—PTZ cameras drawing 60W+, dual-lens units, door station controllers—without the per-port brownout conditions we've seen on undersized midspan units.
- Rack Efficiency: In 1U form factor, the device consolidates power delivery for an entire network closet, eliminating the need for individual power bricks or daisy-chained injectors at each device location.
- Certification Pedigree: UL Listed and CE approval means no surprises during compliance audits or insurance sign-off—common pain points with uncertified or gray-market injectors.
Deployment Considerations:
- Plan UPS integration at the rack—PoE midspan units are single points of failure for endpoint power. We always spec an uninterruptible supply for the IDF to maintain camera and access control uptime during utility events.
- Verify cable run distances and gauge; PoE+ power loss increases significantly beyond 100 meters. Use Cat6A or better for runs over 90 meters, especially if deploying high-wattage endpoints.
- Monitor per-port utilization during commissioning. The NETWAY81G's 240W budget is shared across eight ports; if three PTZ cameras each draw 60W, you've allocated 180W, leaving 60W for five additional devices. Build a power audit into your project scope.
For integrators managing retrofit and upgrade cycles, the NETWAY81G removes the gatekeeping constraint of switch-level PoE support. If your customer's switching infrastructure is stable but aging, this midspan injector lets you deploy modern powered endpoints without capital spend on network hardware. That's genuine operational flexibility—and it's why this unit appears on nearly every RFQ I respond to in the access control and surveillance space.
