Altronix NETWAY8GP 8-Port Managed PoE Midspan 480W

Altronix NETWAY8GP Network Managed PoE Midspan

Overview

The Altronix NETWAY8GP is an 8-port managed PoE midspan designed to inject power into existing network infrastructure without replacing switches or rewiring. This Gigabit Ethernet device distributes up to 60W per port (480W total system power budget) across eight 10/100/1000 ports, making it suitable for mid-scale IP camera deployments, access control systems, and other powered network endpoints in security installations. The unit accepts both 115VAC and 230VAC input, providing flexible power conditioning and includes integrated battery charging capability for backup power scenarios.

Key Features

• 8 Gigabit PoE Ports: 10/100/1000 Mbps data rates per port with independent power delivery
• 60W Maximum Per-Port Power: Supports high-draw devices including PTZ cameras, dual-sensor systems, and access control readers
• 480W Total Power Budget: Aggregate capacity enables full utilization of all eight ports simultaneously under typical loads
• Dual Input Voltage Support: Operates on either 115VAC or 230VAC mains, adapting to regional power standards without reconfiguration
• Network-Managed Architecture: Enables remote monitoring and port-level power management through network interfaces, reducing on-site troubleshooting overhead
• Battery Charging Integration: Built-in charging circuit supports backup battery configurations for continuity during power interruptions
• Midspan Deployment Model: Injects power without requiring switch replacement, preserving existing network infrastructure investments

Integration & Compatibility

The NETWAY8GP operates as a standards-compliant PoE injector compatible with unpowered network switches, existing cabling runs, and IP devices certified for PoE input. The managed interface allows integration with security management systems and IT monitoring platforms that support SNMP or equivalent network protocols. Port-level power control enables dynamic load balancing across the eight outputs, critical for installations mixing high-draw cameras with lower-consumption access control or environmental sensors. Battery charging functionality positions the unit as an intermediate power distribution point in hybrid backup strategies, where UPS capacity is distributed to multiple field endpoints rather than centralized at the main panel.

This architecture is particularly valuable in retrofit installations where running dedicated power to remote network devices would require conduit extensions or ceiling/wall modifications. The NETWAY8GP consolidates power injection at a single panel location, then distributes it through existing Cat5e/Cat6 runs already in place for data connectivity.

Specifications

Input voltage range spans 115VAC to 230VAC with automatic or manual selection. Output power delivery reaches a maximum of 60W per individual port, with the eight-port configuration supporting up to 480W total connected load. Each port delivers 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet data rates independent of power delivery, ensuring network performance is not compromised by power-conditioning functions. The managed midspan architecture includes network supervision capabilities, allowing remote power cycling, port monitoring, and alarm reporting without requiring physical access to the device.

Eden Phillips

I've evaluated the Altronix NETWAY8GP during planning phases for several mid-sized security deployments where existing unpowered switches needed to support high-draw IP cameras and access control hardware. The unit's ability to inject power without replacing network infrastructure proved valuable in facilities where switch replacement wasn't feasible within project timelines or budgets.

Technical Highlights:

• Per-Port Power Isolation: The 60W per-port maximum allows deployment of power-hungry devices (4K PTZ, dual-sensor turrets, door controllers) without cascading failures across the eight-port array when individual loads spike temporarily.
• Dual Mains Input: Support for both 115VAC and 230VAC eliminates regional power standard conflicts; I've deployed these in facilities with mixed electrical infrastructure without requiring transformers or workarounds.
• Managed Supervision: Network-based monitoring and remote power control reduce truck rolls for troubleshooting. Port-level telemetry enables predictive load management and early detection of power delivery issues before devices fail.
• Battery Charging Integration: The built-in charging circuit allows coupling to external battery backup without requiring a separate charging module, streamlining UPS topology in distributed camera networks.

Deployment Considerations:

• Verify that your existing unpowered switch supports Pass-Through PoE mode (does not strip power from incoming Ethernet); the NETWAY8GP midspan architecture requires the upstream switch to carry power transparently to the device.
• Account for the 480W total power budget when designing multi-device endpoints. Running all eight ports at 60W simultaneously requires robust mains conditioning; consider UPS or battery backup sizing accordingly.
• Position the NETWAY8GP physically close to the upstream switch to minimize cable runs between injection point and powered endpoints, reducing IR drop and voltage regulation issues over long Cat5e/Cat6 spans.

The NETWAY8GP delivers straightforward per-port power management and network visibility without infrastructure replacement complexity. It's an economical choice for integrators managing mixed-age facility networks where PoE-capable switch upgrades face budget or timeline constraints. The managed interface and battery charging support make it suitable for security installations requiring monitored power distribution and backup continuity planning.