Altronix NETWAY8GP 8-Port 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): Each port operates independently at full gigabit data rates regardless of power draw — your network throughput doesn't degrade as you add powered devices. This separation of data and power management prevents the bandwidth throttling you'd see in entry-level, non-managed injection systems.
- 60W Maximum Per-Port Power: Supports high-draw devices including PTZ cameras (typically 40–50W under full pan/tilt), dual-sensor systems, and access control readers with integrated controllers. Per-port limits prevent a single device from starving others on the same midspan.
- 480W Total System Power Budget: Full eight-port simultaneous utilization is feasible under typical mixed loads — e.g., four PTZ cameras at 45W each plus four fixed cameras at 30W each totals 360W. This headroom avoids frequent power-cycling failures when installations grow.
- Dual Input Voltage Support (115VAC / 230VAC): No field reconfiguration needed when deploying in regions with different mains standards. A single SKU handles North American (115VAC) and European/Asian (230VAC) sites, reducing inventory complexity and logistics friction.
- Network-Managed Architecture: Remote SNMP-capable monitoring and port-level power cycling reduce on-site troubleshooting overhead — no truck rolls to power-cycle a stuck device. You can reboot a remote endpoint from your NOC without site access.
- Battery Charging Integration: Built-in charging circuit distributes UPS capacity to field endpoints rather than requiring dedicated battery packs at each camera location. Simplifies hybrid backup topologies where you want 15–30 minutes of emergency power at remote sensors.
- Midspan Deployment Model: Injects power downstream of unpowered switches, preserving existing network infrastructure investments. No cap-ex on switch replacement — critical in retrofit and multi-tenant environments where switch ownership is fragmented.
Integration & Compatibility
The NETWAY8GP operates as a standards-compliant PoE injector compatible with unpowered network switches, existing cabling runs (Cat5e or better), 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 NETWAY8GP as an intermediate power distribution point in hybrid backup strategies. Rather than centralizing UPS capacity at the main panel, the integrated charger allows you to maintain smaller distributed battery packs (e.g., 12V 7Ah units) at remote field locations, reducing single-point-of-failure risk and simplifying cable runs back to a central UPS.
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 — typically the network closet or MDF — then distributes it through existing Cat5e/Cat6 runs already in place for data connectivity. This eliminates the need for parallel power infrastructure, a significant cost and labor savings on large deployments.
Power and Environmental 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does the NETWAY8GP replace my network switch, or work alongside it?
A: The NETWAY8GP works alongside an unpowered switch. It sits downstream on the network path and injects power into data cables — your existing switch remains in place and carries the data traffic. No switch replacement required.
Q: What happens if I try to draw more than 60W from a single port on the NETWAY8GP?
A: The unit will not supply more than 60W per port. A device demanding more power will either negotiate down to 60W or not power up. Choose the NETWAY8GP if your heaviest single device draws 60W or less; if you have devices requiring 90W or 95W, consider a higher-wattage model or dedicated per-device power supplies.
Q: Can I monitor power consumption on individual ports remotely?
A: Yes. The managed architecture includes port-level monitoring and power control via network interfaces (SNMP capable). You can view real-time power draw per port and remotely power-cycle any port from your management system.
Q: Is the NETWAY8GP suitable for outdoor camera installations, or is it indoor-only?
A: The NETWAY8GP is designed for indoor installation — network closets, utility cabinets, or MDF locations. It is not rated for outdoor exposure. Mount it inside your facility and run the PoE-injected cables out to outdoor endpoints.
Q: Can I use the NETWAY8GP with a powered switch that already has PoE built-in?
A: Yes, but it is not necessary. If your switch already supplies PoE, you do not need the NETWAY8GP. The midspan is designed for situations where your switch has no PoE capability or insufficient power budget. Running both simultaneously on the same cable run can cause conflicts; consult the device documentation if considering this topology.
Q: What is the warranty on the NETWAY8GP?
A: Refer to the manufacturer's warranty documentation or contact the distributor for warranty terms specific to your order.
Eden PhillipsPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
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 without a full infrastructure overhaul. The 480W aggregate budget and per-port management make it a pragmatic fit for retrofit camera upgrades and distributed access-control rollouts — situations where you cannot afford switch replacement lead time or cost.
Technical Highlights:
- 60W Per-Port Ceiling: Handles single PTZ cameras (40–50W pan/tilt under load) and dual-lens systems comfortably, but forces a hard ceiling. If you're mixing in high-current readers (custom integration draws 70W+), you'll need alternative power strategies or a higher-capacity midspan. Plan your per-port draw ahead.
- 480W Total Aggregate: Full eight-port saturation is realistic under typical mixed loads (PTZ + fixed + access control). Unlike cheaper non-managed injection, you're not starving ports as load grows — each operates independently.
- Managed Port Cycling: Remote power control via SNMP eliminates truck rolls for a stuck camera. In large multi-site deployments, this ROI compounds quickly. One unplanned service call pays for the management overhead.
- Dual Input Voltage: A genuine logistics win if you operate across regions. One SKU, no field reconfiguration — reduces confusion on international deployments.
Deployment Considerations:
- Bottleneck Risk: The NETWAY8GP is a single point of failure for all eight endpoints. If it goes down, everything downstream loses power (though data flows through your switch unaffected). Size your installation so that one NETWAY8GP failure doesn't strand critical cameras. Dual midspanis recommended for access-control or life-safety camera zones.
- Cable Run Distance: PoE power delivery over Cat5e/Cat6 is practical up to about 330 feet (100m) before voltage drop becomes a problem. If your remote endpoints are beyond that, you'll need intermediate power injection or dedicated power runs — the midspan doesn't solve that physics constraint.
The NETWAY8GP is the right choice for warehouse automation, multi-tenant office retrofits, and mid-scale distributed camera networks where you have an unpowered switch in place and want to avoid switch replacement. Not suitable for high-current specialized devices or ultra-long cable runs; in those cases, dedicated power infrastructure is cleaner.
