Altronix NETWAYSP4PL Dual 1G Fiber PoE Switch
Overview
The Altronix NETWAYSP4PL is a hardened managed switch designed for security and access control installations requiring extended fiber connectivity and flexible Power over Ethernet (PoE) distribution. This dual 1G fiber SFP switch combines four configurable 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet ports with integrated PoE/PoE+ capability and a robust 120W internal power supply with battery charging function. The NETWAYSP4PL delivers enterprise-class switching performance in a compact form factor suitable for wall-mounted or rack-based deployment.
Key Features
- Dual 1G SFP Fiber Uplink Ports: Two gigabit fiber SFP slots enable long-distance, noise-immune backbone connectivity across campus or multi-building security systems.
- Four Configurable PoE/PoE+ Ports: All four copper Ethernet ports support simultaneous Power over Ethernet and Power over Ethernet Plus (PoE+) output, enabling flexible power configuration.
- Hi-PoE Capability: Configurable for dual 60W Hi-PoE outputs, providing high-power delivery to demanding endpoints such as pan-tilt-zoom cameras, access control readers, or wireless access points.
- 120W Internal Power Supply: Integrated switching power supply rated at 120W total capacity with integrated battery charging circuit for uninterruptible system operation.
- Battery Backup Ready: On-board battery charger supports external battery connections for extended backup runtime during power loss events.
- Hardened Metal Backplane Construction: Switch and power supply boards mounted on reinforced metal backplane for mechanical durability and thermal stability in field installations.
- LINQ Integration Support: Compatible with Altronix LINQ cloud-based device management platform for remote monitoring and configuration.
- Managed Switch Intelligence: Full Layer 2 switching with VLAN support, QoS prioritization, and port mirroring for security monitoring and traffic analysis.
Integration and Deployment
The NETWAYSP4PL is engineered for integrators deploying IP-based security systems in environments where long-distance fiber runs and flexible power distribution are required. The dual SFP ports accept standard 1G fiber transceivers (not included), allowing system designers to specify single-mode or multi-mode fiber based on distance and environmental requirements. All four copper ports operate simultaneously as PoE sources, with the ability to allocate up to 60W per port pair for high-power devices. The internal 120W power supply accommodates standard line-voltage AC input, with integrated UPS charging support for battery backup modules. LINQ connectivity enables remote device discovery, firmware updates, and system-wide configuration management from a centralized cloud dashboard.
Physical Construction
The NETWAYSP4PL features a compact industrial design with metal-chassis mounting and DIN-rail or wall-mount compatibility. The hardened backplane assembly houses both switching and power management circuitry, minimizing external cabling complexity and reducing points of failure in the field.
Eden PhillipsPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
I've specified the Altronix NETWAYSP4PL on several large-scale surveillance and access control projects where fiber backbone connectivity and distributed PoE power were non-negotiable requirements. The dual SFP ports eliminate the need for external media converters, and the ability to configure two 60W Hi-PoE outputs makes this switch suitable for powering demanding camera and reader combinations without external injectors.
Technical Highlights:
- Fiber Redundancy: The NETWAYSP4PL's dual 1G SFP ports support true backbone diversity—run active-active or active-standby fiber pairs for resilient network architecture across distributed sites.
- Flexible PoE Configuration: Four ports with configurable 60W Hi-PoE pairs means you can power 4x standard PoE devices at 30W each, or 2x high-draw devices at 60W each, all from a single compact chassis.
- Battery Charging Onboard: The integrated 120W power supply includes UPS charging functionality; connect external SLA or Li-ion battery packs for load-shedding and graceful shutdown during utility outages.
Deployment Considerations:
- Specify multimode 1G SFP transceivers for runs under 1 km and indoor fiber runs; single-mode transceivers extend reach to 10+ km for campus backbones and remote facility links.
- Account for total PoE budget when mixing device power classes. If all four ports pull maximum wattage simultaneously, ensure adequate AC supply capacity and thermal clearance around the chassis.
- The LINQ integration point is a significant advantage for multi-site deployments; configure VLAN segmentation and port mirroring rules during initial deployment to simplify ongoing maintenance.
The NETWAYSP4PL is well-suited for integrators who need industrial-grade switching with fiber uplink flexibility and PoE distribution without the footprint or cost of larger managed switches. The battery charging circuit and hardened construction make it a reliable choice for mission-critical security and access systems.
