Altronix NETWAYSP4TCW57 4-Port PoE Ethernet over Fiber Hardened Switch
Overview
The Altronix NETWAYSP4TCW57 is a hardened, outdoor-rated Ethernet over fiber switch engineered for security and communications infrastructure requiring PoE delivery at distance with fiber uplink resilience. This four-port PoE switch consolidates power distribution, network switching, and battery charging in a single NEMA 4/IP66 rated enclosure, making it ideal for distributed camera systems, access control networks, and remote site connectivity where traditional copper-based PoE reaches its distance limitations.
Designed for integrators deploying IP security systems in challenging environments, the NETWAYSP4TCW57 delivers four independent PoE/PoE+/PoE BT ports at 10/100/1000 Mbps with a combined maximum power budget of 360W. The unit accepts 57-277VAC input power, accommodating both standard utility feeds and variable industrial supplies. Four 1Gb SFP uplink ports enable fiber-based network aggregation, eliminating copper distance constraints and improving EMI immunity in electrically noisy installations.
Key Features
- Four PoE/PoE+/PoE BT Copper Ports: Each port delivers up to 90W per port at 10/100/1000 Mbps, with total system capacity of 360W maximum, supporting high-power devices such as PTZ cameras, access control readers, and outdoor IP phones
- Four 1Gb SFP Uplink Ports: Dedicated fiber connectivity for aggregation and long-distance network extension without copper limitations, critical for campus and distributed outdoor deployments
- Wide Input Voltage Range: Accepts 57-277VAC input, compatible with standard utility power, generator output, and industrial DC/AC supplies commonly found in telecom and remote installations
- Integrated Rapid Battery Charger: Built-in charging circuit for both Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) and LiFePO4 battery chemistries, enabling transparent battery backup and extended runtime during power loss
- LINQ Technology Embedded: Integrated power management and monitoring platform allowing remote control, diagnostics reporting, and predictive maintenance alerting without additional hardware or software licensing
- NEMA 4/IP66 Outdoor Enclosure: Rugged 19.32"H × 17.32"W × 9.58"D steel housing rated for outdoor mounting, corrosive environments, and direct water ingress; includes integrated Vent2 passive ventilation for thermal management
- Redundant Uplink Architecture: Four SFP ports support network redundancy protocols (RSTP/MSTP) for loop prevention and automatic failover in multi-switch topologies
- Per-Port Power Scheduling: LINQ interface enables granular outlet scheduling for coordinated device wake/sleep cycles and load-shedding during brownout conditions
- Compact DIN-Rail or Wall-Mount Footprint: Industry-standard form factor for telecom cabinets and outdoor enclosure integration
Integration & Compatibility
The NETWAYSP4TCW57 integrates seamlessly into IP security ecosystems using standard Ethernet cameras, access control panels, and SIP-based intercoms. The four PoE ports support device classes ranging from 13W (standard IP phones) to 90W (pan-tilt-zoom cameras and high-power access control units). LINQ-enabled monitoring works with existing Altronix control platforms and third-party SNMP monitoring tools for centralized network oversight. Fiber uplinks support 1000BASE-SX or 1000BASE-LX SFP transceivers (not included), allowing customization for multimode or single-mode deployment depending on distance and environmental requirements.
The integrated battery charger supports standard 24VDC sealed lead-acid backup supplies and emerging LiFePO4 chemistry for extended cycle life in frequent power-loss scenarios. This dual-chemistry support eliminates the need for separate charging equipment during system expansion or battery technology migration.
Ted PerryPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
I evaluated the Altronix NETWAYSP4TCW57 during a campus-wide camera deployment requiring PoE delivery across 300+ meters of fiber backbone. The combination of four high-power copper ports and four dedicated fiber uplinks significantly reduced our physical switch footprint and simplified power infrastructure planning. The wide input voltage range (57-277VAC) proved invaluable when integrating with existing building generator circuits that don't deliver clean utility power.
Technical Highlights:
- 360W PoE Budget: Supports four 90W PoE BT devices simultaneously, or mixed loads such as two PTZ cameras (90W each) plus four standard IP phones (13W each), critical for sites requiring simultaneous high-power camera and intercom operation
- LINQ Embedded Diagnostics: Real-time monitoring of per-port current draw, input voltage stability, and battery charge state eliminates the need for external power distribution units (PDUs) with separate monitoring contracts
- Dual Battery Chemistry Support: The NETWAYSP4TCW57 charges both SLA and LiFePO4 chemistries at design specifications, allowing future technology migration without equipment replacement
- Fiber Uplink Resilience: In our multisite topology, SFP fiber reduced EMI coupling from industrial equipment and eliminated ground-loop noise affecting copper video transmission
Deployment Considerations:
- Plan SFP transceiver selection (multimode vs. single-mode) based on uplink distance and existing fiber infrastructure; the four-port SFP capacity supports ring or mesh topologies for automatic failover
- Verify site input voltage and frequency stability before deployment; the 57-277VAC range is wide, but rapid voltage fluctuation (>5V/sec) may degrade battery charger performance
- Install the included Vent2 passive ventilation module in the outdoor enclosure to maintain internal temperature below 50°C in direct sunlight; active airflow cooling is not required for standard North American climates
- Configure LINQ monitoring integration early to establish baseline power consumption and alert thresholds; this enables predictive maintenance on battery aging and PoE port faults
The NETWAYSP4TCW57 delivers the reliability and remote manageability expected from hardened outdoor infrastructure. If your deployment spans multiple buildings or requires PoE delivery beyond standard copper limits, the fiber uplink architecture justifies the investment. The LINQ platform eliminates manual meter checks and reactive troubleshooting—a significant operational win for distributed security systems.
