Altronix NETWAYSP4WP Managed PoE+ Network Switch
Overview
The Altronix NETWAYSP4WP is a hardened managed Ethernet switch engineered for security and access control deployments requiring high-density PoE delivery in outdoor and harsh environments. Built around a 120W power supply with integrated battery charger, the NETWAYSP4WP combines four 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet ports with dual 1G SFP fiber connectivity, delivering up to 60W Hi-PoE output per port on two configurable ports. The entire switch assembly is housed in a NEMA 4/4X, IP66-rated outdoor enclosure, making it suitable for rooftop, perimeter, and remote locations where environmental protection and PoE density are non-negotiable.
Key Features
- Dual 1G SFP Fiber Ports: Full-duplex gigabit fiber connectivity for long-distance backbone links without electrical noise or ground loop concerns, ideal for multi-building campuses and industrial security systems.
- Four 10/100/1000 PoE/PoE+ Ports: Configurable for standard PoE (15.4W) or High Power PoE (60W per port on two selectable ports), supporting both legacy and power-hungry IP cameras, access controllers, and outdoor devices.
- 120W Integrated Power Supply with Battery Charger: Robust hardened supply rated for continuous outdoor operation; built-in battery charger enables supervised backup power for critical PoE devices during mains loss.
- NEMA 4/4X Stainless Steel Enclosure: IP66 environmental sealing protects against dust, rain, salt spray, and thermal extremes; suitable for exposed mounting without protective cabinets.
- Managed Switching Fabric: Full-featured Layer 2 switching with VLAN support, STP, port mirroring, and quality-of-service controls for deterministic priority of critical security traffic.
- LINQ Integration Ready: Compatible with Altronix LINQ cloud management and monitoring, enabling remote supervision, firmware updates, and predictive power analytics across distributed deployments.
Integration & Compatibility
The NETWAYSP4WP integrates seamlessly into hybrid fiber-and-copper network architectures. The dual SFP ports support MM and SM modules, permitting fiber uplinks to distant distribution points or core switches without electrical isolation transformers. The four 10/100/1000 copper ports service standard IP cameras (12W–30W), access control readers (5W–15W), and emergency communication devices rated for Hi-PoE (up to 60W). Port configuration allows assignment of the two 60W ports to the highest-draw devices, while remaining ports service lower-power end-points. The 120W power budget accommodates simultaneous operation of four 30W cameras or two 60W plus two 15W devices, with headroom for charger ripple and supply margin.
Outdoor Deployment Readiness
The NEMA 4/4X enclosure houses both the switch board and power supply in a single corrosion-resistant package. Switch and supply boards are pre-mounted, eliminating field assembly and reducing installation labor. Stainless steel or powder-coated steel construction withstands UV, salt spray, and thermal cycling. The integrated battery charger supervises external lead-acid or lithium backup batteries, allowing PoE delivery to continue during power loss. This architecture is standard in critical perimeter security, gate access, and remote monitoring installations where uptime directly impacts operational safety.
Eden PhillipsPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
I've evaluated the Altronix NETWAYSP4WP during the planning phase of a mixed-use campus security refresh where fiber backbone resilience and outdoor PoE density were both critical. This switch delivers on both fronts: the dual SFP ports eliminate electrical coupling between distant buildings, and the configurable 60W ports handle modern thermal and HD analytics cameras without power negotiation headaches.
Technical Highlights:
- Dual-Mode PoE Output: The NETWAYSP4WP allows two of its four ports to deliver 60W Hi-PoE, while the remaining two operate as standard PoE. This granular configuration avoids overprovisioning and maximizes the 120W supply budget.
- Fiber Uplink Isolation: The 1G SFP ports eliminate ground potential differences between separate buildings or zones, a critical advantage in multi-site installations prone to lightning surge coupling.
Deployment Considerations:
- Confirm SFP module compatibility (MM vs. SM) with your fiber infrastructure before ordering. The NETWAYSP4WP accepts standard 1G SFP transceivers but does not include modules in the base shipment.
- Plan battery sizing carefully: the integrated charger accepts external lead-acid or lithium batteries. A 7Ah SLA will sustain 2–3 low-power devices for 2+ hours; size upward if all four ports must remain active during extended outage.
The NETWAYSP4WP is a solid choice for outdoor, high-density PoE environments. Its hardened form factor, fiber connectivity, and configurable power ports reduce the need for separate splitters or secondary supplies, cutting installation time and simplifying troubleshooting in the field. LINQ integration adds visibility that most project teams come to depend on within the first year of operation.
