Altronix NETWAYSP4WPX Dual 1G Fiber PoE Switch
Overview
The Altronix NETWAYSP4WPX is a hardened, outdoor-rated managed PoE switch engineered for security integrators and telecom installers requiring fiber-optic connectivity in demanding field environments. This unit combines dual 1G SFP fiber ports with four 10/100/1000 PoE and PoE+ ports in a single NEMA 4/4X, IP66-rated enclosure. The NETWAYSP4WPX includes an integrated 120W power supply with battery charger capability, eliminating the need for external power conditioning and reducing installation complexity at remote sites.
Built for security and telecom infrastructure where reliability and uptime are non-negotiable, this switch delivers the fiber backbone connectivity security cameras, access control systems, and distributed network nodes demand while supplying power directly to field devices.
Key Features
- Dual 1G SFP Fiber Ports: Hot-swappable SFP slots for extended reach and noise immunity over fiber runs up to 2 km or more, isolating equipment from ground loops and electromagnetic interference
- 4-Port 10/100/1000 PoE/PoE+ Copper: Configurable for up to 2 × 60W Hi-PoE outputs, enabling power delivery to high-demand devices such as PTZ cameras, advanced analytics encoders, and outdoor access control readers
- Integrated 120W Power Supply: Factory-mounted power supply and battery charger board reduces field assembly time and provides centralized power management for the entire switch fabric
- NEMA 4/4X IP66 Enclosure: Stainless steel or powder-coat steel construction rated for washdown, coastal salt spray, and temperature extremes; suitable for outdoor pole, wall, or pedestal mounting
- Battery Backup Ready: Onboard charger circuit supports external battery backup for extended runtime during power loss, critical for 24/7 surveillance and access control continuity
- Managed Switch Architecture: LINQ support enables remote configuration, SNMP monitoring, and port-level power management from centralized security platforms
- Redundancy Support: Dual fiber uplinks provide path redundancy; configure one fiber as primary and the second as failover or load-share traffic across both links
- PoE Power Budget Allocation: Configurable per-port power limits prevent overload conditions; allocate the full 120W budget to two 60W ports or distribute across all four copper ports
- DIN Rail and Board-Level Mounting: Internal DIN rail and circuit board mounts accommodate switch electronics and power distribution; weatherproof terminal blocks for field wiring
- Compact Form Factor: Optimized footprint allows installation in confined outdoor cabinets and junction boxes without oversizing enclosure requirements
Integration & Compatibility
The NETWAYSP4WPX integrates seamlessly with security integrator workflows. Its LINQ management interface connects to standard network monitoring platforms via Ethernet, enabling remote diagnostics and port-level power cycling without site visits. The dual fiber uplinks support redundant connections to core switches or backbone networks, while the four copper PoE ports supply power and data to IP cameras, wireless access points, temperature sensors, and access control devices. The 120W power budget accommodates typical IP camera draw (15–30W per camera) while reserving capacity for future device expansion.
Fiber-to-copper architecture isolates field equipment from ground potential differences common in large outdoor installations, reducing noise on video feeds and improving sensor accuracy in distributed surveillance arrays.
Eden PhillipsPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
I've evaluated the Altronix NETWAYSP4WPX in several large-scale outdoor surveillance deployments, and the combination of fiber uplink redundancy, integrated 120W power supply, and outdoor-rated enclosure makes it a practical choice for distributed security networks. The NEMA 4/4X rating and IP66 seal hold up well in washdown and coastal environments where standard switches fail within months.
Technical Highlights:
- Fiber Isolation: The dual 1G SFP ports eliminate ground loops between distant PoE sources and camera clusters, a recurring issue in multi-building campuses and utility installations.
- Configurable PoE Budget: The ability to allocate up to 60W per port on two channels allows for high-power PTZ or thermal camera clusters without oversizing the overall power supply.
- Integrated Charger Circuit: The 120W supply includes battery charging capability; pair it with a small 12V SLA or Li battery in the enclosure for extended runtime during grid loss.
Deployment Considerations:
- Verify SFP module compatibility with your backbone switches before ordering; standard LC duplex modules work, but some vendors require their own optics.
- Plan for thermal management in sealed metal enclosets in direct sunlight; consider ventilation or reflective coating if ambient exceeds 50°C regularly.
- Use shielded twisted-pair copper cable for short runs (under 30 m) from the NETWAYSP4WPX to field devices to maximize PoE delivery under noisy conditions.
The NETWAYSP4WPX delivers the redundancy and durability expected in professional security infrastructure. For integrators deploying fiber-connected camera clusters in outdoor or industrial settings, it eliminates the need for separate power supplies, external fiber converters, and fragile cabinet-mount switches.
