Which switch delivers more PoE power across its downstream ports?

The Axis D8004 provides four downstream PoE ports (802.3af/at) with a combined output budget of 60 W, allowing individual ports to deliver up to 30 W each under 802.3at (PoE+). It draws up to 62.4 W from a 100–240 V AC supply. The uplink is a fifth RJ45 port (10BASE-T/100BASE-TX), keeping all four PoE ports exclusively for downstream devices.

The Ubiquiti N-SW offers a 24 W total passthrough budget split across three downstream PoE output ports, with one port reserved as the PoE power input. Per-port current is rated at 1 A. The power source is a passive 24 V, 2-pair PoE injector (sold separately; Ubiquiti POE-24-30W-G-W noted in specs). The switch's own consumption is listed as 1.5 W typical.

For camera deployments where devices require 802.3at (PoE+) power—such as PTZ cameras, multi-sensor units, or cameras with built-in heaters—the D8004's 60 W budget and standards-based PoE+ output is a decisive advantage. The N-SW's 24 W total across three ports limits connected devices to roughly 8 W average, suitable only for low-draw 802.3af-class endpoints.

Which unit is better suited for harsh or outdoor installation conditions?

The Axis D8004 is rated for indoor use only, with an operating temperature range of 0 °C to 50 °C and storage down to −10 °C. Its metal casing weighs 172 g (0.38 lb) and measures 90 × 80 × 21 mm. Approvals include CE, FCC Part 15 Class B, RoHS, and WEEE. No ingress protection (IP) rating is stated in the provided specifications.

The Ubiquiti N-SW is explicitly rated for outdoor deployment with an operating temperature range of −30 °C to 70 °C—a 30-degree wider cold margin and a 20-degree wider heat margin than the D8004. Its polycarbonate enclosure is described as weatherproof, and humidity tolerance is 5–95% non-condensing. ESD/EMP protection is rated at ±24 kV (air and contact). Certifications listed are CE, FCC, and IC. Mount options include wall and pole.

For any outdoor or temperature-extreme application, the N-SW's −30 to 70 °C rating and weatherproof enclosure are clear differentiators. The D8004 is not rated for outdoor use and should not be deployed in environments outside its 0–50 °C window without additional enclosure protection.

Which switch is more compatible with standard 802.3af/at PoE cameras and managed infrastructure?

The Axis D8004 uses IEEE 802.3af/at standards-based PoE, which is universally supported by IP cameras, VoIP phones, access control readers, and other 802.3-compliant endpoints from any manufacturer. Because it is an unmanaged switch, there is no CLI, SNMP, or web interface—configuration is zero-touch. It ships with an installation guide, power cord, adapter, mounting feet, and brackets.

The Ubiquiti N-SW uses passive 24 V, 2-pair PoE—a proprietary voltage scheme that does not conform to 802.3af or 802.3at. Devices must explicitly support passive 24 V PoE input to operate safely; connecting a device that does not support passive PoE risks damage to the endpoint. The N-SW carries a PoE (802.3af) label in one spec field, but the detailed specs consistently describe passive 24 V input and output—buyers should verify endpoint compatibility before deployment.

For mixed-vendor or standards-compliant camera ecosystems, the D8004's 802.3af/at output removes compatibility risk. The N-SW is best matched to Ubiquiti's own UISP/airMAX product line, which natively accepts passive 24 V PoE. Neither unit offers managed features; both are unmanaged by design.

Which should you choose: the D8004 or the N-SW?

Our take: The D8004 is the stronger choice when powering standards-based 802.3af/at cameras in an indoor, structured-cabling environment. Its 60 W PoE budget is 2.5× the N-SW's 24 W total, it supports 802.3at (PoE+) per port versus the N-SW's passive 24 V scheme, and its 802.3af/at compliance eliminates endpoint compatibility risk across multi-vendor camera deployments. The N-SW is the correct choice for outdoor pole or wall-mounted installations requiring a −30 to 70 °C operating range and weatherproof enclosure—conditions the D8004 is not rated for—provided connected devices accept passive 24 V PoE. Buyers should note the N-SW ships without a power supply and is primarily matched to Ubiquiti's own UISP/airMAX ecosystem. If the deployment is indoors with mixed-brand cameras, choose the D8004; if it is outdoors with Ubiquiti passive-PoE devices, the N-SW is the appropriate fit.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Resources

• Axis D8004 product page — full specs and to add to a quote
• Ubiquiti N-SW product page — full specs and to add to a quote