Compare the switch’s total PoE power budget with the combined maximum power needs of connected devices, and check that its PoE standard, such as PoE+ or PoE++, matches their requirements. Allow some capacity for startup draw and future devices, and check how the available power is shared across ports.

Managed network switches with PoE can use quality of service (QoS) settings to prioritize time-sensitive traffic, such as AV streams, over less urgent data. Virtual local area networks (VLANs) group devices and traffic logically on the same physical network, helping separate systems and manage network traffic.

PoE, PoE+, and PoE++ differ in how much power they can deliver over Ethernet, with PoE+ and PoE++ supporting devices with progressively higher power needs. When choosing a managed network switch with PoE, match the PoE level on the switch ports and the switch’s total power budget to the requirements of connected devices, such as cameras, access points, or AV endpoints.

When connecting a managed network switch with PoE to the rest of your network, consider whether you need Ethernet uplinks, SFP ports for compatible transceivers, or both. Match the uplink type and speed to the connected equipment and network path, including any multi-gigabit requirements.