Will Any Poe Switch Work With Ubiquiti Cameras Find Out Here

Not all PoE switches are compatible with Ubiquiti cameras—only those supporting 802.3af/at PoE standards will work reliably. Ubiquiti cameras require specific power delivery, so using non-compliant switches can lead to performance issues or damage. Always verify switch specifications before installation.

Key Takeaways

• Ubiquiti cameras require 802.3af/at PoE: Ensure your switch meets this standard.
• Check power budget: Total PoE power must support all connected cameras.
• Managed switches offer better control: VLANs and monitoring improve performance.
• Ubiquiti switches guarantee compatibility: Use UniFi switches for seamless integration.
• Non-Ubiquiti switches may work: Test thoroughly for stability and power delivery.
• PoE injectors are a backup: Use if your switch lacks PoE support.

The Ubiquiti Ecosystem and PoE Compatibility: A Crucial Connection

When setting up a robust, scalable, and high-performance surveillance system, Ubiquiti cameras stand out for their reliability, sleek design, and seamless integration with the broader UniFi ecosystem. However, one of the most frequently asked questions by both DIY enthusiasts and professional installers is: Will any PoE switch work with Ubiquiti cameras? The short answer is yes—but with significant caveats. While Ubiquiti cameras are designed to work with Power over Ethernet (PoE), not all PoE switches are created equal. The compatibility, performance, and long-term stability of your surveillance network depend heavily on choosing the right switch.

Power over Ethernet simplifies camera installations by combining power and data transmission over a single Cat5e or Cat6 cable. This eliminates the need for separate power adapters and electrical outlets, making deployment faster and cleaner. However, the devil is in the details. Ubiquiti cameras, especially models like the G4 Pro, UVC-G4-Doorbell, and AI Series, have specific power requirements, communication protocols, and data demands that not all third-party PoE switches can meet. Understanding the nuances of PoE standards, voltage ranges, data throughput, and VLAN tagging is essential to ensure your cameras function reliably—24/7, in all weather conditions, and with full feature access.

Understanding PoE Standards and Ubiquiti Camera Requirements

PoE Standards: 802.3af, 802.3at, and Passive PoE

To determine whether a PoE switch will work with your Ubiquiti cameras, you must first understand the different PoE standards in use today. The IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) has defined several key standards that govern how power and data are delivered over Ethernet cables:

• 802.3af (PoE): Delivers up to 15.4W per port (typically 12.95W usable). Suitable for basic cameras like the UVC-G3-Micro.
• 802.3at (PoE+): Provides up to 30W per port (25.5W usable). Required for high-resolution, PTZ, or AI-powered cameras such as the G4 Pro, G5 Bullet, and AI Theta.
• 802.3bt (PoE++): Offers 60W (Type 3) or 100W (Type 4) per port. Not typically needed for standard Ubiquiti cameras, but useful for future-proofing or powering multiple devices via one cable (e.g., a camera with a heater).
• Passive PoE: A non-standard method where power is delivered continuously without handshaking. Ubiquiti cameras do NOT support passive PoE, and using such a switch can result in no power delivery or even device damage.

Ubiquiti’s official documentation specifies that all UniFi Protect cameras require either 802.3af or 802.3at PoE. For example, the UVC-G4-Pro draws up to 22W, which exceeds the 802.3af limit, making PoE+ mandatory. Using an 802.3af switch here will result in the camera not powering on or rebooting intermittently.

Voltage and Power Tolerance

Ubiquiti cameras are designed to operate on 48V DC power, which is standard across 802.3af/at PoE. However, some third-party switches may deliver power at slightly higher or lower voltages (e.g., 44V–57V). While most Ubiquiti cameras have internal power regulation, consistently low voltage (below 44V) can lead to:

• Camera reboots during high-load operations (e.g., IR night mode)
• Reduced PoE cable distance (beyond 100 meters)
• Failure to power cameras with heaters (e.g., outdoor models in cold climates)

Tip: Always check your switch’s datasheet for output voltage range and ensure it stays within 44V–57V. For example, the Netgear GS308PP delivers 48V ±5%, which is ideal. A switch rated at 24V or 12V will not work, even if it calls itself “PoE.”

Why Ubiquiti Switches Are the Gold Standard (And Why You Might Consider Alternatives)

Built for the UniFi Ecosystem

Ubiquiti’s own line of PoE switches—such as the UniFi Switch 8 PoE (Gen 2), Switch 24 PoE, and Switch Pro 48 PoE—are engineered specifically for UniFi Protect cameras. These switches offer:

• Seamless integration with the UniFi Network application
• Auto-detection and power allocation for Ubiquiti devices
• Per-port PoE power monitoring and alerts
• Advanced features like VLAN tagging, QoS, and STP (Spanning Tree Protocol)
• Support for 802.3at (PoE+) across all PoE ports

For example, when you plug a G4 Bullet into a UniFi Switch, the switch automatically negotiates the required power (up to 25.5W) and logs the device in the UniFi dashboard. You can monitor power draw, reboot the camera remotely, and even set power usage thresholds.

Third-Party Switches: When They Work (and When They Don’t)

While Ubiquiti switches are the safest choice, many users successfully deploy third-party PoE switches from brands like Netgear, TP-Link, Cisco, and HPE. The key is to ensure:

• The switch supports 802.3at (PoE+) on all PoE ports
• It uses 802.3af/at-compliant power delivery (not passive PoE)
• It provides sufficient total PoE budget for all connected cameras
• It supports LLDP (Link Layer Discovery Protocol) or CDP (Cisco Discovery Protocol) for device discovery (optional but helpful)

Real-world example: A user deployed six G4 Pro cameras using a TP-Link TL-SG2428P (24-port PoE+ switch). Each camera drew ~21W, totaling 126W. The switch has a 250W PoE budget, so it handled the load with room to spare. The cameras powered on without issues, and video streamed smoothly. However, the user lost the ability to monitor PoE usage per port in the UniFi app—a trade-off for cost savings.

Common Pitfalls with Non-Ubiquiti Switches

Despite meeting technical specs, some third-party switches cause unexpected issues:

• No LLDP/CDP: The switch doesn’t advertise power needs, causing the camera to default to 802.3af (15W), insufficient for high-power models.
• Overheating: Budget switches may throttle power or reboot under sustained load.
• Lack of VLAN support: If you’re segmenting camera traffic, non-managed switches won’t work.
• Firmware bugs: Some switches (e.g., older Netgear models) have firmware that misreports PoE status, leading to false alarms in monitoring tools.

Key Features to Look for in a Compatible PoE Switch

Managed vs. Unmanaged Switches

For Ubiquiti camera deployments, managed switches are strongly recommended, even for small setups. Here’s why:

• VLAN Support: Isolate camera traffic from your main network to improve security and reduce bandwidth congestion.
• QoS (Quality of Service): Prioritize video traffic to prevent lag during high-bandwidth usage (e.g., streaming to multiple viewers).
• Port Mirroring: Monitor traffic for troubleshooting or security audits.
• Remote Reboot: Power cycle a camera without physical access.

Unmanaged switches lack these features. While they can power cameras, they offer zero visibility or control—risky for business or multi-camera systems.

PoE Budget and Port Count

Calculate your total PoE budget needs before buying a switch. For example:

• 3x G4 Bullet cameras: 10W each = 30W
• 2x G4 Pro cameras: 22W each = 44W
• 1x G5 PTZ: 25W = 25W
• Total: 99W

Choose a switch with a PoE budget of at least 120W to account for overhead and future expansion. The UniFi Switch 8 PoE Gen 2 offers 150W, while the TP-Link TL-SG108PE provides 65W—insufficient for this setup.

Data Throughput and Backplane Capacity

Ubiquiti cameras generate significant data. A single G4 Pro at 4K/30fps can use up to 100 Mbps. For a 10-camera system, you need a switch with:

• 1 Gbps ports (avoid 100 Mbps switches)
• Non-blocking backplane (e.g., 20 Gbps for an 8-port switch)
• Full-duplex support to handle simultaneous upload/download

Example: The UniFi Switch 16 PoE has a 36 Gbps switching capacity, handling 16 cameras at 100 Mbps each with ease. A cheap 8-port switch with 16 Gbps capacity may bottleneck under load.

Testing and Troubleshooting: Ensuring Reliable Performance

Pre-Deployment Checklist

Before installing cameras, test your PoE switch with the following steps:

1. Verify the switch supports 802.3at (PoE+) and has enough PoE budget.
2. Check voltage output with a PoE tester (e.g., Klein Tools POE100). Look for 48V ±5%.
3. Connect one camera and confirm it powers on and appears in the UniFi Protect app.
4. Use LLDP/CDP (if available) to ensure proper power negotiation.
5. Monitor power draw via the switch’s admin interface or SNMP tools.

Common Issues and Fixes

• Camera won’t power on:
  • Confirm the switch port is PoE-enabled.
  • Test with a PoE tester to check voltage.
  • Replace the Ethernet cable (use Cat6 for long runs).
• Camera reboots intermittently:
  • Check PoE budget—add more power or reduce camera count.
  • Ensure the switch isn’t overheating.
  • Update the switch’s firmware.
• No video in UniFi Protect:
  • Verify the camera is on the same VLAN as the UniFi Protect console.
  • Check for IP conflicts or subnet mismatches.
  • Reboot the switch and camera.

Data Table: PoE Switch Comparison for Ubiquiti Cameras

Switch Model	PoE Standard	Total PoE Budget	Max Power per Port	Managed	LLDP/CDP	Best For
UniFi Switch 8 PoE Gen 2	802.3at (PoE+)	150W	30W	Yes	Yes (LLDP)	Small to medium setups, seamless UniFi integration
Netgear GS308PP	802.3at (PoE+)	124W	30W	Yes	Yes (LLDP)	Budget-friendly, good for 4–6 G4 Pro cameras
TP-Link TL-SG2428P	802.3at (PoE+)	250W	30W	Yes	Yes (LLDP)	Large deployments, high PoE budget
Ubiquiti Switch Pro 48 PoE	802.3at (PoE+)	720W	60W (Type 3)	Yes	Yes (LLDP)	Enterprise, 40+ cameras, future-proofing
TP-Link TL-SF1008P (Unmanaged)	802.3af (PoE)	65W	15.4W	No	No	Basic cameras (G3 Micro), not for G4/G5 models
Cisco SG350-10P	802.3at (PoE+)	150W	30W	Yes	Yes (CDP/LLDP)	Professional installs, VLAN-heavy networks

Conclusion: Choosing the Right PoE Switch for Long-Term Success

So, will any PoE switch work with Ubiquiti cameras? The answer is a qualified yes—but only if the switch meets critical technical and functional requirements. Ubiquiti cameras demand 802.3af or 802.3at PoE, 48V power delivery, and adequate data throughput. While third-party switches from reputable brands can work, they often sacrifice integration, monitoring, and advanced features that Ubiquiti’s own switches provide.

For most users, the UniFi line of PoE switches offers the best balance of compatibility, ease of use, and ecosystem synergy. They’re plug-and-play with UniFi Protect, offer real-time PoE monitoring, and support advanced network configurations. However, if budget or specific features (like a higher PoE budget) are concerns, managed PoE+ switches from Netgear, TP-Link, or Cisco can be excellent alternatives—provided they support LLDP, have sufficient power, and are tested before deployment.

Ultimately, your choice should align with your project’s scale, budget, and technical needs. A small home setup with four G4 Bullets might thrive on a Netgear GS308PP, while a 50-camera enterprise system demands the UniFi Switch Pro 48 PoE. Remember: compatibility isn’t just about power—it’s about performance, reliability, and peace of mind. Invest in the right switch, and your Ubiquiti cameras will deliver crystal-clear footage, year after year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will any PoE switch work with Ubiquiti cameras?

Not all PoE switches are compatible with Ubiquiti cameras. You need a switch that supports standard PoE (802.3af/at) or Ubiquiti’s proprietary 24V passive PoE, depending on the camera model. Always check the camera’s power requirements first.

What type of PoE do Ubiquiti cameras use?

Most newer Ubiquiti cameras use standard 802.3af/at PoE, but some older models require 24V passive PoE. For example, the G4 series works with 802.3af, while older models like the G3 Flex need 24V passive PoE.

Can I use a third-party PoE switch with Ubiquiti cameras for better cost savings?

Yes, but ensure the switch delivers the correct voltage (802.3af/at or 24V passive PoE) and sufficient power per port. Using an incompatible switch may damage your cameras or cause unstable performance.

Do I need a managed PoE switch for Ubiquiti cameras?

Managed switches aren’t required but offer advantages like VLAN support and per-port monitoring. For simple setups, an unmanaged PoE switch with the right power specs will work fine.

Why won’t my Ubiquiti camera power up with a generic PoE switch?

This usually happens due to voltage mismatch (e.g., 24V camera on 48V switch) or insufficient power budget. Verify both devices’ PoE specs—Ubiquiti’s site lists exact requirements for each camera model.

Are there benefits to using a Ubiquiti PoE switch with Ubiquiti cameras?

Ubiquiti switches offer seamless integration with UniFi Protect and auto-detection for 24V/48V devices. While third-party switches can work, Ubiquiti’s ecosystem provides easier setup and unified management.