Can 1 cat5e power two ip cams?

[cmx]

They sell devices to do this do they actually work?

 

[bigredfish]

Yes. I and others use them frequently.

I’m using both of these

https://www.amazon.com/IPCamPower-Combiner-Splitter-Adapter-Cameras/dp/B08JS45B89/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0CJBXMQTD?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_titley

 

[wittaj]

^same

Not all of them work, so go with the ones recommended.

 

[TonyR]

Be aware that one device mentioned above requires 2 POE ports to power 2 POE device over one cable and the other does not (it's essentially a POE-powered 2 port POE switch) so read carefully and choose which will suit your need.

They make up to at least a 4 port POE-powered POE switch that has 1 POE cable in and 4 POE cables out but there are strict rules to follow regarding POE power incoming and the POE budget going out to the cameras.

They can work great when chosen and applied correctly.

 

[tigerwillow1]

(it's essentially a POE-powered 2 port POE switch)

I'll add that this one likely does not work with an NVR POE port. (But I don't have an NVR with POE ports so I could be wrong on this.) Also, with this type of device, you're treading very close to the port power limit with a 15 watt (non-POE+) port when the camera IR lights are running full blast.

I've used the device Andy sells EmpireTech PFT1300 PoE Extender $29.98, as well as one from ebay, and both worked well.

 

[bp2008]

Here are some more options. "MokerLink" makes some astonishingly cheap outdoor PoE switches that take incoming data and PoE power from one cable and distribute it across 3 or 4 output PoE ports.

https://amazon.com/dp/B0C84ZY6R5

They are entirely made of cheap plastic aside from the switch PCB, which is itself very low cost.

I installed two of them last year and one this year so far, each feeding two cameras, and they have been working fine. However to fight condensation/corrosion, etc, I squirt dielectric grease in all the ports and also used coax-seal to better plug the entrance so bugs wouldn't get inside to make nests.

If you want something higher grade, Ubiquiti makes something with a similar purpose:

Switch Flex - Ubiquiti Store

Flexible 5-port, Layer 2 PoE switch for indoor and outdoor use, that can be powered with PoE++.

store.ui.com

Switch Flex Utility - Ubiquiti Store

The Switch Flex Utility is an outdoor weatherproof enclosure designed for use with the Switch Flex.

store.ui.com

 

[bigredfish]

I'll add that this one likely does not work with an NVR POE port. (But I don't have an NVR with POE ports so I could be wrong on this.) Also, with this type of device, you're treading very close to the port power limit with a 15 watt (non-POE+) port when the camera IR lights are running full blast.

I've used the device Andy sells EmpireTech PFT1300 PoE Extender $29.98, as well as one from ebay, and both worked well.

I didnt know what I was doing when I bought it, but it works with a 4K-T and a 5442!

That said, its plugged into an external switch, so both cams are using the LAN 192.168.1.X network.

Also, when I tried using it with the 4K-T AND the new Triple Lens, one camera dies when the lights on the 4K-T and the IR blaster on the triple lens kick in together. The output of the Netgear switch port it goes back to is 30 watts - that combination exceeds 30 watts. So the switch is the failure point in that case

 

[Iemand91]

I've been using this one from Aliexpress for 1+ year to feed a 5442 and 5231, powered by a TP-Link POE-switch. Working fine so far.

EDIT: can't seem to link to Aliexpress (forum gives me an error), but it's those cheap €10-15 white POE extender things.

 

[bradner]

They sell devices to do this do they actually work?

I use the ones that feed 2 POE ports to one RJ45 and then back out to two outputs to 2 cams. Mine have been rock solid outdoors - but covered.

 

[TonyR]

Been using this 2 port POE extender for 2 years this coming June of '25 and no issues:

Post in thread 'Using ethernet splitter for two cameras'

Jun 7, 2023

Would be great if you can report back and let us know. The “Waterproof” casing got my interest.

OK, I received the Sodola POE Extender on Friday, 6/2 and got it installed Monday 6/5. So far so good but as we all know, time will tell after a few months of 'Bama summer heat, humidity, rain and likely some thunderstorms (hopefully not severe).

It's powering a Loryta IPC-T5442TM-AS (from Andy) and an Amcrest IP5M-T1179EW-28MM (from Amazon). Both cams are rated <7.2 Watts. Below are a few self-explanatory photos. The entire top is solid to...

• TonyR

• 

This one may fit in a junction box, not sure. Several IPCT members have used these=> EmpireTech PoE Extender Mini Passive 2 Port Switch, IEEE 802.3af/at Extender, Repeater, Ethernet Splitter for Powering 2 Devices (IP Camera) Over One Cat5/6 Cable PFT1300

 

[cmx]

never new there where so many options!