How to Pick the Right PoE Switch for Your Reolink Cameras
When you add PoE cameras, the switch’s port count is only half the story. You also need to know the PoE class each camera requires (most Reolink models are listed as 802.3af‑compatible, up to 15.4 W, while some higher‑resolution units may need 802.3at, up to 30 W) and then add those numbers together.
Step 1 – List your cameras
- RLC‑810A – check the spec sheet for its maximum PoE draw (e.g., 7‑10 W typical, 15 W max if it’s 802.3af).
- Duo 3 PoE – likewise note its maximum draw (often around 10‑12 W, but verify the exact figure).
Step 2 – Sum the maximum draw Add the highest‑rated wattage for each camera. If you plan to install two RLC‑810A and one Duo 3 PoE, the worst‑case total might be roughly 15 W × 2 + 15 W = 45 W. Use the numbers from the official data sheets rather than estimates.
Step 3 – Compare with switch specs A PoE switch will list two key figures:
- Number of PoE‑enabled ports – you need at least as many ports as cameras.
- Aggregate power budget – the total wattage the switch can supply across all PoE ports (e.g., 55 W, 120 W, 370 W, etc.). If the switch’s budget is lower than the sum you calculated, the switch will either shut off ports or under‑power the cameras, leading to unreliable video.
Conditional buying judgement
- Choose a switch whose budget exceeds your camera total by at least 20 %. For a 45 W load, a 55 W‑or‑higher switch gives headroom for future expansion or slight variations in actual draw.
- If no single switch meets that margin, consider a hybrid approach: a non‑PoE switch for extra Ethernet ports plus dedicated PoE injectors for the cameras that push the required power.
Practical responsibilities
- Homeowner: Provide the final camera list, verify each model’s PoE class, and reserve a modest power buffer for later additions.
- Installer: Confirm the switch’s PoE standard and total budget, label which ports will serve each camera, and document the topology for future upgrades.
By matching ports, standards and the summed wattage, you avoid the common pitfall of “enough sockets, but not enough power.”