Comparing reliability of PoE switches and injectors Reliability differences between the two devices
Comparing reliability of PoE switches and injectors Reliability differences between the two devices
Hey everyone, I'm looking into PoE switches versus PoE injectors for failure rates. Should I go with two PoE injectors instead of one unmanaged PoE switch for two IP cameras over time in a closed space? I couldn't find much useful info online. My thought is injectors are more dependable because they're just power sources, while switches add L2 networking which makes them more complicated. But using two injectors might mean higher risk since everything gets doubled and failures could happen more often. Thanks in advance!
Modern switches are generally well-established technology, allowing data packets to move efficiently between ports. Power injectors are straightforward devices that provide power, but they're often built to be compact and sealed to resist moisture and humidity. This means the internal power source is likely exposed to higher temperatures, which can cause gradual wear over time. Comparing this to laptop adapters or external power bricks for monitors, which can fail due to heat buildup, it seems the switch's power supply might actually perform better in real-world conditions. Ventilation is usually present in switches and networking gear, either naturally or through fans, helping dissipate heat. Additionally, power supplies are often oversized for their tasks, running cooler and more reliably than smaller alternatives. This suggests the power supply inside a switch could offer better durability and performance.