How Do I Setup An External PoE Switch on a ProConnect Recorder?
External power-over-ethernet (PoE) switches can be used with the ProConnect A800(+), ProConnect A1600(+), and ProConnect Summit NVR models.
The built-in PoE ports on the NVR are numbered and set next to each other on the back of the recorder. These ProConnect NVRs are designed to automatically hand out an IP address to cameras connected directly on their numbered ports.
Connecting cameras to an external PoE switch and then to your recorder has several benefits:
- Add additional cameras beyond the number of ports provided on the internal PoE (depending on model).
- Reduce the number of ethernet cables connected to the recorder. For example, an external PoE switch placed in an attic or an IT closet allows for a single ethernet cable to be run to the NVR.
- Daisy-chain multiple external switches to allow for easier installation of cameras across large sites.
When connecting cameras to an external POE switch via the EXT CAMERAS gigabit port, the 192.168.51.x network is recommended.
Example of the back of 16-channel A1600(+) NVR.
For ProConnect Summit NVR models, the built-in POE switch and an external POE switch will use the same 192.168.51.x network. The ProConnect Summit is designed to automatically assign an IP address for cameras configured to use the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP).
Switch setup
We do not recommend configuring managed POE switches, or configuring the switch to hand out network addresses using DHCP. Most managed switches will act as an unmanaged POE switch unless they are configured or setup.
The CAMERAS Port on the ProConnect Summit NVR is configured as a DHCP server and intended for use only with a dedicated independent camera network on its network switch. Connecting the Camera Port to a network with another DHCP server will cause significant network issues.
- Connect one end of the Cat5e cable to the "EXT CAMERAS/" port on the back of the ProConnect
- Connect the other end of the Cat5e cable to one of the numbered ports on the switch.
Note: Once the switch is connected to the EXT CAMERAS port, the port will default to use a static IP of 192.168.51.1. We recommend keeping it at this IP address, but it can be changed if needed
Configure the Ext Switch (EXT CAMERAS) Adapter in the ProConnect software
These steps only apply to the ProConnect A800(+) and ProConnect A1600(+) NVR models. They aren't required for the ProConnect Summit models.
1. Go to Setup > System Settings > Networking > Adapters tab.
2. Click on the Ext Switch adapter.
3. By default, the Network Interface adapter is set to 192.168.51.1.
4. Set the Subnet Mask to 255.255.255.0.
5. Do not configure a gateway IP on this adapter. The assigned IP address will serve as the gateway for the connected external switch.
