Hikvision AE‑MS8400 (M12) 8‑Port Mobile PoE Switch, DC 9–36 V, 86 W PoE AE‑MS8400(M12)

Introduction: Rugged, mobile-ready PoE for vehicle CCTV

The Hikvision AE‑MS8400 (M12) 8‑Port Mobile PoE Switch is a purpose-built network switch designed for vehicle‑mounted surveillance systems. Marketed as the AE‑MS8400 (M12) 8‑Port Vehicle PoE Switch, it combines a compact footprint with rugged hardware features tailored to mobile CCTV applications. With eight M12 PoE ports, a gigabit uplink, a wide DC input range (DC 9 6 V) and an 86 W PoE budget, this switch is aimed at integrators and fleet operators who need reliable power and network connectivity for onboard cameras and recording equipment. The suggested retail price is around $249, making it a practical option where ruggedness and vehicle compatibility matter.

Key features at a glance

• 8 × 10/100 Mbps M12 PoE ports—all ports supply PoE for camera or peripheral power.
• 1 × 10/100/1000 Mbps RJ45 uplinkfor mobile NVRs or other central devices.
• PoE support:7× IEEE 802.3af + 1× IEEE 802.3at with a total PoE budget of 86 W.
• Vehicle‑friendly power:DC 9–36 V input and power consumption <90 W at full load.
• ACC (ignition) supportand configurable delayed shutdown via RS232 for clean power‑down sequences.
• Rugged M12 aviation connectorsand status LEDs designed for vibration and harsh environments.
• Operating range:620 B0C to +60 B0C; humidity 10%–95%.

Detailed specifications and benefits

The AE‑MS8400 (M12) is engineered specifically for the rigours of mobile deployments. Its eight PoE ports use M12 connectors, which are physically robust and vibration resistant compared with conventional RJ45 ports. This makes them ideal for buses, trucks, emergency vehicles and other platforms that experience constant motion and shock.

The switch supports seven IEEE 802.3af (PoE) ports and one IEEE 802.3at (PoE+) port, providing flexibility to power a mix of cameras and devices. The total PoE budget is 86 W, which allows simultaneous operation of multiple cameras and accessories. With a wide DC input of 9 6 V, the unit connects directly to vehicle power systems, tolerating common fluctuations in bus or truck electrical systems. Maximum power consumption is kept under 90 W at full load, which helps in sizing fuses and battery capacity for mobile installations.

For traffic backhaul the AE‑MS8400 (M12) provides a 1 Gbps RJ45 uplink, allowing a mobile NVR or edge server to receive full network throughput from cameras. Basic configuration tasks such as setting a delayed shutdown (so devices remain powered for a configurable interval after ignition off) are handled via RS232. Status LEDs provide immediate visual feedback on power and PoE activity across all ports, which speeds troubleshooting during installation and maintenance.

The enclosure and connectors are designed to withstand harsh environments. M12 aviation connectors resist vibration and ingress better than standard consumer connectors. The temperature rating of 620 B0C to +60 B0C and broad humidity tolerance (10%–95%) mean the switch will operate reliably in extreme cold, heat and humid conditions often encountered in field deployments. The compact dimensions (242.8 × 127.0 × 57.0 mm) make it easy to mount in vehicle cabinets, under seats or close to camera clusters.

This product is intended for professional vehicle installation. Installers should follow correct DC wiring practices, include appropriate fusing and isolation, and verify that installations meet local vehicle and regulatory requirements. Hikvision provides datasheets and user manuals that detail safe mounting, wiring and configuration procedures. Note that warranty information is not specified in the provided product details; confirm warranty and support terms with your supplier.

Use cases and where the AE‑MS8400 (M12) excels

The AE‑MS8400 (M12) is tailored for environments that demand rugged, continuous operation and reliable power distribution for cameras. Typical use cases include:

• Police, emergency and public safety vehicles:Onboard video systems in police cars, ambulances and fire trucks require durable PoE switching that will not fail under vibration or temperature extremes. The delayed shutdown feature is useful to preserve recordings during power transitions.
• Public transport fleets:Buses, trams and trains with multi‑camera surveillance benefit from M12 connectors and vehicle voltage compatibility.
• Commercial fleets and logistics:Trucks, delivery vans and specialty vehicles that need driver monitoring or cargo inspection cameras.
• Shuttles and coach operators:Fleet operators who install CCTV to protect passengers and drivers and to provide evidence in incident investigations.
• Specialty mobile platforms:Mobile command centres, utility vehicles and temporary sites where rugged connectivity and PoE are required.

In each of these scenarios, the combination of wide input voltage, M12 robustness, PoE budget and ACC shutdown makes the AE‑MS8400 (M12) a practical and resilient choice.

Comparisons with similar products on the market

Mobile PoE switches fall into several categories: consumer/office PoE switches, industrial/rail‑grade DIN‑rail switches and purpose‑built vehicle switches like the AE‑MS8400 (M12). Compared with consumer PoE switches, the AE‑MS8400 (M12) offers:

• Rugged connectors:M12 vs. standard RJ45—better vibration and ingress protection.
• Wide DC input:9–36 V for vehicle compatibility vs. fixed AC/DC supplies in desktop models.
• ACC/delayed shutdown:Vehicle ignition awareness is rarely available on general‑purpose switches.

Against industrial DIN‑rail switches, the AE‑MS8400 (M12) is more compact and optimized for PoE at vehicle voltage levels. DIN‑rail industrial models may offer more advanced Layer 2 features, higher port counts, or higher PoE budgets, but they may not include vehicle‑focused features like ACC shutdown and M12 connectors as standard. If your deployment needs enterprise networking features such as VLAN, QoS and advanced management, check feature parity; the AE‑MS8400 (M12) emphasizes rugged PoE distribution and basic configuration rather than a full L2/L3 feature set.

Customer testimonials and installer feedback

Public customer reviews for highly specialised vehicle switches are often limited because these products are typically sold through integrators and installers rather than consumer channels. That said, installers and fleet technicians who choose purpose‑built mobile PoE switches commonly report the following practical benefits:

• Reliable PoE delivery in vehicles thanks to the wide DC input and stable power handling.
• Improved longevity when M12 connectors are used in high‑vibration environments compared with standard RJ45 plugs.
• Valuable protection of recorded data through ACC/delayed shutdown functionality, allowing NVRs to finish writes after ignition off.

When evaluating feedback, ask your integrator for references from similar fleet projects or request trial units where possible to validate fit, mounting, wiring and thermal performance in your real‑world conditions.

Conclusion: Why the AE‑MS8400 (M12) is a strong choice for mobile CCTV

The Hikvision AE‑MS8400 (M12) 8‑Port Vehicle PoE Switch is a focused solution for vehicle‑mounted surveillance systems. Its combination of eight M12 PoE ports, a gigabit uplink, an 86 W PoE budget, wide DC input range and ACC shutdown capability addresses the most common challenges of mobile CCTV: vibration, variable power supply, environmental extremes and the need for coordinated shutdowns. For fleet operators, public transport agencies and emergency services that require a compact, rugged and straightforward PoE distribution solution, this switch offers a balance of performance and cost‑effectiveness.

Before purchasing, confirm the PoE power requirements of your cameras, check physical mounting and wiring procedures, and consult Hikvisions datasheet and user manual for installation guidance. If you need advanced network management features or higher PoE budgets, compare the AE‑MS8400 (M12) with industrial and enterprise alternatives—but for many vehicle CCTV deployments the AE‑MS8400 (M12) hits the essential marks: rugged connectors, vehicle power compatibility, practical PoE capacity and a compact form factor suited to real‑world fleet installations.