Introduction: CAMSWITCH 4 Plus (VCS-4P1) and its key features
The CAMSWITCH 4 Plus (VCS-4P1) is a compact, rugged 5-port unmanaged 10/100 Ethernet switch purpose-built for edge-of-network deployments such as IP camera clusters, small retail sites and simple industrial networks. It provides four PoE+ output ports (IEEE 802.3af/at) for powering devices and a single uplink/downlink port that accepts PoE-in (up to IEEE 802.3bt). The unit can also be powered locally via a detachable 44–57 V DC screw-terminal input. With plug-and-play operation, a metal enclosure with removable wall-mount clips and clear status LEDs, the CAMSWITCH 4 Plus is designed to make field installation fast, reliable and space-efficient.
Detailed description: specifications and practical benefits
- Model: CAMSWITCH 4 Plus (VCS-4P1)
- Network: 5 x 10/100Base-T RJ45 (4 PoE out + 1 uplink/downlink); auto MDI/MDI-X, auto duplex & speed
- PoE output: IEEE 802.3af / 802.3at, up to 30 W per port (25.5 W usable to PD)
- PoE input: accepts PoE-in up to 71 W (802.3bt) on the uplink/downlink port
- DC input option: 44–57 V DC via detachable screw terminal
- Physical: compact metal enclosure, removable wall-mount clips; dimensions ~110 × 68 × 22 mm (131 mm with clips); weight 135 g
- Operating environment: -10 °C to +50 °C, up to 85% RH non-condensing
- Safety & approvals: CE, FCC, RoHS, UKCA
- Four PoE+ ports:Each of the four ports supports up to 30 W (25.5 W to the powered device), sufficient for most modern PoE cameras, access points and edge devices. This lets installers power devices directly from the switch without separate single-port injectors.
- PoE-in support (802.3bt):The uplink/downlink port can accept PoE-in up to 71 W, meaning the switch can be powered remotely from a central PoE power source or compatible midspan. This reduces the need for local AC supplies in many installations and enables longer-range topologies when paired with extended-range Veracity products or PoE extenders.
- Local DC option:When PoE-in isn’t available, the detachable 44–57 V DC screw terminal provides a simple local power option. The wide input range is useful in industrial or CCTV power systems that commonly use 48 V nominal supplies.
- Unmanaged simplicity:Auto MDI/MDI-X and auto speed/duplex mean no configuration is required — plug in cameras and uplinks, and the switch will simply work. This reduces commissioning time for installers and minimizes configuration errors.
- Compact, rugged design:A compact metal chassis with mount clips allows discreet mounting in camera enclosures, shallow cabinets or on walls. LEDs provide at-a-glance status for link/activity and PoE/power, helping technicians diagnose basic issues quickly.
Understanding power budget is essential when using a 4-port PoE switch with PoE-in. Although each port can deliver up to 25.5 W to a device, the overall available power depends on the PoE-in source or the DC supply. The CAMSWITCH 4 Plus supports up to 71 W PoE-in (802.3bt), so in practical terms you should plan device loads accordingly — for example, a mix of cameras using 6–12 W each will be fine, while running four high-power 25 W devices simultaneously will exceed the 71 W PoE-in budget. Using the local DC input may allow higher or more reliable power delivery depending on site wiring and supply capacity. Always calculate total PD draw and leave headroom for burst or auxiliary loads.
Use cases and scenarios where the CAMSWITCH 4 Plus excels
For CCTV installations with multiple cameras grouped at a rooftop box, pole mount or building corner, the CAMSWITCH 4 Plus acts as a neat local distribution point. Its four PoE outputs let installers feed cameras conveniently while the single PoE-in uplink can bring power and data from a remote central switch or midspan. The small footprint fits inside camera housings and shallow enclosures, simplifying retrofit and new installations alike.
Retail stores, small offices and light-industrial areas often need a handful of networked devices — point-of-sale cameras, Wi‑Fi access points, IoT sensors — without the complexity of a managed switch. The CAMSWITCH 4 Plus provides the ports, PoE power and ruggedness for these localized networks while keeping installation and maintenance simple.
For temporary events, construction sites or short-term surveillance, the plug-and-play nature and PoE-in capability make the CAMSWITCH 4 Plus a flexible option. Its removable wall-mount clips and small metal case mean it can be installed and removed quickly with minimal impact on infrastructure. In retrofits where AC supply is limited, PoE-in provides a convenient alternative to running new power.
Although not an industrial-managed switch, the CAMSWITCH 4 Plus is rated to operate across a useful temperature range and comes in a metal enclosure suited to tougher field conditions than consumer plastic switches. For non-extreme industrial zones where simple PoE distribution is required, it offers a robust and cost-effective solution.
Comparisons with similar products and alternative approaches
Unmanaged switches like the CAMSWITCH 4 Plus are optimized for simplicity: they require no configuration, are faster to deploy and are typically lower cost. Managed switches, by contrast, provide VLANs, QoS, link aggregation and monitoring — features valuable in complex enterprise networks. For many camera edge installations where you only need power and connectivity for a few devices, an unmanaged PoE switch is the more practical choice.
Traditional approaches include using single-port inline PoE injectors or larger midspan units. Injectors are cheap per port but quickly become bulky and inconvenient when powering multiple devices. Midspans provide centralised power but require cabling from a central room. The CAMSWITCH 4 Plus strikes a middle ground: it consolidates multiple PoE outputs in a compact unit while supporting remote PoE-in so the installer can choose centralised or local power depending on site constraints.
Compared with other small PoE switches on the market, the CAMSWITCH 4 Plus focuses on field friendliness: PoE-in support up to 71 W, a detachable DC terminal for local power, a compact metal case and removable clips for mounting all emphasise installation flexibility. Some competitors may offer gigabit ports, more PoE budget or integrated management; the CAMSWITCH 4 Plus is intentionally optimized for low-complexity, camera-centric edge deployments rather than feature-heavy core switches.
Customer feedback and typical installer impressions
While individual reviews vary by installer and application, common themes emerge from field feedback on compact PoE edge switches of this class. Installers appreciate:
- Quick, no-configuration installation: plug-and-play operation reduces commissioning time compared with managed alternatives.
- Flexible powering options: the ability to accept PoE-in or use a DC terminal simplifies remote and retrofit projects.
- Small, discreet form factor: fits into camera housings and small enclosures where larger switches can’t.
- Clear status LEDs and robust case: easier troubleshooting and protection against physical damage in the field.
As with any product, some users highlight trade-offs: the 10/100Base-T speed is perfectly adequate for many camera feeds but is not gigabit, so for very high-resolution multi-stream deployments or future-proofing needs, a gigabit switch may be preferred. Also, total PoE budget depends on the upstream PoE-in or local DC supply, so careful power planning is important.
Conclusion: why choose the CAMSWITCH 4 Plus (VCS-4P1)
The CAMSWITCH 4 Plus (VCS-4P1) is a purpose-built, no-nonsense PoE edge switch that simplifies deployment of camera clusters and small PoE networks. Its combination of four PoE+ outputs, 802.3bt PoE-in capability, detachable DC input and compact metal form factor make it especially well-suited to retrofit, temporary and edge-of-network installations where space, reliability and straightforward installation matter most.
Choosing this switch is a practical decision when your priority is fast field deployment, flexible powering options and a small footprint rather than advanced switch management features. It reduces the need for multiple injectors, integrates cleanly with centralized PoE architectures and fits neatly into camera housings and small enclosures. For integrators and site engineers building camera-edge solutions, the CAMSWITCH 4 Plus offers a balanced, cost-effective tool in the kit — do check the total PoE budget for your device mix and confirm warranty and support details with your supplier.
