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The Questions Buyers Actually Ask Us
Each article answers one question in plain English, then points at the hardware that fits. No sales pitch, no sign-up.
PoE switches
What is a PoE switch?
A PoE switch is a network switch that sends electrical power and data down the same ethernet cable. Devices such as IP cameras, wireless access points and desk phones then run from one cable, with no separate power adapter or nearby mains socket needed.
4 min read
Does a PoE switch need a power supply?
Yes. A PoE switch needs its own mains power supply, because it provides the power for every device plugged into it. The switch draws mains electricity, converts it, and sends it down the ethernet cables. Its total power budget must cover all connected cameras, access points and phones.
3 min read
What is a PoE switch for cameras?
A PoE switch for cameras powers each IP camera over its network cable, so no socket is needed at the camera. Choose one with enough ports for every camera plus the recorder, a power budget covering all cameras at once, and gigabit uplinks to the NVR.
4 min read
How does a PoE switch work?
A PoE switch first detects whether the connected device can accept power, negotiates how much it needs, then injects DC voltage onto the ethernet pairs alongside the data. Power is only applied after that handshake, so plugging in a non-PoE device is safe.
3 min read
Can a PoE switch be used for non-PoE devices?
Yes. A PoE switch works as a normal switch for non-PoE devices such as laptops, printers, PCs and servers. The port only sends power after it detects a device designed to accept it, so equipment that does not support PoE simply gets a standard network connection.
3 min read
UniFi and Wi-Fi
Do UniFi access points need a controller?
UniFi access points need a controller to adopt and configure them, but it does not have to run permanently. Once configured, access points keep serving Wi-Fi if the controller goes offline. Most businesses run it on a UniFi Cloud Gateway or Cloud Key so statistics, updates and roaming features keep working.
4 min read
How many UniFi access points do I need?
As a rule of thumb, plan one UniFi access point per 1,000–1,500 sq ft of open office, or one per two to three rooms in partitioned buildings. Also allow one access point per 40–50 active devices. Thick walls, glass partitions and high device density all increase the count.
4 min read
How do you set up a UniFi access point?
Mount the access point, connect it to a PoE switch or injector, open the UniFi controller, and adopt the device when it appears under Devices. Let it update firmware, then create your Wi-Fi network with a name, password and VLAN. Setup usually takes under ten minutes per unit.
4 min read
Firewalls and security
What is a FortiGate firewall?
A FortiGate firewall is Fortinet's next-generation firewall appliance. As well as filtering traffic by port and address, it inspects encrypted traffic, identifies applications and users, blocks intrusions and malware, and provides secure remote access and SD-WAN from the same box.
4 min read
How does a FortiGate firewall work?
A FortiGate checks every connection against ordered firewall policies matched on source, destination, user and application. If a policy allows the traffic, the attached security profiles inspect it for intrusions, malware and blocked categories. Allowed traffic passes and is logged; anything unmatched is denied by default.
4 min read
Cisco switching
How much does a Cisco switch cost?
Cisco switch pricing depends on the family, port count, PoE budget, uplink type and licence term, so list prices vary widely. Catalyst 1000 access switches sit at the entry end, while Catalyst 9300 stackable switches with DNA licensing cost several times more. Always compare quotes including licence and support.
4 min read
How many Cisco switches can be stacked?
It depends on the family. Catalyst 9200 switches stack up to eight units, Catalyst 9300 up to eight, and Catalyst 1000 models support smaller stacks. All members must run the same software version and use the correct stacking cables and modules.
4 min read
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