A network switch connects multiple devices — cameras, access points, PCs, recorders — to the same network on one uplink. Most CCTV and access control installs only need a switch once the built-in ports on the recorder run out, or when cameras and ordinary network devices share the same cabinet.

PoE or non-PoE?

If everything connecting to the switch is a camera, intercom or access point that needs power over the cable, buy a PoE switch — see that page for sizing the power budget correctly. A standard non-PoE switch is the right choice for connecting PCs, NAS units or a recorder’s own network uplink where power is already supplied locally.

Choosing port count and speed

• Port count. Match it to devices plus at least one spare, the same rule as for PoE switches.
• Gigabit vs 100Mbps. Multiple 4K camera streams and NVR playback both benefit from Gigabit ports; 100Mbps is only adequate for a small number of lower-resolution cameras.
• Managed vs unmanaged. Managed switches allow VLANs to separate CCTV traffic from office network traffic, which matters on any site where the camera system and the general office network share infrastructure.

Where it sits in the system

A switch sits between the recorder and the cameras or between the site router and the recorder’s network — it does not replace either. If you are building a CCTV system from scratch, start with the cameras and NVR, then add a switch only if the recorder’s built-in ports are not enough. Run the correct Cat5e or Cat6 cable for the distance involved.