A POE (Power over Ethernet) Switch with 8 ports allows you to provide both data and electrical power to devices (like IP cameras, VoIP phones, wireless access points, etc.) over a single Ethernet cable. This eliminates the need for separate power supplies and makes installations simpler and more efficient.

Here are some key features to consider when looking for an 8-port POE switch:

1. POE Standards:

• IEEE 802.3af (POE): Provides up to 15.4W per port.
• IEEE 802.3at (POE+): Provides up to 25.5W per port.
• IEEE 802.3bt (POE++ or UPOE): Provides up to 60W (Type 3) or 100W (Type 4) per port.

2. Speed:

• Common speeds are 10/100/. Ensure the switch meets your network speed requirements.

3. Managed vs Unmanaged:

• Unmanaged: Simple plug-and-play, with no configuration options.
• Managed: Offers more advanced features like VLAN support, traffic management, monitoring, and remote configuration.

4. Power Budget:

• Total power available for all connected devices combined. Ensure it is sufficient for your POE-powered devices.