Can I connect PoE switches to both the main router and mesh node?

[Kantastic]

Hey guys, it's been a while. No matter where life takes me, I always end up back here when I need help with tech stuff. I know little to nothing about networking, but I do know how to Google and that has served me well up to this point in life. I'm trying to figure out if I can setup my home network to run a few outdoor PoE security cameras. My current wireless security camera system (TP-Link Tapo) is not ideal and constantly disconnects. The wireless signal from my AiMesh home WiFi just isn't strong enough to penetrate the exterior brick walls. I've scoped the house and planned out what I think is a feasible option, but I need to know if what I want to do even works.

CCTVs <--- PoE switch <--- main router <---> mesh node ---> PoE switch ---> CCTVs

The mesh system in question is two Asus GT-AX11000 routers.

The question I have is the bolded portion of the diagram above. Would I be able to connect an unmanaged PoE switch to each the router and the node, connect cameras to both of the switches, and have it be pretty much plug & play?

 

[Vincero]

Yes you could / should be able to do that.

 

[Kantastic]

Yes you could / should be able to do that.

Thank you! Would it matter if the router and mesh node are running on wired backhaul vs wireless backhaul if the connection between the two are solid? That would save me the trouble of having to run a 70ft CAT6 cable across the roof to connect the two units.

 

[Vincero]

Thank you! Would it matter if the router and mesh node are running on wired backhaul vs wireless backhaul if the connection between the two are solid? That would save me the trouble of having to run a 70ft CAT6 cable across the roof to connect the two units.

Well that depends on signal strength and available bandwidth across that link. H.264 streams from most IP cameras top out at maybe 8Mb/s but usually average and have peaks much below that (in theory H.265 should be better) so it's likely any reasonable connection between the main router and mesh repeater will likely have no issues carrying that load (even 11g is capable of handling that without breaking a sweat) - although be aware of the limitations of 'mesh' Wifi - you will have bandwidth limitations on the data rate between the main and mesh router so any other devices that may absorb a lot of that available bandwidth could be an issue.

 

[eidairaman1]

10 years ago poe adapters were available, they were meant to be plugged into the wall directly, not a power strip, I'm unaware if that still holds true as I haven't used them since 2014.

 

[Vincero]

10 years ago poe adapters were available, they were meant to be plugged into the wall directly, not a power strip, I'm unaware if that still holds true as I haven't used them since 2014.

PoE injectors (proper ones that adhere to the spec) are still a thing. Alternatively the 'PoE' splitters that allow you to use the original camera PSU and send it along the CAT5 / 2-pairs power with 2-pairs for data can be used, although some cameras now don't come with PSUs expecting you to use PoE (real PoE spec - although they may still work with 12V / splitter cables if they have a DC in port).

Although PoE switches (low port count and sub 50W) are getting pretty cheap (depending on your location) and offer more than 1 port... even if not using all the ports for POE use I could see how they could be more useful (and some offer features that auto-restart ports / attached devices, etc.).