What is PoE?

Power over Ethernet (PoE) is a technology that allows both power and data to be transmitted simultaneously over a single Ethernet cable. There are two types of PoE: Active (Standard) PoE and Passive PoE.

 

Tapo wired cameras do not support standard PoE, so this guide focuses on Passive PoE, which can power non-PoE devices.

 

Passive PoE

Passive PoE is a non-standard version of PoE that also supplies power over an Ethernet cable. However, it does not require any negotiation or communication process with the device. Unlike Active PoE, Passive PoE does not comply with IEEE standards. When using a passive PoE switch or adapter, the power is always "on," meaning it continuously sends current through the Ethernet cable at a fixed voltage, regardless of whether the connected device supports PoE. 

This means that using a passive PoE switch or adapter with a voltage higher than what the device can handle may damage the device. Conversely, using insufficient voltage may prevent the device from powering on or cause performance instability.
 

 

Required Equipment

 

• Option One (Recommended)

- PoE/PoE+ switch  
- An Active PoE Splitter  --- Recommend: TP-Link POE10R

- A Tapo wired camera

 

A PoE splitter is used with a PoE/PoE+ switch to deliver both power (DC) and data to a non-PoE device.  

*This image uses the POE150S and POE10R as examples.

 

• Option Two

- Power adapter  
- Ethernet device (switch, router, etc.)  
- PoE Injector  
- An Active PoE Splitter  --- Recommend: TP-Link POE10R

- A Tapo wired camera

 

In this setup, a PoE injector and PoE splitter are paired to deliver power and data to a non-PoE device.  

*This image uses the POE150S and POE10R as examples.

 

 

 

Important Note

1. Ensure that the PoE splitter’s output matches the rated power of your camera's power adapter. Excessive power output may damage your device, while insufficient power could result in failure to turn on or cause instability. For example, the Tapo C320WS (EU) V2.2 uses a 9V DC power adapter with an output of 9V and 0.6A. In this case, the PoE splitter should be set to 9V.

2. If the camera needs to be installed outdoors, please ensure proper waterproofing measures, especially at the connections between power cables and network cables. The Tapo camera does not support PoE and does not have any waterproof designs or accessories for this type of connection.