For those who need to extend their LANs beyond the walls of their office or home, an outdoor network switch is a must. Outdoor network switches are weather-resistant Ethernet switches that are designed for use in outdoor environments.
These switches are typically used in applications such as Wi-Fi hot spots, security cameras, and point-of-sale systems. Outdoor network switches are available in a variety of port sizes, ranging from 8 ports to 48 ports. So we will cover what the best outdoor network switches are, but what other features do these switches offer?
However, with so many different outdoor network switches on the market, it can be tough to choose the right one for your needs. To help you out, we’ve put the list of the best outdoor network switches available today.
Plug and Play Easy setup with no software installation
Technology Support
Configurable 24V Passive PoE
Advanced technology
All ports support auto MDI/MDI X cable detection
Standard
Full duplex IEEE 802.3x flow control
Price
Pros & Cons
Pros
Cons
This was a good value for the money
Perfectly good switch, but comes with an American power supply
Speed test shows it lives up to its promise
What to look Buying Before Outdoor Network Switches?
Here are some of the key features to look for when choosing an outdoor network switch:
Port Count
One of the most important things to consider when choosing an outdoor network switch is the number of ports that it has. You will want to make sure that the switch has enough ports to accommodate all of the devices that will be connected to it. Additionally, you will want to make sure that the switch has enough spare ports for future expansion.
Weather Resistant
As the name implies, outdoor network switches are designed for use in outdoor environments. This means that they need to be able to withstand exposure to the elements, including rain, snow, and dust. Outdoor network switches typically have an IP rating of at least IP54, which means that they are protected against water and dust.
Ethernet Speed
Another important thing to consider when choosing an outdoor network switch is the speed of the Ethernet ports. The majority of outdoor switches have 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet ports, which is more than sufficient for most applications. However, if you have particularly demanding applications, you may want to consider a switch with 10 Gigabit Ethernet ports.
Power over Ethernet
If your devices will be powered by Power over Ethernet (PoE), then you will want to make sure that the switch supports PoE. PoE is a technology that allows devices to be powered through their Ethernet cables, which can simplify installation and reduce cable clutter.
Management Features
If you need to manage your network remotely, then you will want to make sure that the switch has management features such as a web interface or command-line interface. Additionally, you will want to make sure that the switch supports SNMP so that it can be monitored by third-party network management software.
Environmental Ratings
Since outdoor network switches are designed for use in harsh environments, they must meet certain environmental ratings. The most important rating to look for is the IP rating, which indicates how well the switch is protected against dust and water ingress. Additionally, you should look for a switch with a wide operating temperature range so that it can be used in extreme temperatures.
Warranty
Finally, you should always check the warranty before purchasing an outdoor network switch. Most manufacturers offer a limited warranty of 1-2 years, but some offer extended warranties of up to 5 years.
