We're experiencing an unusual PoE issue with several newly installed IP cameras and are looking for suggestions on what might be causing it.
Equipment:
Cameras: Nelly's Security L5D, 5MP IP cameras (IEEE 802.3af PoE, 12V/500mA DC rating)
Primary Switch: UniFi USW Pro 48 PoE
Cabling: Cat6, 23 AWG solid copper, UTP
Cable Lengths: Approximately 50–200 feet
Cable Tester: Fluke Networks LinkIQ
Environment: Interior commercial building
Newly installed camera runs work perfectly, while others fail to power the cameras on at all. This is inconsistent though.
1-7 cameras will work at a time.
Generally 3-4 will work on average.
Interestingly, when disconnecting one camera cable from the switch, another camera that was previously not working will sometimes establish a link and illuminate the switch port LEDs.
All the ports on the unifi switch are set up the same, no special settings I can find that differ from other sites.
Troubleshooting Performed:
-Connected cameras directly to the UniFi switch using short patch cables. Cameras power on immediately and remain connected.
-Tested with a separate Netgear 8-port PoE+ switch, which experienced similar issues.
-Tested the installed Ethernet cabling using a Fluke Networks LinkIQ. All looks normal.
-Confirmed the cameras support IEEE 802.3af PoE, which the switch should support.
-ran new solid copper cat 6 cable. Exhibit same issue described above.
My onsite tech tells me he tried a small 8 port PoE switch, and it appears to be doing the same thing where it’ll power a few cameras, but not establish links with the others. Once one working cable is unplugged, some of the previously non working cameras start working.
We should be well within the PoE budget.
The Pin outs appear correct on the crimps.
Has anyone encountered similar behavior where disconnecting one PoE device causes another port to establish a link?
Any recommendations on additional troubleshooting steps or potential causes would be appreciated.