The Power over Ethernet Cameras: Simplifying Smart Vision System Deployment
- Vadzo Imaging
- 2 days ago
- 7 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Intelligent vision systems are rapidly transforming industries such as retail, healthcare, smart cities, and automation. In these applications, the system architect or engineers prioritize superior performance, higher data bandwidth, simplified cabling, and scalable architecture. Power over Ethernet (PoE) cameras address all the above needs, offering an efficient and flexible solution for deploying intelligent vision at scale.
Vadzo offers a range of PoE-compliant GigE cameras designed for demanding embedded and industrial applications, featuring high-performance CMOS sensors integrated with advanced SOCs and well-calibrated optics. This blog explores the ease of deploying PoE camera systems and highlights key PoE camera solutions for a variety of vision system applications.
What is a Power over Ethernet camera?
A Power over Ethernet (PoE) camera uses a single Ethernet cable to transmit both data and power, following standardized PoE protocols such as IEEE 802.3af, 802.3at, and 802.3bt. By eliminating the need for separate power wires, PoE cameras simplify installation, particularly in embedded systems or challenging environments.
Leveraging its deep expertise in developing cameras with advanced capabilities such as Clear HDR, Fusion HDR, on-board dewarping, and Edge AI, Vadzo has brought PoE capability to its product line. This enables not only feature-rich solutions but also scalable, easy-to-use deployments for diverse vision system applications.
Power over Ethernet Standards and Use Cases
Power over Ethernet follows industry standards that define how much power can be delivered over a single Ethernet cable. The most common standards are:
IEEE 802.3af (PoE): Provides up to 15.4 W per port and is suitable for basic cameras and low-power devices.
IEEE 802.3at (PoE+): Provides up to 30 W per port and is used for cameras with higher performance requirements, such as motorized zoom or additional sensors.
IEEE 802.3bt (PoE++ or 4PPoE): Provides up to 60–100 W per port, enabling feature-rich cameras with advanced processing, Edge AI capabilities, and integrated illumination.
Choosing the right PoE standard depends on the camera’s power requirements and the complexity of the deployment. For example, a standard GigE cameras may work perfectly with 802.3af such as Vadzo's Innova Series, while a multi-sensor AI-enabled camera may require 802.3bt to ensure reliable performance without separate power wiring.
Vadzo's Power over Ethernet Camera Portfolio
Vadzo provides a series of GigE-based PoE cameras comprising for HDR camera, Global Shutter camera, and High-Res camera.
Innova-662CRS: 2MP Ultra-Low Light GigE Camera using Sony STARVIS IMX662 Camera Sensor
The Vadzo Innova-662CRS is a high-performance GigE PoE camera that works in ultra low-light conditions as well as wide dynamic range outdoor conditions. With a Sony STARVIS IMX662 CMOS sensor and an excellent image signal processor (ISP), it gives outstanding clarity, defying tough lighting conditions.
The camera realizes full HD streaming up to 1080p and 720p with a maximum resolution of 2MP, allowing the use of the camera in real-time vision systems in different sectors.
The camera comes with add-ons such as IR LED Array, White LED Array, IP rated enclosures, Marine Enclosure, ATEX Enclosures, and SD Card options.
Vadzo Innova-234CGS: 2MP GigE camera with a global shutter Onsemi AR0234 sensor
The Vadzo Innova-234CGS is a global shutter color GigE POE Camera. It is niche camera product that combines global shutter, PoE and GigE. The global shutter is apparently made to work with fast-moving scenes and removes motion blur. The shutter works best in robotics and in high-speed imaging.
It streams video in real-time at 1080p, 720p, and VGA, which provides sharp, low-latency performance on Ethernet.
Innova-521CRS by Vadzo is a 5MP Power over Ethernet (PoE) GigE camera designed using an ON Semiconductor AR0521 CMOS sensor together with a high-performing image signal processor (ISP)
The Innova-521CRS provides crisp images of up to 5MP resolution and realistic video streaming at VGA/720p and 1080p.
The camera is designed to be used in harsh lighting environments, hence providing a high low-light performance, and can also record videos in a very strong manner, which makes it suitable for vision-critical applications.
They are all offered in fixed-focus GigE form factor, and all models are optimized to be readily embedded in PoE infrastructure.
Power over Ethernet Cameras Across Industries
Power over Ethernet cameras are transforming a wide range of industries by combining high-speed data transfer and power delivery over a single Ethernet cable. This simplifies installation, reduces cabling complexity, and enables scalable deployments across space-constrained or dynamic environments.
Industrial Automation and Inspection
PoE cameras play a crucial role in smart manufacturing and automated inspection systems:
High Resolution: More details on the surface flaws can be captured that would not be seen on low-end cameras.
High Speed: Runs in thousands of items per minute- save downtime.
Industrial Reliability: Designed to work in adversity-prone factory conditions.
Are you seeking the most appropriate Power over Ethernet camera to inspect? Global shutter sensor models and HDR are the most accurate models.
Medical and Surgical Robotics
PoE cameras exhibit ultra-reliable image quality, which is very important in precision tasks such as robotic-assisted surgical and diagnostic tasks.
Image: 4K / Ultra-HD: To have clear, real-time imaging.
Low Latency: A prerequisite for reacting to procedures.
Sterile-Compatible Designs: Easy integration into medical-grade systems.
The most suited Power over Ethernet camera in medical robotics is one that has a low sensitivity in low-light conditions and ultimate clarity.
Retail and Surgical Robotics
PoE cameras support intelligent surveillance, customer analytics, and loss prevention in retail and smart spaces.
Flexible Placement: Single-cable deployment allows easy integration into existing infrastructure.
Edge Analytics: Onboard processing enables real-time insights without heavy backend systems.
Scalable Architecture: Add or move cameras easily as space or requirements change.
The most suited Power over Ethernet camera in medical robotics is one that has a low sensitivity in low-light conditions and ultimate clarity.
Telematics and Smart Cities
For traffic monitoring, public safety, and city infrastructure management, PoE cameras provide reliable, connected imaging solutions:
Robust Connectivity: Ethernet-based power and data support long-distance installations.
High Performance: Cameras can handle HDR, wide dynamic range, and varying lighting conditions.
Centralized Management: Networked cameras simplify monitoring and maintenance.
Recommended models: Ruggedized PoE cameras suitable for outdoor and harsh environments.
Conclusion
Power over Ethernet cameras are a versatile solution for a wide range of applications, from industrial automation and medical robotics to retail analytics and smart city infrastructure. By combining data and power in a single cable, they simplify deployment while supporting advanced imaging features and scalable architectures. With Vadzo’s expertise in PoE-enabled cameras, businesses can access reliable, feature-rich solutions tailored to their vision system needs. Explore our PoE camera lineup to find the ideal solution for your application.
Frequently Asked Questions: (FAQs)
1. What makes an embedded PoE camera different from a traditional IP security camera?
Embedded PoE cameras are designed for integration into intelligent vision systems, such as factory automation, robotics, and smart retail, rather than for surveillance. They feature industrial-grade reliability, SDK and driver support, trigger interfaces, and synchronization capabilities that allow engineers to embed them into custom systems or devices.
2. What are the advantages of using Vadzo's PoE cameras in embedded vision systems?
PoE cameras simplify design and deployment by using a single Ethernet cable for both power and data, reducing cabling complexity. They offer:
Stable high-bandwidth transmission via Gigabit Ethernet (GigE).
Low-latency streaming for real-time imaging and control.
Centralized power management via a single switch or PoE injector.
Scalable network architecture for multi-camera setups.
3. Which PoE standards are supported by Vadzo’s GigE camera series?
Vadzo’s GigE camera lineup complies with IEEE 802.3af (PoE) and IEEE 802.3at (PoE+) standards. These standards provide sufficient power for HDR, global shutter, and ISP-enabled camera modules like the Innova-662CRS, Innova-234CGS, and Innova-521CRS. For more advanced AI-enabled or multi-sensor cameras, IEEE 802.3bt support can be considered.
4. What are the ONVIF Profiles supported by the PoE camera?
The camera supports ONVIF Profile S (for basic streaming and control), Profile T (for advanced video streaming with H.264/H.265 encoding and analytics metadata), and Profile G (for recording and playback of video data on the edge device). It is also designed to support ONVIF Profile M, enabling integration with applications requiring metadata and event handling for intelligent vision systems.
5. Can PoE cameras be synchronized for multi-camera or stereo vision applications?
Yes. Vadzo’s GigE PoE cameras support hardware and software trigger modes that enable precise synchronization across multiple cameras. This is essential for 3D vision, stereo imaging, and high-speed inspection systems where timing accuracy is critical. We can also support with PTP and NTP synchronization as well.
6. Do I have to provide external power or does the camera support PoE?
The camera supports both power options. It can be powered either through a 5V DC input or via Power over Ethernet (PoE) using a single Ethernet cable for both power and data. For evaluation and testing purposes, the camera sample can be supplied with a PoE Injector Adapter Power Supply, enabling easy setup in standard development environments.
7. Do Vadzo PoE cameras require external power if PoE is available?
No. When connected to a PoE switch or PoE injector, both data and power are supplied through the same cable. External DC power is optional and typically used only for testing or in non-PoE network setups.
8. How does PoE simplify large-scale embedded camera deployments?
PoE cameras eliminate the need for multiple power adapters and simplify cabling, which is especially beneficial in factory lines, robotic systems, and smart city nodes. The ability to remotely power-cycle and monitor cameras through the network further enhances system maintainability and uptime.
9. Are Vadzo PoE cameras suitable for outdoor or rugged environments?
Yes. Vadzo offers solutions for enclosures as well, including IP-rated, marine, and ATEX housings for integrating PoE cameras in harsh or outdoor environments. The cameras maintain stable performance across wide temperature ranges and variable lighting conditions.
10. What image sensors are used in Vadzo’s PoE cameras?
Vadzo integrates Sony STARVIS and Onsemi CMOS sensors, known for their low-light sensitivity, high dynamic range (HDR), and global shutter performance. These sensors enable reliable imaging in both high-speed and challenging illumination conditions.
11. Can PoE cameras handle AI or edge processing tasks?
Yes. Vadzo’s PoE cameras can be paired with edge computing platforms to execute real-time analytics such as object detection, defect analysis, or motion tracking. The combination of PoE + GigE bandwidth allows high-speed image transfer for immediate AI inference at the edge.
12. Which software application can I use to test the camera?
The PoE camera can operate as a standard RTSP GigE camera or as an ONVIF-compliant GigE camera. To explore the full set of features such as exposure control, HDR, and ISP tuning, Vadzo recommends using the Vadzo GigE Application, available for both Windows and Linux platforms. This application provides an intuitive interface for testing, configuration, and evaluation of camera capabilities.
13. Can Vadzo PoE cameras be customized for specific OEM requirements?
Absolutely. Vadzo Imaging specializes in OEM customization, offering flexibility in sensor selection, lens options, enclosures, thermal design, and firmware tuning to meet unique project or application requirements.
14. What cable length and data performance can I expect with PoE GigE cameras?
Standard Gigabit Ethernet cables (Cat5e or Cat6) support reliable data and power transmission up to 100 meters. For extended distances or EMI-sensitive environments, fiber uplinks or PoE extenders can be used without compromising performance.
15. What is the difference between PoE, PoE+, and PoE++ cameras?
PoE (802.3af / Type 1): Up to 15.4 W at the switch (≈12.95 W available at the device).
PoE+ (802.3at / Type 2): Up to 30 W at the switch (≈25.5 W at the device).
PoE++ (802.3bt / Type 3 & 4, “4-pair PoE”): Up to 60 W (Type 3) or 90 W (Type 4) at the switch, for high-draw devices like PTZs or multi-sensor cameras.