Reolink RLA-PS1E 5-Port PoE+ Switch: features, specs and who it suits

The Reolink RLA-PS1E is a small network switch that sends both data and power down a single Ethernet cable to up to four devices. It is aimed at setups with PoE security cameras, wireless access points and similar gear, where running a separate power cable to every device would be awkward. Here is what its specs mean in practice.

How the five ports are laid out

There are four downlink ports and one uplink port, and all five run at 10/100/1000Mbps. The four downlink ports supply power over Ethernet; the uplink port connects the switch to the rest of your network, typically a router or another switch. Each port has its own status lights, and a power light sits on the front.

Gigabit ports matter when several high-resolution cameras stream at once. A single camera rarely needs a full gigabit, but the uplink carries the combined traffic of everything plugged in, so a gigabit uplink leaves comfortable headroom for a small system.

PoE, PoE+ and the 65W total

The switch is compliant with IEEE 802.3af (PoE) and 802.3at (PoE+). In general terms, 802.3af supplies up to about 15W per port and 802.3at up to about 30W, which covers most fixed security cameras, doorbells and access points. Reolink lists a maximum of 30W per port and 65W across the whole switch.

That 65W total is the figure to plan around. The switch detects whether each connected device needs power and how much it draws, and devices without PoE receive data only. If the combined draw goes over 65W, it powers down ports in reverse order, starting with port 4, so the devices on the lower-numbered ports stay online. In practice, it makes sense to connect the devices you care about most to ports 1 and 2.

Extend Mode and Recovery Mode

Standard Ethernet is typically specified for runs of up to 100 metres (328 ft). Extend Mode, set with a switch on the back, drops ports 1 and 2 to 10Mbps and extends the PoE transmission distance to up to 820 ft (250 metres). Reolink notes that this requires Cat5e cable or better. The slower speed is the trade-off: 10Mbps is typically enough for one camera stream at modest settings, but not much more, so it is best kept for the one or two devices that really are far away.

Recovery Mode, set with a second switch, watches for PoE devices that stop responding and reboots them automatically. For cameras mounted high up or far from the house, that can save a trip with a ladder to unplug and reconnect a frozen device.

Build, protection and installation

The housing is metal and the design is fanless, so the switch runs silently, which suits a home office or a cupboard near living space. The ports and the power input have 4kV surge protection with a dual-layer design, and each port runs on its own independent circuit, so a fault on one port is meant to leave the others working. Surge protection reduces risk but doesn't replace proper grounding and outdoor cable protection where your installation needs them.

From the brand's diagram, the switch measures about 125.5 x 76.8 x 25.5 mm (roughly 4.9 x 3 x 1 inches). It can sit on a desk or shelf or be mounted on a wall; the box includes the switch, a power adapter, screws, a mounting template and a quick start guide. It is plug and play, with no configuration needed.

Who it suits

It suits homes and small premises with up to four PoE cameras or access points, especially where one or two devices sit at the far end of a long cable. With no configuration to do, it also suits anyone who would rather not manage network settings: it simply powers and connects what you plug in.

What to check before you buy

• Power draw: add up the PoE wattage of your devices and compare it with 65W in total and 30W per port.
• Device standard: confirm your cameras or access points use 802.3af or 802.3at PoE, not a proprietary or higher-power standard.
• Cable runs: measure your longest run; beyond about 100 m you'll need Extend Mode and its 10Mbps limit.
• Port count: four powered ports may fill up quickly if you plan to add more devices later.
• Mounting spot: check there is a power outlet nearby for the adapter.

The short version

• A 5-port gigabit switch: four PoE+ downlink ports and one uplink port.
• Up to 30W per port and 65W in total, with ports powered down in reverse order if the total is exceeded.
• Extend Mode reaches up to 820 ft (250 m) on ports 1 and 2 at 10Mbps; Recovery Mode reboots unresponsive devices.
• 4kV surge protection, a fanless metal housing, and desk or wall mounting with no setup needed.

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