Need to connect network devices beyond the standard 100 m Ethernet limit? Selected Intellinet switches offer an integrated Extend mode for longer copper runs, providing a practical way to reach remote IP cameras and other network endpoints without adding an extra switch along the route.
Long-distance Ethernet and PoE
Selected Intellinet network switches feature a manual Extend mode for Ethernet connections beyond the standard 100 m copper limit. When activated, Extend mode lowers the data rate on supported ports so the connection can reach up to 250 m / 820 ft. On PoE models, power is carried over the same cable. Where specified for a particular model, the extended ports operate at 10 Mbps.
One cable, longer reach
Standard copper Ethernet links are normally designed around a 100 m maximum channel length. Extend mode gives selected Intellinet switches a long-distance option for installations where the remote endpoint is farther away and longer reach is more important than full network speed.
How Extend mode works
On the models shown below, Extend mode is selected with a physical DIP or slide switch on the front panel. There is no software setup required for the long-distance function itself.
Use the physical selector to change from Default to Extend mode.
Two long-distance options
The key difference is what the cable must carry. PoE models extend both network data and electrical power to a compatible powered device. Non-PoE models extend the data connection only, so the remote device needs its own power source.
| Feature | PoE Extend mode | Ethernet Extend mode |
|---|---|---|
| What is extended? | Data + PoE power | Data only |
| Maximum distance | Up to 250 m / 820 ft. | Up to 250 m / 820 ft. |
| Speed in Extend mode | Reduced network speed; 10 Mbps where specified by model | Reduced network speed; 10 Mbps where specified by model |
| Remote power | Delivered by the switch to compatible PoE devices | Separate power supply required |
| Typical use | IP cameras, selected APs, PoE endpoints | Network devices with their own power supply |
| Port isolation / VLAN | Model dependent - see the individual switch manual. | |
Long-distance switch range
Choose between PoE switches for data-and-power delivery and non-PoE switches when the remote device is powered separately. The models below are ordered by port count, from a compact 5-port PoE+ switch to a 24-port Gigabit Ethernet switch.
PoE+ · Gigabit Ethernet
5 Gigabit ports
SKU 561792
PoE · Fast Ethernet
6 ports: 4 PoE + 2 uplinks
SKU 561686
PoE+ · Gigabit Ethernet
8 PoE+ ports + 2 uplinks
SKU 561402
Non-PoE · Gigabit Ethernet
16 Gigabit ports
SKU 561815
Non-PoE · Gigabit Ethernet
24 Gigabit ports
SKU 561273
| SKU | Type | Ports / normal speed | Extend-mode ports | Long-distance mode | PoE budget |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 561792 | PoE+ | 4 x GbE PoE+ + 1 x GbE | 4 PoE+ ports | Up to 250 m at 10 Mbps, data + PoE | 40 W |
| 561686 | PoE / PoE+ | 4 x FE PoE + 2 x FE uplink | PoE ports | Up to 250 m at reduced speed, data + PoE | 65 W |
| 561402 | PoE+ | 8 x GbE PoE+ + 2 x GbE uplink | PoE ports 1-8 | Up to 250 m at reduced speed, data + PoE | 120 W |
| 561815 | Non-PoE | 16 x GbE | Supported ports | Up to 250 m at 10 Mbps, data only | - |
| 561273 | Non-PoE | 24 x GbE | Supported ports; see current product documentation | Up to 250 m at 10 Mbps, data only | - |
Exact Extend-mode ports, distance and operating behavior are model-specific. Use the individual product information and current manual when planning an installation.
Typical applications
Use PoE switches to reach cameras at entrances, parking areas, perimeter points and remote sections of a building without placing another switch at the 100 m mark.
Bridge longer copper runs across logistics spaces, production areas and large floor plans using suitable network cabling where endpoint bandwidth requirements are modest.
Use a PoE model when a compatible endpoint needs both network connectivity and power but no convenient local power outlet is available. See our PoE technology guide for additional setup options.
Use a non-PoE network switch when the remote device already has its own power supply and only the Ethernet link needs extra reach.
Plan the cable run
Extend mode is designed for distance, not maximum throughput. If the remote link needs Fast Ethernet, Gigabit or higher performance beyond 100 m, use a different network architecture such as fiber, media converters or an Ethernet / PoE extender.
Frequently asked questions
Extend mode is a selectable long-distance operating mode for Ethernet connections beyond the standard 100 m copper limit. It lowers the data rate on supported ports so the connection can reach up to 250 m / 820 ft. On PoE models, power is carried over the same cable. Where specified for a particular model, the extended ports operate at 10 Mbps.
The models on this page support cable runs up to 250 m / 820 ft. in Extend mode on the specified ports. The normal Ethernet design distance remains 100 m when Extend mode is not used.
Extend mode uses a reduced network speed. Some models on this page explicitly specify 10 Mbps on the extended ports; for others, the product content states reduced speed without giving a fixed rate. If your application needs higher throughput beyond 100 m, consider fiber, media converters or a suitable Ethernet / PoE extender instead.
Yes, on the PoE Extend models shown here, compatible supported ports can carry both Ethernet data and PoE power up to 250 m. Always confirm the endpoint's power requirement, the switch's PoE budget and the cabling quality for the planned installation.
No. The supported ports depend on the model. The comparison table above lists the Extend-mode ports for the models on this page.
Use the physical DIP or slide switch on the front panel and select the Extend position. Some models require a restart or re-link for a mode change to take effect, so follow the instructions in the manual for the exact model.
No. Extend mode is built into the switch and changes how selected switch ports operate. A separate PoE extender or repeater is an additional device placed in the network path to extend or regenerate the connection. Which approach is better depends on the required speed, distance, power and installation layout.
Use the cable category specified in the switch manual; Cat5e or better is the baseline for the models referenced here. For PoE, choose quality 100% copper cable rather than CCA because copper provides lower resistance and better power delivery over long runs.
Extend-mode switches are ideal when a reduced-speed long-distance link fits the application. For other network designs, explore Intellinet PoE switches, PoE extenders and media converters to match the required distance, data rate and power level.
