Networking: Ethernet, PoE, VPN and serial

A router connects a site to the network, but what happens behind it matters just as much. Most installations need more Ethernet ports, power for cameras and access points, a secure way in for engineers, and a link to equipment that predates Ethernet altogether.

Unmanaged switches add ports with no set-up; managed switches add VLANs, monitoring and remote management. PoE delivers power and data over one cable, so a camera or access point needs no separate supply. VPNs such as WireGuard, OpenVPN and IPsec give engineers secure access without opening ports to the internet. Serial ports and Modbus connect meters, PLCs and controllers.

Browse our network switches and PoE switches, read the Teltonika switches guide, or our explainer on VPNs on cellular routers.

Topics in this hub

• Power over Ethernet (PoE): Powering cameras, access points and other devices over the Ethernet cable, so one cable carries both power and data.
• VPN: WireGuard, OpenVPN and IPsec tunnels for secure access to remote equipment, without exposing it to the internet.
• Serial and Modbus: RS232, RS485 and Modbus connections for industrial equipment such as meters, PLCs and controllers.

Questions

In the glossary: VLANWAN