Reolink PoE Cameras: maximum reliability in 2026
PoE (Power over Ethernet) allows a camera to be powered and connected with a single RJ45 network cable. It is the most reliable solution for a permanent installation: no unstable WiFi, no battery to recharge, continuous 24/7 recording possible.
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REOLINK CAMERAS ARGUS
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The best Reolink PoE models
Reolink PoE range 2026 — power and data over a single RJ45 cable, maximum 24/7 reliability without batteries or WiFi.
Reolink RLC-810A PoE — 4K Standard (best value)
The RLC-810A is Reolink’s best-selling PoE camera. It offers 4K resolution, human/vehicle AI detection and a 30-metre infrared range at a very competitive price.
Specifications:
- Resolution: 4K (8 MP)
- Connection: PoE (RJ45)
- Night vision: infrared 30 m
- AI detection: human, vehicle
- Certifications: IP66
- Storage: NVR or microSD
- Approximate price: £40–55
- Resolution: 4K (8 MP)
- Night vision: colour (spotlight)
- Built-in siren: 80 dB
- AI detection: human, vehicle
- Approximate price: £50–65
- Resolution: 4K (8 MP)
- Viewing angle: 87°
- Night vision: infrared 30 m
- Approximate price: £40–50
- Dual lens: wide angle + 8 MP zoom
- Motorised pan: 355°
- Automatic tracking: human, vehicle
- Approximate price: £80–95
The dual 4K wide-angle + 8 MP telephoto lens covers the full scene and auto-zooms on every detected person. One PoE installation effectively replacing two standard cameras.
Reolink RLC-823A PoE — 4K Spotlight
PoE version of the RLC-823A, with LED spotlight for colour night vision. Ideal for monitoring a building entrance or car park.
Specifications:
Its integrated LED floodlight illuminates up to 15 m for full-colour night footage — no infrared, no black-and-white. The 80 dB siren and AI human/vehicle detection make it the number one choice for securing entrances and car parks.
Reolink RLC-820A PoE — 4K Ultra HD
The RLC-820A offers 4K resolution with an 87° wide angle, ideal for covering large spaces such as a car park or courtyard.
Specifications:
Its 87° field of view covers an entire car park with a single camera. 4K resolution allows licence plates to be read at over 10 metres.
Reolink TrackMix PoE — Dual Lens
The TrackMix PoE offers two simultaneous lenses (wide angle + zoom) with automatic tracking. The only Reolink PoE camera with motorised pan/tilt.
Specifications:
PoE installation: what you need to know
PoE switch or PoE NVR: To power multiple cameras, you need a PoE switch (not included) or a Reolink PoE NVR which integrates the PoE ports directly.
Network cable: Use Cat5e cable minimum, Cat6 recommended. Maximum distance is 100 metres per cable.
Third-party NVR compatible: All Reolink PoE cameras support the ONVIF protocol for integration with third-party NVRs (Hikvision, Dahua, Synology, Blue Iris).
Frequently asked questions
Can I mix Reolink PoE cameras with a third-party NVR?
Yes, via the ONVIF protocol. However, advanced features (AI detection, push alerts) require a Reolink NVR.
What is the power consumption of a Reolink PoE camera?
Between 8 and 13 watts per camera depending on the model. A 150W 8-port PoE switch can comfortably power 8 cameras.
Do Reolink PoE cameras support RTSP?
Yes, all Reolink PoE cameras expose an RTSP stream compatible with Home Assistant, Synology Surveillance Station, Blue Iris and other NVR software.
See also
See Also
The Technical Advantages of PoE for Security Cameras
Power over Ethernet (PoE) allows Reolink cameras to be powered via a single Ethernet RJ45 cable, which simultaneously carries both video data and electrical power. This eliminates the need for power outlets near each camera, significantly simplifies cabling and reduces installation costs. Reolink PoE cameras comply with IEEE 802.3af (15.4 W) and 802.3at PoE+ (30 W) standards, ensuring broad compatibility with any PoE switch or NVR on the market.
Wired connections deliver a stability that WiFi simply cannot match: no radio interference, no bandwidth saturation and no risk of disconnection caused by wireless signal fluctuations. A Cat5e or Cat6 cable comfortably handles multiple simultaneous 4K streams on the same network infrastructure. This makes PoE the reference solution for demanding home installations, retail premises, warehouses and car parks requiring uninterrupted continuous surveillance.
Cabling and Configuration of a Reolink PoE System
Each Reolink PoE camera connects directly to a Reolink NVR (or a compatible third-party PoE switch) via a standard Ethernet cable. The maximum distance per segment is 100 metres — PoE extenders allow you to go further if your layout requires it. Reolink NVRs (available in 8 and 16-port versions) work plug-and-play with cameras in the range: automatic detection, time synchronisation, centralised recording management and alerts — all accessible from the web interface or the mobile app.
For new builds, pre-cabling with Cat6 in conduit is strongly recommended. In existing buildings, cable trunking or false-ceiling routing enables a neat, unobtrusive installation. Reolink also offers complete kits (NVR + cameras + pre-terminated cables) for self-installation without an electrician, with setup achievable in under an hour.
Frequently Asked Questions — Reolink PoE Cameras
Which Ethernet cable should I use with Reolink PoE cameras?
Cat5e is suitable up to 100 m for 1080p. For 4K or distances close to the maximum, Cat6 is recommended to ensure a stable throughput without image degradation.
Can Reolink PoE cameras connect to a third-party switch?
Yes, with any 802.3af/at PoE switch. In this case, configuration is done manually via the Reolink app or web interface — automatic detection is reserved for official Reolink NVRs.
Do Reolink PoE cameras work without an NVR?
Yes. Connected to a PoE switch on the local network, they operate independently and record to a local microSD or NAS via the RTSP protocol, with no dedicated NVR required.
What is the maximum resolution on Reolink PoE cameras?
Top-of-range models such as the RLC-810A and RLC-823A reach 4K (8 MP) with AI detection of people and vehicles, delivering remarkably sharp images even on wide-angle shots.
Is IP67 certification standard on outdoor Reolink PoE models?
Yes. All outdoor Reolink PoE models carry IP67 certification (full dust and water ingress protection). Some models reach IP66 or IK10 for added resistance to physical impacts.