What PoE is and why cameras need it

PoE means power over the network cable. The camera gets both electricity and its connection through the same wire.

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In short

What to know about PoE

One cable instead of twoOnly a network cable runs to the camera: it carries both the picture and the power.
No socket next to the cameraA camera can be placed where there is no socket: on a facade, under a ceiling, on a pole.
What it takesA PoE switch or a recorder with built-in PoE ports, and a camera that supports PoE.
Cable lengthThe usual length of one run is up to 100 metres. Beyond that an intermediate switch is added.
Works well with a UPSIf the switch and the recorder are connected to an uninterruptible power supply, the cameras keep working during a power cut.

Questions

Do all cameras support PoE?

No. PoE is found on IP cameras; analogue cameras usually need a separate power wire.

What happens if a non-PoE camera is plugged into a PoE switch?

A PoE switch in good order checks the device first and supplies power only to one that supports it.

Is a special cable needed?

No, ordinary twisted pair. What matters is that the cable is good quality and laid without damage.