AXIS T8120 15W Midspan 1P Power Over Ethernet

Model: AXIS T8120

Who This Is For

For installers and IT managers who need to add PoE power to a single network device without replacing or reconfiguring an existing Ethernet switch, the AXIS T8120 Midspan 1-Port solves the problem cleanly. It sits inline between a standard non-PoE switch and the end device - an IP camera, access controller, or network device - injecting up to 15.4 W of IEEE 802.3af-compliant power over the same Cat5 or higher cable already carrying data. There is no need to run a separate power outlet to the device location, which is particularly useful when adding a single camera to an existing installation, powering a device in a ceiling space or external cabinet, or extending a system where a PoE switch port is not available. A compact form factor means it fits neatly in a server room, comms cabinet, or behind a panel without consuming significant space.

What This Actually Does

Who Buys This Model

• Security installers adding a single camera to an existing site: When a client's current switch has no PoE ports available, the T8120 powers one additional IEEE 802.3af camera without touching the rest of the network.
• IT managers running non-PoE infrastructure: Sites with unmanaged or legacy gigabit switches can use the T8120 to power an access point, IP intercom, or camera at a specific location without procuring an entirely new switch.
• Small business owners doing a staged camera rollout: Adding one camera at a time means one midspan per camera can be a lower upfront cost than replacing a functional switch with a PoE model for a single device.
• Axis system integrators specifying clean single-device installations: Where an Axis network camera with built-in PoE support needs power in a location without a mains outlet nearby, a single midspan resolves the cabling constraint efficiently.

Honest Assessment

The AXIS T8120 does one thing well: it adds IEEE 802.3af PoE to a single Ethernet run without disrupting existing infrastructure. The gigabit passthrough, wide AC input range, and compact housing make it a practical single-port solution for adding a camera or network device where no PoE switch port exists. Power consumption at idle is just 2 W, making it efficient to leave permanently installed. Where it is not the right tool is when you need to power multiple devices - buying several single-port injectors at that point is less cost-effective and harder to manage than a multi-port PoE switch or a dedicated PoE injector rack unit. It is also not suitable for devices requiring PoE+ (802.3at, up to 30 W) or PoE++ (802.3bt, up to 60-90 W), as the 15.4 W ceiling is a hard limit. The T8120 is supplied by Security Australia and is best treated as a targeted single-device solution rather than a primary infrastructure component for larger deployments.

Before You Buy

Quick Fit Check

• Good match if: You have an existing non-PoE gigabit switch and need to power a single IEEE 802.3af-compliant IP camera or network device at one location without replacing the switch.
• Good match if: The end device draws 15.4 W or less and you need clean gigabit data passthrough - the T8120 supports 10/100/1000 Mbps without throttling.
• You may need a different model if: You are powering 4 or more devices - a multi-port PoE switch or managed PoE injector panel will be significantly easier to deploy and manage than multiple individual single-port midspans.

Key Features & Technical Specifications

Real-World Scenarios

How It Compares

• Choose this if: You need to power a single IEEE 802.3af device from a non-PoE switch and do not want to replace working infrastructure - the T8120 adds power to exactly 1 port at minimal cost and disruption.
• You may need a different model if: You are powering 4 or more devices, or your devices require PoE+ (802.3at, 30 W) - a multi-port PoE switch is a more scalable and manageable solution for either scenario.
• Pairs well with: IEEE 802.3af-compliant IP cameras, single-port IP intercoms, or access control readers that draw 15.4 W or less and connect via shielded Cat5 or higher cabling.

Common Questions

1. Will the T8120 work with my existing non-PoE gigabit switch?

   Yes. The T8120 connects between your existing switch and the end device - it does not replace the switch. Your switch handles data as normal, and the T8120 adds 48 V DC power over the spare cable pairs before the signal reaches the camera or network device. No configuration is required on the switch side.

2. Does the T8120 support PoE+ (802.3at) for higher-powered cameras?

   No. The T8120 is IEEE 802.3af only, with a hard maximum of 15.4 W per port. Devices that require PoE+ (802.3at, up to 30 W) - such as many PTZ cameras, cameras with built-in heaters, or multi-sensor cameras - will not receive sufficient power from this injector and require a PoE+ capable switch or injector instead.

3. Does the T8120 slow down my network connection?

   No. The T8120 passes data at up to 1000 Mbps (gigabit) without throttling. It operates transparently at the physical layer, so your camera or network device sees the same gigabit connection it would through a direct switch connection. There is no added latency or bandwidth restriction from the midspan.

4. What cable do I need for the T8120 to deliver power correctly?

   You need shielded Cat5 or higher with all 8 conductors terminated at both ends. The T8120 uses Wiring Mode B, injecting power over pairs 4/5 and 7/8. If your existing cable run uses only 4 conductors (common in older patch installations), the power pairs are absent and the end device will receive data but not power.

5. Can I use the T8120 with a PoE splitter to power a device that does not have built-in PoE support?

   Yes. Axis confirms the T8120 can be used together with a PoE splitter on the device end, which separates the power and data signals and provides a standard DC power output to devices without built-in PoE. The splitter must match the voltage requirement of the end device and be compatible with IEEE 802.3af input.

6. How much power does the T8120 consume when no device is connected?

   Just 2 W at idle. When a device drawing the full 15.4 W is connected, total unit consumption rises to 18.9 W. This makes the T8120 efficient to leave permanently installed at a patch panel or cabinet without contributing significantly to ongoing power costs.

7. Is the T8120 compatible with all Axis IP cameras?

   Compatible with Axis cameras that have built-in IEEE 802.3af PoE support and draw 15.4 W or less. Axis cameras requiring PoE+ fall outside this unit's power range. The product is available through Security Australia - if you are unsure whether your specific Axis camera model is within the 802.3af power budget, check the camera's datasheet for its PoE class rating before purchasing.

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