In outdoor networking environments, like WISP tower deployments, delivering a seamless combination of power and data distribution is crucial. This is even more critical where harsh conditions and high PoE device demands are common. Having separate power supplies to power each tower PoE equipment complicates deployments. None of your field technicians will willingly want to handle a ticket related to such a tower! 

The MikroTik netPower 16P is the powerhouse of outdoor PoE solutions. It’s a key part of MikroTik’s growing line of products targeting ISPs, large residential complexes, and industrial setups where power over Ethernet (PoE) is essential to activate a cluster of powered devices. 

To provide quality and seamless deployment, theMikroTik netPower 16P combines power, switching, Layer 3 capabilities in a sturdy and compact outdoor enclosure. This allows it to be mounted in all kinds of outdoor environments – from damp attics and shafts to towers, masts and poles with hose clamps.

Let’s explore the MikroTik netPower 16P’s key features, use cases, and why it is a compelling solution for outdoor networking.

MikroTik netPower 16P Key Features

1. 16 Gigabit Ethernet Ports with PoE-Out

The MikroTik netPower 16P is equipped with 16 Gigabit Ethernet ports that support passive PoE output. This makes it ideal for powering various devices like wireless access points (APs), IP cameras, or other PoE-capable devices. Each port can provide up to 30W, with a total power budget of 300W, enabling users to power multiple devices from a single switch.

2. Two SFP+ Ports for High-Speed Connectivity

In addition to the 16 Ethernet ports, the netPower 16P includes two SFP+ ports that allow for 10 Gbps uplink connections. These ports are ideal for linking the switch to core network components, delivering high-bandwidth connections that reduce bottlenecks and ensure smooth data transfer.

3. Switching and Routing Capabilities

The MikroTik netPower 16P offers powerful switching and routing capabilities, making it an ideal choice for advanced network management. As a Layer 2 switch, it supports key protocols such as VLANs, Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP), and Link Aggregation, allowing seamless traffic segmentation and redundancy across network segments. 

Additionally, the MikroTik netPower 16P runs MikroTik’s RouterOS v6.45.7, which enables advanced routing features like static and dynamic routing, traffic monitoring, and firewall management. 

This blend of robust switching functions with enterprise-level routing features ensures reliable, efficient data traffic management across various complex environments. It makes the MikroTik netPower 16Pit a versatile solution for both small-scale and large-scale networks.

4. Dual Power Input

The MikroTik netPower 16P supports dual power inputs with a voltage range of: 18-30V DC and 48- 57V DC, providing redundancy and flexibility in power source options. When using both high and low-voltage adapters, like the 24HPOW and  48POW,  the MikroTik netPower 16P will automatically choose the correct PoE standard and voltage based on the devices you connect to each port. You can also specify it manually.

5. Outdoor Ruggedness and Efficiency

Designed for harsh environments, the netPower 16P features a rugged outdoor enclosure with an IP55 rating, providing excellent resistance to dust and water. This makes it perfect for deployment in environments such as residential complexes, campuses, and even industrial parks where exposure to weather elements is a concern. To minimize noise and maximize reliability, the netPower 16P is also designed with passive cooling. The fanless design means fewer moving parts, which reduces maintenance and the risk of mechanical failure—ideal for silent outdoor operations.

MikroTik netPower 16 Use Cases

1. ISP Tower Installations

The netPower 16P stands out in ISP environments, particularly at the base of towers, where multiple devices, such as wireless backhaul radios and cameras, need to be powered via PoE. With its high PoE output and SFP+ uplink, this switch is an excellent choice for managing traffic efficiently while also powering various connected devices.

2. Large Residential or Commercial Buildings

In apartment complexes or business centers, the netPower 16P can be mounted outdoors to create a network backbone that provides high-speed connectivity and power to APs, IP cameras, and even intercom systems. The dual power input ensures a reliable network, while the fanless design guarantees low maintenance.

3. Campus and Industrial Park Networks

In large-scale setups like university campuses or industrial parks, where the network needs to span multiple buildings or large outdoor areas, the netPower 16P offers a robust solution. The outdoor enclosure and large power budget make it suitable for long-term installations that need minimal intervention once deployed.

4. Security Camera Networks

For environments requiring extensive IP camera coverage, such as parking lots, factories, or public spaces, the MikroTik netPower 16P is ideal. It can supply power to numerous high-resolution cameras while also handling the high data traffic that comes with surveillance systems, all within a rugged outdoor environment.

Why Choose the MikroTik netPower 16?

1. Cost-Efficient Outdoor Networking

One of the key selling points of the MikroTik netPower 16P is its cost-efficiency. It combines PoE switch functionality with outdoor durability in a single package, reducing the need for separate PoE injectors and weatherproof enclosures. This consolidation of features helps lower both initial setup costs and long-term maintenance expenses.

2. Simplified Deployment

With dual power inputs and PoE output, the netPower 16P simplifies deployment by reducing the number of cables and devices required at the site. The SFP+ ports ensure that high-speed uplinks can be maintained, which is crucial for handling large amounts of data.

3. Scalability

Thanks to its PoE-out capability and high port count, the MikroTik netPower 16P supports network scaling without constantly adding new power sources or switches. This flexibility makes it ideal for growing environments like ISPs and commercial campuses.

4. Reliable Performance in Harsh Conditions

The rugged outdoor enclosure and fanless design ensure that the netPower 16P can operate in difficult conditions without risk of overheating or environmental damage. This adds reliability, minimizing downtime and reducing the need for frequent site visits or hardware replacements.

MikroTik netPower 16: The Powerhouse of Outdoor PoE Solutions

The MikroTik netPower 16P is an all-in-one connectivity solution for powering and managing outdoor networks in environments that require high reliability, scalability, and performance. Whether you are an ISP looking to simplify tower installations or a network manager overseeing a large campus, this switch offers the right combination of features and cost-effectiveness. Its ability to handle power and data in a durable, easy-to-deploy package makes it a standout option in the context of outdoor PoE solutions.

Ready to simplify your outdoor PoE deployments? Contact us today to buy the MikroTik netPower 16 - the powerhouse of outdoor PoE solutions.