REOLINK RLA-PS1 PoE Switch Review
The REOLINK RLA-PS1 PoE Switch is designed for people who want a clean, simple way to power multiple PoE security cameras without running separate power adapters to every camera. It comes with 8 PoE+ ports, 2 Gigabit uplink ports, a 120W total PoE power budget, and support for the IEEE 802.3af/at PoE standard, making it a practical match for Reolink PoE cameras and the REOLINK RLN36 NVR. Reolink lists each PoE port as 10/100 Mbps, while the two uplink ports are 10/100/1000 Mbps, so it is best understood as a camera-focused switch rather than a full-gigabit network switch for every device.
For a home or small business security camera setup, the RLA-PS1 stands out because it keeps installation simple: one Ethernet cable can carry both power and data to each compatible PoE camera.
2. Main Benefits
The biggest benefit of the Reolink RLA-PS1 PoE Switch is convenience. Instead of plugging each camera into a separate power outlet, you connect each PoE camera directly to the switch using Ethernet cable. This helps reduce cable clutter and makes the whole system easier to organize.
Another major advantage is the 120W total PoE budget. Since the switch can provide up to 30W per PoE port, it has enough power for many standard Reolink PoE cameras, including models that require more power than basic low-wattage cameras. Reolink also states that the switch includes power management, automatically cutting power from lower-priority ports if the total connected load exceeds the 120W limit.
The 2 Gigabit uplink ports are useful because you do not have to sacrifice one of the eight PoE ports just to connect the switch to your router, network, or NVR. This is especially helpful if you are building a camera system around the Reolink RLN36 NVR, which does not include built-in PoE ports and requires a separate PoE switch for wired PoE cameras.
The metal casing also gives the RLA-PS1 a more durable feel than many cheaper plastic switches. Amazon’s listing highlights the metal housing and fanless design, which means quiet operation and a cleaner setup for indoor use.
3. Practical Experience of Online Users Who Purchased the Product
Looking at buyer feedback, the common experience is that the REOLINK RLA-PS1 is simple to install and works as expected for PoE camera systems. On Amazon, the product is listed with a 4.6 out of 5-star rating from 404 global ratings, with 83% of ratings shown as 5 stars at the time of the listing snapshot.
Many users seem to like that it is genuinely plug-and-play. Several comments mention that cameras power up immediately after being connected, and buyers appreciate not needing a complicated configuration process. This makes it appealing for homeowners who want to expand a Reolink security system without learning advanced networking.
The most important criticism is about port speed. The 8 PoE camera ports are 10/100 Mbps, not gigabit. For most security cameras, this is usually fine because many IP cameras use far less than 100 Mbps each. One Amazon reviewer even noted that the 10/100 Mbps PoE ports were not an issue because the connected cameras used under 15 Mbps of bandwidth.
However, buyers expecting gigabit speed on every port may be disappointed. A Reddit user complained that they expected more from the “Gigabit Ethernet” wording before realizing the gigabit speed applies to the uplink ports, not the eight PoE ports.
In short, online buyers generally like the RLA-PS1 when using it for what it is designed for: powering PoE cameras. It is less ideal for users who want a general-purpose gigabit switch for high-speed network devices.
4. Pros and Cons
Pros
- Easy plug-and-play setup for Reolink PoE cameras
- 8 PoE+ ports for powering multiple cameras
- 2 Gigabit uplink ports for NVR/router/network connection
- 120W total PoE power budget
- Up to 30W per PoE port
- Works well with REOLINK RLN36 NVR setups
- Metal casing feels more durable than plastic alternatives
- Fanless design helps keep operation quiet
- Supports IEEE 802.3af/at PoE devices
- Good option for clean home security camera installations
Cons
- The 8 PoE ports are 10/100 Mbps, not gigabit
- It is unmanaged, so advanced network controls are limited
- Best suited for camera systems, not general high-speed networking
- No built-in NVR storage or recording function
- Users with many high-power cameras must watch the 120W total power budget
5. Positive Customer Reviews and Comments
Positive buyer feedback often focuses on simplicity, reliability, and value. On Amazon, verified buyers describe it with short comments like “works well,” “well built,” “Good Value,” “Plug & Play,” and “Works as advertised!”
One reason these comments matter is that PoE switches are not exciting products; they either work quietly in the background or they cause problems. The RLA-PS1 seems to satisfy many buyers because it does the basic job well: powers the cameras, passes data, and keeps the setup simple.
The feedback also suggests that the product is especially appreciated by people who already use Reolink cameras. That makes sense because it is designed to fit naturally into the Reolink ecosystem, especially for users building larger systems with an NVR like the RLN36.
6. Who This Product Is Worth It For
The REOLINK RLA-PS1 PoE Switch is worth considering if you are building or expanding a Reolink wired security camera system. It is especially useful for people who want to connect several PoE cameras to a router, NVR, or the Reolink RLN36, while keeping power and data on a single Ethernet cable.
It is a good choice for:
Homeowners installing multiple outdoor or indoor PoE cameras.
Small business owners who want reliable 24/7 camera connectivity.
Reolink RLN36 users who need a separate PoE switch.
People who want a quiet, fanless PoE switch.
Buyers who prefer a simple unmanaged switch instead of a complicated network device.
It may not be the best choice if you need gigabit speed on every camera/device port, advanced VLAN management on the switch itself, or a PoE switch for mixed high-bandwidth network equipment. For a security camera system, though, the 10/100 Mbps PoE ports are usually enough for typical camera video streams.
7. FAQ
Is the REOLINK RLA-PS1 compatible with the Reolink RLN36 NVR?
Yes. The RLA-PS1 is a strong match for the Reolink RLN36 NVR, especially because the RLN36 does not have built-in PoE ports. You can use the switch to power PoE cameras and connect the switch to the NVR or network.
Are all ports gigabit?
No. This is one of the most important details to understand before buying. The 8 PoE+ ports are 10/100 Mbps, while the 2 uplink ports are gigabit.
Is 100 Mbps enough for security cameras?
For most PoE security cameras, yes. Many IP cameras use far less than 100 Mbps per camera. However, if you are planning unusual high-bandwidth uses outside normal camera recording, you may want a full-gigabit PoE switch.
Does it work only with Reolink cameras?
No. Reolink says the switch supports IEEE 802.3af/at compliant devices, so it can work with other compatible PoE devices. However, it is clearly designed with Reolink camera systems in mind.
Does this PoE switch assign IP addresses?
No. The switch does not provide DHCP or assign IP addresses. Amazon’s listing states it must be connected to a router or NVR for that function.
Is the REOLINK RLA-PS1 quiet?
Yes, it uses a fanless design, which helps keep it quiet during operation.
Can it be wall-mounted?
Yes. The product is designed for desktop or wall-mount installation, making it flexible for camera closets, utility rooms, offices, or network shelves.
8. Conclusion: Is the REOLINK RLA-PS1 Worth Buying?
Yes, the REOLINK RLA-PS1 PoE Switch is worth buying if your main goal is to power and connect multiple PoE security cameras, especially in a Reolink ecosystem. It is simple, quiet, compact, and practical, with enough power for many home and small business camera setups.
The key thing to remember is that this is not a full-gigabit switch on every port. The 8 PoE ports are 10/100 Mbps, while only the 2 uplink ports are gigabit. For security cameras, that is usually acceptable. For high-speed networking beyond cameras, it may feel limiting.
Overall, if you use Reolink PoE cameras or the RLN36 NVR and want a clean plug-and-play installation, the RLA-PS1 is a smart and reliable accessory to add to your system.
