what is an appropriate poe powered switch for the attic and can they be daisy chained? Provide both 4 port and 8 port solutions.

Okay, let's break down PoE powered switches for an attic setup, including options for 4 and 8 ports, and talk about daisy-chaining. There are a *lot* of options, so I'll focus on generally well-regarded brands and models that balance price, features, and reliability. I'll also highlight things to consider for an attic environment. **Important Considerations for Attic Installation:** * **Temperature:** Attics get *hot*. Make sure the switch you choose is rated for a high operating temperature. Many standard switches are only rated for 0-40°C (32-104°F). Look for a wider temperature range, ideally 0-50°C (32-122°F) or even higher if your attic gets intensely hot. Industrial/outdoor-rated switches are best, but more expensive. * **Ventilation:** Try to provide some airflow around the switch if possible, even if just mounting it in a slightly open area. * **Dust:** Attics can be dusty. Consider a switch that's easy to clean and doesn't have a lot of tiny crevices where dust can accumulate. * **Mounting:** You'll need to securely mount the switch. Most switches have mounting brackets for rack mounting, but you'll likely need to adapt that for attic joists. Consider using wood screws and brackets. * **Power Source:** Since it's PoE powered, you'll be plugging it into a standard outlet. Ensure that outlet is easily accessible and not overloaded. **Understanding PoE Budgets & Standards** * **PoE (Power over Ethernet):** This is how the switch provides power *to* your devices (like IP cameras, access points) over the Ethernet cable. * **PoE Standards (802.3af, 802.3at, 802.3bt):** These define how much power can be delivered. * **802.3af (PoE):** Up to 15.4W per port (usually ~12.95W usable) * **802.3at (PoE+):** Up to 30W per port (usually ~25.5W usable) * **802.3bt