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Networking Accessories Your Setup Might Be Missing (Part 2)
- Grace @ Plugzio
- Apr 28
- 3 min read
Everything you need to know about networking add-ons that stabilize your network, extend reach, and keep chargers online.
Networking accessories fill the gaps your EV core charging setup can't always cover: extending reach, adding power, and supporting more devices across Wi-Fi, Cellular, and Ethernet connections.
Even with planning, your network can still have its weak spots.
These add-ons are designed to strengthen and stabilize your connectivity in the real world, where conditions are rarely perfect.
Think of networking accessories as your backup plan for staying online. It’s not a replacement for solid network planning, but the insurance that keeps your chargers connected.
In this breakdown, we'll cover Plugzio's three key networking offerings, Wi-Fi extenders, Cellular modems, and Ethernet switches and how each one helps build a more reliable EV charging network.
Wi-Fi Extenders
Plugzio offers TP-Link EAP225 Outdoor extenders to extend your Wi-Fi connected EV charger’s network’s range and coverage.
Compatible with Universal+, Cando, and Artemis devices, each unit connects through an ethernet cable, and comes pre-configured to the Plugzio default network, allowing supported devices to connect automatically upon setup while still retaining the flexibility to connect to any other Wi-Fi network.
What’s it for?:
Extend Wi-Fi coverage to ensure consistent connectivity across your charging setup, especially in areas where signal strength is weak or inconsistent.
Advantages:
Improved uptime: Strengthens signal reliability, reducing the risk of chargers dropping offline.
Extended coverage: Expands reach across deadzones, like underground/enclosed garages and outdoor installs.
Scalable setup: Supports up to 8 Plugzio devices per extender (depending on layout and signal conditions).
Considerations:
Signal source matters: Extenders amplify what's already there. A weak source signal means an unstable network.
Shared bandwidth: All connected chargers share the same capacity, and performance can degrade as more devices are added.
Placement is critical: Units must be positioned within range of the primary network. Poor placement leads to inconsistent connectivity.
Physical barriers: Concrete or metal infrastructure and underground environments can limit performance even with outdoor-rated hardware.
Cellular to Wi-Fi Modems
Plugzio’s cellular modem is outdoor rated, and uses a SIM card + 4G/LTE network to bring internet onsite, then distribute it via Wi-Fi and Ethernet (LAN) outputs.
What makes it especially versatile is that not only can it serve as a standalone cellular solution, it creates a dedicated Wi-Fi network, keeping chargers online even in areas with limited or unreliable connectivity essentially creating a ‘giant hotspot.’ Compatible with Plugzio’s Universal +, Artemis and Cando devices.
What it’s for:
Provide connectivity via cellular network as primary connection, ideal for sites without Wi-Fi.
Advantages:
Infrastructure-independent: Brings connectivity to any site with cellular signal.
Scalable coverage: Supports 40~ Plugzio devices with proper placement and adequate signal strength.
Flexible deployment: Works as a primary connection or fallback option for existing Wi-Fi and Ethernet setups.
Considerations:
Ongoing data costs: Requires an active SIM card and data.
Cellular signal dependent: Performance relies on carrier coverage and clear access to strong signal (ie. open sky, rooftop, by the entrance)
Weak signal = unreliable connectivity.
Shared bandwidth: All connected chargers share the same data connection, performance may drop when usage increases.
Power over Ethernet (PoE) Switches
A Power over Ethernet (PoE) switch is an Ethernet switch that delivers both power and data over a single CAT5/6 cable, eliminating the need for separate electrical wiring.
Plugzio offers outdoor-rated PoE switches that expands your network by splitting a single CAT5/6 connection into additional endpoints, supporting up to 4 networked devices. Compatible with Plugzio’s Cando and Artemis chargers.
What it’s for:
Ethernet-based setups dependent on reliable wired connectivity. In addition to powering EV connected chargers, PoE switches can also support devices like security cameras, VoIP phones, or cellular routers via 60W total PoE budget and Gigabit speeds.
Advantages:
Power + data in one line: Simplifies installs; No separate power runs required, especially useful in outdoor or areas with limited access to outlets.
Cleaner, lower-cost infrastructure: Reduces electrical work and cabling complexity.
Plug-and-play: No configuration required - easy to deploy and scale.
Considerations:
Cable distance limits: CAT5/6 runs typically up to 100m~.
Fixed capacity: Limited to 4 devices per switch - larger setups require additional units.
Shared power budget: The switch itself requires a 110V power source, and distributes power across connected PoE devices; Higher power draws can limit how many devices you can support.
Want to learn more about your Networking Accessories options?
📞 Connect with our Plugzio’s Support Team or your dedicated Plugzio Project Manager for site planning and connectivity guidance
[Support Article] Wi-Fi Extender Introduction and Specifications
New to Plugzio? Reach out to us at sales@plugzio.com to discuss which EV chargers and connectivity options work best for your property.
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