Of course, you can use existing switching hub, But, most non-DirectIP switching hub can’t support the specific features like DirectIP hub.
DirectIP hub supports the following features.
– PoE functionality which is designed to be able to connect both IEEE 802.3af and IEEE 802.3at PD devices though all ports can’t connect IEEE 802.3at PD devices.
– Power on/off control for each camera
– Connection notification for each camera
Therefore, if non-DirectIP switching hubs are used in conjunction with DirectIP devices, some benefits of DirectIP will diminish