- PoE describes any of several standards or ad hoc systems that pass electric power along with data on twisted-pair Ethernet cabling. This allows a single cable to provide both a data connection and enough electricity to power networked devices such as wireless access points (WAP’s), IP camera and VoIP phones. (Ref. Wikipedia)
- It carries electrical power through data cables. With POE enabled devices in the network, electrical current passes through the Ethernet cable along with the data. Thus reduces another cabling requirements for a power cable such as in CCTV camera or VoIP phone whereas normal network switch can’t provide PoE functions, it will only send data to end devices with separate power to power on the devices.
Standard Implementation
| IEEE Standard | 802.3af Type 1, PoE | 802.3at Type 2, PoE+ | 802.3bt Type 3, 4PPoE | 802.3bt Type 4, 4PPoE |
| PoE Type | Type 1 | Type 2 | Type 3 | Type 4 |
| Twisted cable used | 2 pairs | 2 pairs | 4 pairs mandatory | 4 pairs mandatory |
| Supported cable | Cat3 or better | Cat5 or better | Cat5 or better | Cat5 or better |
| Power to supply to power device | 12.95W | 25.50W | 51W | 71.3W |
| Maximum power per power sourcing equipment port | 15.40W | 30.0W | 60W | 90W |
| Voltage range at power device | 37 – 57V | 42.5- 57V | 42.5- 57V | 41.1V- 57V |
| Voltage range at power sourcing equipment | 44 – 57V | 50- 57V | 50- 57V | 52V- 57V |
Power device- any device powered by PoE which consumes energy like wireless access points, VoIP phones & IP cameras.
Power sourcing equipment- are devices that provide power on Ethernet cable, can be network switch, PoE switches.
Not all Ethernet cables are POE compatible; power consumption and power transmission distances should be considered for successful POE implementation. Check with the cable specification if it supports PoE compatibility.
Types of devices supported
PoE- Type 1
Voice IP phone
WAP Wireless Access Point
PoE- Type 2
PTZ camera
Video IP phone/ Alarm systems
PoE- Type 3 & 4
Laptops
TV
Safety
PoE is safe & it has built-in protection mechanism. It only delivers DC when a compatible device is connected, preventing electrical overload. Also, it adheres to IEEE standards, ensuring safe operation. However, using quality cables and equipment should meet the specification for safety.
Benefits of using PoE switches compared to ordinary network switches
- Savings- a PoE system can save you money on cable for your networking equipment, as the system allows for a single cable to transmit both power and data.
- Time Savings- no need for professional electrician to install network of wires in an office or building
- Reliability- PoE network comes from a universally compatible source as opposed to numerous individual wall adapters, it increases the reliability of your network.
- Flexibility- adding additional devices don’t need have to layout standard power lines.
- Smaller Footprint- help conserve & reduce hardware footprint by eliminating numerous cable wires, electrical outlets & closets.
In IT environment, compatibility & scalability should be considered in selecting PoE network switch. If the business requires over one single connection with power & data then PoE switch is an effective solution. Simplifies installation, improve efficiency & reduce clutter of cables with limited space. By selecting what application of the business will the PoE switch infrastructure be run, power requirements & features of the switches, short term cost & long term savings of PoE implementation.
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