Selecting the Right PoE Solution
PoE (Power over Ethernet) products that integrate power and data transmission over a single Ethernet cable, supplying power to network devices, are becoming more and more popular for enterprise, educational, and even home applications. With a multitude of PoE switches available on the market, choosing the right one can be difficult. In this article, we will briefly discuss the current state of PoE, and then analyze the advantages of the different types of PoE switches.
Because the Ethernet cable is used to deliver electrical power to devices, PoE devices eliminate the need for extra electrical wiring during installation. Initially, PoE was used mainly with Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phones, which allowed existing IP networks to carry voice data. As the popularity of PoE grew, security cameras became one of the most abundant PoE devices on the market. Later, wireless access points entered the PoE world, as wireless connectivity became ubiquitous.
PoE Applications Explained
PoE Standards
The original PoE standard was called IEEE 802.3af, and allowed for 15.4 watts of power to be sent from a switch’s port. Each PD was guaranteed to receive at least 12.95 watts, after losses due to resistance in the cable. In 2009, the IEEE 802.3at standard (also called PoE+) was released, doubling the per port power to 30 watts. Most recently, the new IEEE 802.3bt standard (PoE++) was formalized, allowing for a massive 90 watts of power.
| PoE Standard | 802.3af (Type 1, “PoE”) | 802.3at (Type 2, “PoE+”) | 802.3bt (Type 3, “4PPoE++”) | 802.3bt (Type 4, “4PPoE++”) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Twisted pair cables used | 2 pair | 4 pair | 4 pair | 4 pair |
| Power accessible to PD | 12.95 Watts | 25.5 Watts | 51 Watts | 71 Watts |
| PoE source Max. power delivered | 15.40 Watts | 30.0 Watts | 60 Watts | 90 Watts |
| PoE source Min. input voltage | 44V-57 Volts | 50V-57 Volts | 50V-57 Volts | 52V-57 Volts |
| Maximum current | 350 mA | 600 mA | 600 mA per pair | 960 mA per pair |
Efficient Technology to Reduce Crime Rates
One PoE lighting application is the chasing away of intruders. When the surveillance system is installed in a place that to be secured, the PoE lighting can work with EtherWAN’s PoE switches to efficiently turn on the lights, startling intruders. According to an investigation by UChicago Urban Labs, effective lighting can result in a 36% reduction in nighttime outdoor crimes, due to the fact that the lighting makes intruders more likely to abandon their targets.
Industrial 60 Watt PoE Switches
Implementing the latest "4PPoE," standard, these managed switches can deliver up 60 watts (IEEE 802.3bt) of power per port to PoE powered devices. This means they can be used with an even wider range of devices and applications. PoE switches provide greater flexibility and convenience when selecting and installing network devices.
Industrial PoE Media Converters
EtherWAN's Ethernet media converter series offers a full range of Ethernet to fiber transceivers from multi-mode, single-mode, or WDM with multiple selections of distance, wavelength and connector type. These Industrial PoE media converters support IEEE 802.3at PoE/PSE standard and can transmit power and data over one RJ45/ STP cable.
Power over Ethernet Extender
Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology has steadily increased in popularity since its introduction, and its adoption is becoming more widespread. However, one of the drawbacks of PoE is distance. The maximum effective length for UTP cable is 100 meters (328 feet).
EtherWAN developed Power over Link (PoE) technology, allows power and data to be transported over a single pair of wires, and even works using traditional phone lines or coaxial cable. PoL can deliver the power needed (up to 30 Watts) to end devices such as IP cameras, controllers and access points, up to a distance of 1.2 kilometers (0.75 miles).
Frequently asked questions on PoE Technology
What Is Power over Ethernet Lighting?
PoE lighting combines the great advantages in time and cost-effectiveness of Power over Ethernet with those of LED lighting. The result is a highly configurable and energy efficient solution that offers wide flexibility in a range of industrial, commercial, educational, and even home applications. Recent advances in LED technology, coming together with the latest IEEE 802.3bt standard, ensure that PoE lighting will become mainstream technology in the coming years.
The Advantages of PoE Technology
Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology uses network cables to transmit both data and electrical power to devices. This means a single cable can fully support devices such as wireless access points, VoIP phones, IP cameras, and IP TV decoders. PoE makes power cables unnecessary and reduces the cost of cabling. The benefits of PoE include:
Reduced Infrastructure Costs
With on cable delivering both power and data, it is much cheaper to install PoE systems when compared to traditional electrical wiring. PoE also allows for easier and cheaper outdoor installations.
Safety than Traditional Outlets
PoE installation involves fewer steps and fewer electrical hazards. PoE also reduces the risk or power outages, potential damage to equipment, and electrical overloads.
Enhanced Flexibility
PoE power sources and devices are plug-and-play, and are highly configurable. This makes it easy to add or remove devices without halting or disrupting the entire system.
Flexible Central Management of Connected Devices
PoE controlled devices can be disconnected and reconnected to new PoE systems with minimal downtime. PoE systems provides greater control over smart buildings and IP-based security systems.
Greater Scalability
PoE network can be easily expanded when it becomes necessary to add more devices in new locations.
How many PoE standards are there?
The original PoE standard was called IEEE 802.3af, and allowed for 15.4 watts of power to be sent from a switch’s port. Each PD was guaranteed to receive at least 12.95 watts, after losses due to resistance in the cable. In 2009, the IEEE 802.3at standard (also called PoE+) was released, doubling the per port power to 30 watts. Most recently, the new IEEE 802.3bt standard (PoE++) was formalized, allowing for a massive 90 watts of power.
What is the standard voltage for PoE?
There are 4 standard voltage for PoE, IEEE 802.3af (15.4 watts), IEEE 802.3at (30 watts), IEEE 802.3bt (60watts / 90 watts)
* View more information of PoE Standard .
* View more detail of EtheWAN PoE and PoE+ Switches.
What is the difference between IEEE 802.3 af and IEEE 802.3 at?
The difference is the amount of power that can be delivered. IEEE 802.3af supports 15.4 watts over Ethernet cables. IEEE 802.3at can deliver up to 30 watts over Ethernet cables.
How does Power over Ethernet work?
In PoE, the Ethernet cable is used to deliver electrical power to devices, PoE devices eliminate the need for extra electrical wiring during installation. Initially, PoE was used mainly with Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phones, which allowed existing IP networks to carry voice data. As the popularity of PoE grew, security cameras became one of the most abundant PoE devices on the market. Later, wireless access points entered the PoE world, as wireless connectivity became ubiquitous.
Watch Vidoe: EtherWAN's PoE Switch Features (Power Over Ethernet)
Does PoE need special Ethernet cable?
No. PoE uses standard Cat 5 Ethernet cables to deliver both power and data.
Do I need PoE or PoE+?
That all depends on the type and nature of the PoE devices you want to use. The original PoE standard (IEEE 802.3af) allowed for 15.4 watts of power to be sent from a switch’s port. Each device could be guaranteed to receive at least 12.95 watts, taking into account cable resistance The newer IEEE 802.3at standard (also called PoE+) doubles the per port power to 30 watts.
Newer powered devices are taking advantage of this advancement, and require more power than ever. Even if your current devices only need the 802.3af standard amount of power, you should consider the types and requirements of devices that you will be adding in the future. 802.at may be the way to go.
What is the difference between PoE and PoE+ switch?
The difference is in the amount of power the switch can deliver to powered devices on the network. The original PoE standard (IEEE 802.3af) allowed for 15.4 watts of power to be sent from a switch’s port. Each device could be guaranteed to receive at least 12.95 watts, taking into account cable resistance.
The newer IEEE 802.3at standard (also called PoE+) doubles the per port power to 30 watts. Newer powered devices are taking advantage of this advancement, and require more power than ever.
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