Time: November 7th, 2023
What Is PoE
What is PoE
? Power over Ethernet (PoE) is a method of transmitting electrical energy over data cables. A device equipped with Power over Ethernet (PoE) functionality typically receives both data and power through the same
Ethernet
cable. This technology significantly reduces the need for additional wiring in network devices. Generally, devices connected to the Internet or a
local area network
(LAN) via Ethernet cables necessitate both a power cable for operation and a data cable for communication. Nevertheless, a PoE connection effectively eliminates the requirement for an additional power cable, streamlining the setup.
Many businesses today rely on PoE to power Wi-Fi access points, firewalls,
IP
phones, and other infrastructure on their networks over existing data cables. The use of PoE has grown significantly since it was standardized by the IEEE in 2003 and will continue to grow in the coming years as new applications are developed.
How Does PoE work
After learning
what is PoE
, let’s dig into how PoE works. PoE transmits DC power over the wires of an
Ethernet
cable. Some variants carry power and data on separate pairs in the cable, while others use the same copper wire. Ethernet uses differential signaling, so power and data transmission do not interfere with each other. This technology is similar to what is called phantom power, a technology used in condenser microphones and plain old telephone service (POTS).
A PoE network consists of a powered device (essentially a device that receives both power and data from the network) and a power device that supplies power to the network from an external power source. Many
Ethernet
switches act as PoE-powered devices, but injectors can also be used to power parts of the network where the device is not PoE-capable. The PoE transmission distance is within 100 meters. Therefore, it is mandatory to use injectors or other PoE-capable switches (so-called midspan devices) at normal locations in the network.
Not all networked devices can be powered over a PoE connection. However, these devices can still receive data from this connection, and there is no danger that the
power delivery
will damage the network card. Each PoE connection performs a handshake to assess its capabilities before powering the endpoint device. You can also use a PoE splitter that separates power and data from your
Ethernet
cable and routes it to a standard power jack.
Benefits of PoE
What is PoE
? It is not a tough thing to understand. Power over Ethernet possesses a variety of advantages. In this part, check how can it benefit a lot:
• Save time and money
PoE reduces the time and cost of installing power cables. Network cable installation does not require a qualified electrician. Reducing the number of sockets required per installed device saves costs.
• Security
Powering with PoE is used to intelligently protect network devices from overloads, power shortages, and improper installations. Plus, there's no danger of using or working near dangerous high-voltage sources.
• Flexibility
Devices such as monitors, security cameras, and wireless access points can be ideally placed without being plugged into a power outlet, and easily rearranged when you move house.
• Reliability
PoE power is delivered from a central, universally compatible power source rather than a collection of distributed wall adapters. Uninterruptible power supply (UPS) protection enables continuous operation even during power outages. PoE also allows devices to be easily disabled or wiped from a central controller.
Conclusion
What is PoE
? The post here elaborates on that in detail. PoE can transmit both power and data over a single
Ethernet
cable, eliminating the need for separate power cords and outlets, and making installation easier and more flexible. This has proven particularly beneficial in a variety of industries that need to power and connect large numbers of devices, such as telecommunications, security, and
IoT
. As technology continues to evolve, PoE is expected to become more prevalent, enabling further innovation and improving the way devices are powered and managed.
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