What Is POE
What Is POE? (Power Over Ethernet)
Power over Ethernet (PoE) is technology that passes electric power over twisted-pair Ethernet cable to powered devices (PD), such as wireless access points, IP cameras, and VoIP phones, in addition to the data that cable usually carries. It enables one RJ45 cable to provide both data connection and electric power to PDs instead of having a separate cable for each.
Power over Ethernet (POE) is a technology that lets network cables carry electrical power.
The main advantage of Power over Ethernet (PoE) is delivery of data AND power over one Cat5e/Cat6 Ethernet cable. POE ends the need for AC/DC power supplies and outlets. A remote installation costs less than fiber, as no electrician is needed. Ethernet cable costs less and is often already installed in buildings.
For example, a digital security camera usually requires two connections to be made when it is installed.
1.A network connection, in order to be able to communicate with video recording and display equipment
2.A power connection, to deliver the electrical power the camera needs to operate
However, if the camera is POE enabled, only the network connection needs to be made, as it will get its electrical power from this cable as well as the network data.
Why Use POE?
Specifying Power Over Ethernet brings many advantages to an installation:
Time and cost savings – by reducing the time and expense of having electrical power cabling installed. Network cables do not require a qualified electrician to fit them, and can be located anywhere. SuperTech is a certified national provider of low voltage and premises cabling.
Flexibility – without being tethered to an electrical outlet, devices such as IP cameras and wireless access points can be located wherever they are needed most, and repositioned easily if required.
Safety – POE delivery is intelligent, and designed to protect network equipment from overload, underpowering, or incorrect installation.
Reliability – POE power comes from a central and universally compatible source, rather than a collection of distributed wall adapters. It can be backed up by an uninterruptible power supply, and controlled remotely to easily disable or reset devices.
Scalability – having power available on the network means that installation and distribution of network connections is simple and effective.
What is the advantage of PoE?
Power over Ethernet (PoE) allows for installation of remote or outside equipment without having to connect to AC power. This allows power to be delivered to more areas without the need to install added electrical outlets or to have power outlets at every endpoint. Equipment can be installed without the need for an electrician, and because ethernet cable costs less and are often already installed in buildings, POE based systems are far more value for the capitalized expenditures incurred during a system installation or upgrade.
What are some limitations of PoE?
The limitations of POE are few, but should be taken into account when adopting for the first time: 1. Simple POE only transmits signals at 100MBps. 2.Non-compliant devices require additional equipment 3. Power budgets may only achieve levels available on legacy equipment.
This section will further expand these 3 limitations and how to adjust for them:
- Transmission distance
- Device compatibility workarounds
- Power delivery rates
- How much power can PoE devices supply?
- PoE devices supply power according to the device IEEE 802.3 generation. The life cycle generation is indicated by the extension: “af,” “at”, or PoE+, and “bt” or “UPoE”. The following chart provides side-by-side comparison of maximum power each PoE Type delivers at the port level.
Devices that use Power over Ethernet
POE has many applications, but the three key areas are:
VoIP phones – the original POE application. Using POE means phones have a single connection to a wall socket, and can be remotely powered down, just like with the older analog systems.
IP cameras – POE is now ubiquitous on networked surveillance cameras, where it enables fast deployment and easy repositioning.
Wireless – Wifi , Bluetooth Transmitters, and RFID readers are commonly PoE compatible, to allow remote location away from AC outlets, and allow easier relocation following site surveys.
How to upgrade to POE
Adding POE to your network is painless and affordable. There are two main routes you can choose;
A POE switch is a network switch that has Power over Ethernet injection built-in. Simply connect other network devices to the switch as usual and the switch will detect whether they are POE compatible and enable power automatically.
POE switches are available to suit all applications, from low cost unmanaged edge switches with a few ports, up to complex multi-port rack mounted units with L3 (or smart) management.
Why use POE?
Specifying Power over Ethernet brings many advantages to an installation:
Time and cost savings – by reducing the time and expense of having electrical power cabling installed. Network cables do not require a qualified electrician to fit them, and can be located anywhere.
Flexibility – without being tethered to an electrical outlet, devices such as IP cameras and wireless access points can be located wherever they are needed most, and repositioned easily if required.
Safety – POE delivery is intelligent, and designed to protect network equipment from overload, underpowering, or incorrect installation.
Reliability – POE power comes from a central and universally compatible source, rather than a collection of distributed wall adapters. It can be backed-up by an uninterruptible power supply, or controlled to easily disable or reset devices.
Scalability – having power available on the network means that Installation and distribution of network connections is simple and effective.
SuperTech is FCC certified and can provide Consultation Services, as well as affordable premise cabling solutions for your Commercial Business applications.