If you’re looking to upgrade your network setup, then Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology is an essential consideration. It’s an increasingly popular way of powering devices such as cameras and VoIP phones using the same cable as the one used for data transmissions. But just what are PoE standards, and which one should you choose? In this blog post, we’ll discuss the basics of PoE so that you can make an informed decision on which type of PoE is right for your needs. Read on to learn more about how PoE could enhance your network setup.
What is Power over Ethernet?
Power over Ethernet (PoE) is a technology for delivering electrical power to devices over twisted-pair Ethernet cabling. This allows network devices that would normally require a separate power cable, such as VoIP phones and wireless access points, to receive power from the same source as the data.
PoE was standardized in 2003 by IEEE 802.3af, which defined two modes of operation: Mode A supplies power on pairs 1 and 2, while Mode B does so on pairs 3 and 6. The original standard only supported 12.95 watts of power per port, but an updated version released in 2009, IEEE 802.3at, raised that to 25.5 watts. There are also proprietary PoE solutions that can deliver even more power than 802.3at-compliant hardware.
One advantage of PoE is that it simplifies installation by reducing the number of cables required. In addition, it can make it easier to move devices around since there’s no need to find a nearby outlet or run new cabling; if you have an Ethernet connection, you have power as well. However, not all networking equipment supports PoE; you’ll need special switches and injectors to take advantage of the technology.
The Different Types of Power over Ethernet
There are different types of Power over Ethernet (PoE), which can be used to provide power and data connectivity to devices such as access points, IP cameras, and VoIP phones. The most common type of PoE is 802.3af, which is the standard for providing power over Ethernet cables. However, there are other types of PoE that can be used for different applications.
For example, 802.3at is a higher-power version of 802.3af that can be used for devices that require more power, such as outdoor access points. There are also versions of PoE that use different voltages, such as 12V or 48V, which can be used for powering devices that are not designed to work with the standard 802.3af voltage levels.
When choosing a PoE solution for your network, it is important to make sure that the equipment you are using is compatible with the type of PoE you are using. For example, if you are using 802.3at PoE to power an outdoor access point, the access point must be designed to work with that particular voltage level. Choosing the wrong PoE standard can result in damage to your equipment or reduced performance.
Active vs Passive PoE
There are two different types of Power over Ethernet: active and passive. Active PoE sends power to devices over the Ethernet cable, while passive PoE only uses the cable for data transfer. So, which should you use?
Active PoE is more expensive than passive PoE, but it has a few advantages. First, it can send power and data over longer distances – up to 100 meters (compared to the 30-meter limit of passive PoE). Second, it’s more efficient, meaning less heat is generated and there’s less chance of interference with other electronic devices.
If you need to power devices that are far from your power source, or if you want to minimize interference with other electronics, active PoE is the way to go. However, if cost is a concern or you don’t need the extra distance or efficiency, passive PoE will work just fine.
Conclusion
We hope this article has helped you understand the different PoE standards out there and how they can help enhance your network setup. It’s important to remember that while one of these standards might be more suitable for your particular situation, all of them offer distinct advantages over traditional power solutions. Ultimately, it is up to you as a network designer or IT professional to decide which PoE standard will best serve your needs.