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Introduction to Power over Ethernet (PoE)

Posted on:December 8, 2022 at 02:30 PM

Power over Ethernet (PoE) is a technology for providing DC power (from 44 to 57 volts) over ethernet cables. This technology is used to power network devices such as IP phones, cameras, and wireless access points. It is a cost-effective and efficient way to provide power to devices that are located in hard-to-reach places or are not near a power outlet.

Requirements

In order to use PoE, you will need:

How Does PoE Work?

PoE technology works by combining power and data over a single ethernet cable. The power is injected into the cable by the PoE injector, which is then carried to the powered device. The powered device then receives the power and uses it to operate.

The PoE injector can either be powered by an external power source (such as a power adapter or a power outlet) or by the data signal itself (known as “Data-over-Cable” or “DOC”). The power source for the injector will depend on the type of PoE technology that is being used.

Types of PoE

There are two main types of PoE:

IEEE 802.3af is the most widely used type of PoE and is capable of providing up to 15.4 watts of power to devices. IEEE 802.3at is more powerful, capable of providing up to 25.5 watts of power to devices.

Conclusion

Power over Ethernet is a great way to provide power to devices that are in hard-to-reach places or are not near a power outlet. It is cost-effective and efficient, allowing you to power multiple devices using only one cable. In order to use PoE, you will need an Ethernet cable, a PoE injector, a power source, and a PoE-enabled device. There are two main types of PoE: IEEE 802.3af and IEEE 802.3at. IEEE 802.3af is the most widely used and is capable of providing up to 15.4 watts of power, while IEEE 802.3at is more powerful and can provide up to 25.5 watts of power.