What is PoE?
Power over Ethernet (PoE) is a networking feature defined by the IEEE 802.3af and 802.3at standards. PoE lets Ethernet cables supply power to network devices over the existing data connection.
PoE-capable devices can be power sourcing equipment (PSE), powered devices (PDs), or sometimes both. The device that transmits power is a PSE, while the device that is powered is a PD. Most PSEs are either network switches or PoE injectors intended for use with non-PoE switches. Common examples of PDs include VoIP phones, wireless access points, and IP cameras.
What are the benefits of PoE?
- Because PoE allows you to use one cable for both power and data transmission, PoE saves you money on purchasing and running cable for networking equipment and VoIP phones.
- PoE makes installing or expanding a network much simpler and cheaper in buildings where it is too expensive or inconvenient to install new power lines.
- Using PoE lets you mount devices in places where it would be impractical to install power, such as drop ceilings.
- Using PoE can reduce the number of cables and electrical outlets needed in a crowded equipment room or wiring closet.
What is PoE+?
The latest update to PoE is the IEEE 802.3at standard, known as PoE+. The major difference between 802.3af (PoE) and 802.3at (PoE+) is that PoE+ PSEs can provide almost twice as much power over a single Ethernet cable.
PoE+ PSEs can supply power to both PoE and PoE+ PDs, but PoE PSEs can only supply power to PoE PDs. PoE+ PDs require more power than PoE PSEs can provide.
What is the difference between PoE and PoE+?
- PoE is the 802.3af standard, and PoE+ is the 802.3at standard.
- The main difference between the 802.3af (PoE) and 802.3at (PoE+) standards is the maximum amount of power they provide over the Cat5 cabling.
- The maximum amount of power for the 802.3af (PoE) standard is 15.4 watts.
- The maximum for the 802.3at (PoE+) standard is 25.5 watts.
If you want to learn more about PoE and PoE+ uses, such as the PoE Classes, power PoE devices can supply, mixing PoE and non-PoE devices in network, you can read the page: PoE vs. PoE+. The Main Features Comparison