Power over Ethernet, also known as POE, is a kind of technology that allows network cables to also carry electricity in order to power devices.The original IEEE 802.3af PoE standard provides up to 15.4 W of DC power (minimum 44 V DC and 350 mA) on each port. Only 12.95 W is assured to be available at the powered device as some power dissipates in the cable.
Following are the terminologies used in the PoE network –
- PD – Powered Devices – PDs are end devices that can accept the power transmitted over Ethernet Cat-5 cable.
- PSE – Power Source Equipment – PSEs add power to the ethernet cable.
- Midspan device – These are power injectors that stands between the standard ethernet switch and the end device.
- Endspan devices (PoE Switches) – These are Ethernet Switches that includes the circuit to inject power to the ethernet cable.
POWER OVER ETHERNET PROVIDES :
- OPEX and CAPEX 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.
- Portability – Install end-devices where it is hard to get power. For example, you can install a wireless access point in the ceiling, where you cannot find power outlet.
- Easy Maintenance – You can restart the end-device remotely. No need to press the power button to reset the equipment. You can easily move the end-devices wherever you can lay a LAN cable.
- Simplicity – You need to run only ethernet cable to the end devices, which eliminates the cable clutter.
- Safer – No AC power is involved, as you don’t need to install A/C power outlet for the end-devices.
SOME TYPES OF DEVICES POWERED BY POE INCLUDE –
- VoIP phones
- IP cameras including pan–tilt–zoom cameras
- Wireless access points
- IPTV decoders
- Network routers
- A mini network switch installed in distant rooms, to support a small cluster of ports from one uplink cable. (Mini-switches do not usually provide PoE on their output ports.) (Many modern VoIP phones include a two-port mini-switch that can provide a network connection for a nearby computer.)
- Network Intercom / Paging / Public address systems and hallway speaker amplifiers
- Wall clocks in rooms and hallways, with time set using Network Time Protocol
- Outdoor roof mounted radios with integrated antennas, 802.11 or 802.16 based wireless CPEs (customer premises equipment) used by wireless ISPs.
- Industrial devices (sensors, controllers, meters etc.)
- Access control and Help-points (intercoms, entry cards, keyless entry, etc.)
- Lighting controllers and LED Lighting fixtures[14]
- Stage and Theatrical devices, such as networked audio breakout and routing boxes
- Remote Point of Sale (POS) kiosks
- Physical Security devices and controllers
- Inline Ethernet extenders
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
I am here to share my knowledge and experience in the field of networking with the goal being – “The more you share, the more you learn.”
I am a biotechnologist by qualification and a Network Enthusiast by interest. I developed interest in networking being in the company of a passionate Network Professional, my husband.
I am a strong believer of the fact that “learning is a constant process of discovering yourself.”
– Rashmi Bhardwaj (Author/Editor)
