What is PoE and all about it

If you know network and work in this domain, absolutely hear PoE. This ability is really Important for people who work with network and network equipment. most of high-level technology devices in network area need PoE for doing their task better. The equipment network such as network switch, network router, patch cord and etc have this ability in their ports.

But why PoE is very bold and effective for network equipment? in this article we work on this topic. What is PoE and why is it matter?

What is PoE and all about it:

PoE is contraction of Power over Ethernet. It is a technology for implementing wired Ethernet local area networks (LANs) that enables the electrical current essential for operating each device to be carried by Ethernet data cables instead of standard electrical power cords and wiring.

Totally we can say PoE is a technique that transfer DC power to devices with Ethernet cabling and you don’t need to separate power supply and outlets. PoE ability doesn’t add Ethernet capabilities just It does expanded suggestions that help how and where Ethernet end devices placed. It enables power supply and data connection over a single cable.

In additional, the uses of PoE are cheaper Ethernet cabling, which can transport both power and data, instead of electrical wiring, which supplies power only and requires separate wiring for data. Because PoE transports both power and data over Ethernet cable, less wiring is necessary, and electrical wiring can remain intact.

The standard version of PoE was developed in 2003 for supporting some devices like wireless access points (Aps). Now the standard version of PoE devices can make installation of AP easier and more flexible that can be very hard areas to wire for electrical power. some other devices that use this technology are security cameras, IP phones, wireless access points, and industrial applications.

What devices support PoE technology:

-Internet Protocol, voice over IP and video telephones.

-Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access, or WiMAX, and wireless AP devices or nodes. pan, tilt and zoom robotic cameras.

-remote computer terminals, computer monitors, laptops, thin client computers and large computer display screens.

-liquid crystal display screens and large TVs.

-door access systems and video signing displays and network audio.

IEEE released IEEE 02.3bt, that is new PoE standard also known as high-power or PoE+ in 2018. We introduce this new version of PoE in following. About the cables that follow this ability can point to four-wire pairs with Cat5 or Cat6 cable. These cables support individual devices tat need 90 -100 W. So this standard support:

• security card readers
• high-performance wireless APs
• video conferencing
• intercoms
• light-emitting diode lighting
• video surveillance cameras

Read more: What is a server power supply

How does PoE work in industrial applications:

• Wireless access points (Aps): PoE is frequently used to power wireless access points. This allows for easier installation in optimal locations without worrying about the endpoint power.
• Security Cameras: PoE can power security cameras, providing flexibility in placement and reducing installation costs. This is particularly useful in extensive facilities where traditional power sources are unavailable.
• IP phones: PoE is often used in office settings to power IP telephones. This eliminates the need for separate power adapters and allows centralized electric power management.
• Retail Point of Sale (PoS) Terminals: PoE can power PoS terminals in retail environments, simplifying checkout and reducing the need for multiple power sources.
• Building Access Terminals: PoE can power building access control systems, providing a streamlined solution for managing building security.
• Public Address (PA) Systems: PA systems in various settings can be powered using PoE, reducing the need for separate power sources and simplifying installation.
• LED Lighting: PoE can power LED lighting systems, particularly in smart building applications. This allows for centralized control and power management of lighting systems.
• Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) Terminals and Digital Signage: PoE can power VDI terminals and digital signage, providing a simplified solution for powering these devices and reducing installation costs.

Read more: What is SFP port

What is PoE switch:

A PoE switch is a regular Fast Ethernet or Gigabit network switch that has Power over Ethernet functionality integrated. A Power over Ethernet switch both enables communication among network clients and provides power using the same RJ45 network cable to PoE-enabled edge devices, such as VoIP phones, network surveillance cameras or wireless access points.

A PoE switch allows compatible devices to work in places where power outlets or network connections don’t exist. This primary function of PoE can save businesses lots of money on the costs of installing electrical and network wiring (more on that below) while still having edge devices work where they are needed. PoE switches exist in many different variations.

What are the uses of PoE switch:

• Hardware cost: The typical Power over Ethernet switch costs a lot more than its non-PoE-enabled sibling. Take care when planning the network. How many PoE ports do you need now? How many PoE ports will you need in the future? Will a few PoE injectors in strategic locations satisfy the requirements?
• Central Point of Failure: If the PoE switch fails, the consequences are dramatic. Your entire phone system could be down, or your security cameras could be offline. Even non-PoE devices would be affected. As a precaution, backup power via a UPS is considered mandatory, and having an action plan in place for the scenario where a mission-critical component like a PoE switch fails is good practice. In fairness, this drawback is hardly exclusive to Power over Ethernet switches and applies in equal measure to regular Ethernet switches.

How does PoE work:

After this explanation about PoE ability now we want to know generally how does it work, the electrical current must go into an Ethernet data cable at the power supply end and come out at the device end.

With Ethernet, the power current can be kept separate from the data signal so neither interferes with the other. Current enters the Ethernet cable via a component called an injector. If the device at the other end of the cable is PoE-compatible, it will function properly without modification.

If it is not PoE-compatible, a component called a picker, or tap, must be installed to extract the current from the cable. This picked-off current is routed to the power jack.

PoE provides power and network connectivity for PoE-powered devices over a single network cable, so you don’t have the restriction that your devices are close to a power outlet.

Read more: What is Cisco Switch

Why is PoE useful:

PoE technology is very useful and can extend your network reach. you can install devices like security cameras or wireless access points in locations far from DC outlets. This makes PoE ideal for large-scale and flexible network deployments.

• Time and cost savings: PoE can reduce the time and expense of having electrical power cabling installed. Network cables do not require a qualified electrician to install. Reduction of power outlets required per installed device saves money. It also reduces energy costs by allowing for centralized control over lighting, window shades, and heating and cooling.
• Flexibility: Without being tethered to electrical outlets, devices such as monitors, security cameras, and wireless access points can be positioned in ideal locations and be easily repositioned if moved.
• Safety: Power delivery using PoE is designed to intelligently protect network equipment from overload, underpowering, and incorrect installation. It also eliminates the danger of working with or around dangerous high-voltage power sources.
• Reliability: PoE power comes from a central and universally compatible source and not from a collection of distributed wall adapters. It can be backed up by an uninterruptible power supply (UPS), allowing for continuous operation even during power failures. PoE also allows for devices to be easily disabled or reset from a centralized controller.
• Scalability: Having power available on the network means that the installation and distribution of network connections are simple and effective.
• Eliminates the need for separate DC power supplies and data cables, simplifying network installation and reducing costs.
• Provides flexibility in device placement, allowing network devices to be placed in locations without easy access to outlets.
• Enables remote management, monitoring, and control of powered devices, making network maintenance and troubleshooting more convenient.
• Conforms to universal requirements, ensuring compatibility and standardization.
• Safe and reliable DC supply solution designed for data network applications.
• Ease of installation: There are no worries about hooking into electrical system outlets.
• Cost savings: Ethernet can carry both power and data signals.
• Safety: PoE automatically stops power current flows if there is a service interruption.
• Data speed: PoE can now deliver data at 1 gigabit per second (Gbps), 10/100/1,000 megabits per second, using Cat5 and Cat6 cables. The IEEE 802.3bz PoE standard delivers speeds of 2.5 Gbps to 5 Gbps over 100 meters (m).
• Security: POE devices attached to networks with high-level security enjoy the same security protection as other network assets.

Most common terms related to PoE technology:

PoE, PoE+ and Ultra PoE

PoE technology has provided, amount of power that can be sent over Ethernet cable has increased. IEEE that we explained this standard before, compliant PoE switch and injector they can output anywhere from 12 watts to more than 70 watts of power each port.

What are PoE features:

You can e4xtand your network by all innovative features NETGEAR PoE offer. Some of these features are FlexPoE, PoE auto-balance, uninterrupted PoE, PoE scheduling, advanced PoE controls and more. Get more flexibility and control of your network with insight remote management. Increase cost and energy efficiency with Flex PoE and POE auto-balance.

• Flex PoE:

-Upgradeable PoE Budgets: NETGEAR Flex PoE, available on select NETGEAR PoE switches, allow you to upgrade your switch PoE budget with new power adapters without replacing the entire switch.

-Real Benefit: If you’re not sure how much PoE power you’ll need and have a limited budget, you can purchase the lower-powered version of the switch, and then, as your PoE needs grow, you can later upgrade the power adapter to get more PoE budget, as opposed to traditional switches, where you would need to completely replace the entire switch to get more power, costing you more in the end.

-Additional Power Supply: Additional power supply needs to be purchased separately through NETGEAR here.

• PoE Auto-Balance:

-Unmanaged Switches (PoE auto-balance):

NETGEAR’s unique PoE technology automatically balances the PoE power based on the device needs independent of PoE class detected. Each port gives exactly the power the device needs making the device energy efficient. This feature is available on the latest Unmanaged 300-Series models.

-Uninterrupted PoE:

Keep Power On: Keep PoE power on even when the switch is updating firmware or performing a software reboot. Two Smart models, supporting Ultra60 PoE++, GS110TUP and GS710TUP, bring PoE innovation to its highest with advanced PoE power management features.

GS110TUP and GS710TUP Advanced PoE Features: PoE scheduling, PoE power prioritization, per-port PoE control, dynamic PoE budget allocation, and uninterrupted PoE (keep PoE power up even during firmware update and switch restart).

Essential to Businesses: Uninterrupted PoE is essential to any business powering everything from IP cameras to LED lighting through the switch, making sure, the power is always on even during firmware updates or switch software reboot.

Read more: What is stackable

Common questions about PoE:

Is PoE useful for extending network reach?

Yes! PoE can extend your network reach. How? By delivering DC and data over the same Ethernet cable, you can install devices like security cameras or wireless access points in locations far from DC outlets. This makes PoE ideal for large-scale and flexible network deployments.

Would PoE hurt no-Poe devices?

Absolutely no! In a PoE setup, the Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE) has a detection phase determining whether the connected device supports PoE. If it doesn’t, the PSE won’t transmit electricity, thus preventing any potential damage.

Can PoE deliver an Uninterruptable Power Supply?

PoE technology does not inherently provide an uninterruptible power supply (UPS). However, if the PoE switch or injector is connected to a UPS, it can deliver uninterrupted power to the connected devices during a power outage. This setup can help ensure the continuous operation of critical devices.