What is Power over Ethernet (PoE) and what are its benefits?

Read on to learn how PoE works, its benefits, and devices that commonly use PoE.

How does PoE work?

Most Ethernet cables are manufactured with four pairs of wires, but typically only two of those pairs are used. PoE takes advantage of the spare two pairs and adapts them into conductors to carry power.

Ethernet cables marked Category 5 and above are safe to use as PoE cables - the wires in these cables have been bundled separately to carry data and power, with no possibility of interference between them.

Advantages of PoE

Power over Ethernet brings a range of advantages to any network where it is available.

• Reduce installation costs

By transmitting both power and data over a single cable, PoE installation costs are lower than traditional cabling costs. Since there is no need to connect to a main power source, PoE allows for outdoor installations without the need to install electrical infrastructure such as power outlets at each endpoint.

Additionally, network cables do not require a professional electrician to install.

Legacy systems such as telephone systems can also be repurposed through PoE injectors and splitters to add PoE devices without installing new electrical infrastructure.

• Safety

A single power source (a Cat5e or higher Ethernet cable) instead of multiple adapters and outlets makes installation simpler, with fewer steps and fewer potential hazards. Steady power from a single outlet also means less risk of power outages, potential damage to equipment, and electrical overloads.

• Flexibility

PoE Plug and Play - Devices can easily adapt to changing environments, and the entire network can add or remove devices without interruption. Since you are not tethered to a power outlet, you have more flexibility in installing devices and have the freedom to place them where they are most needed.

• Scalability

The flexibility of repurposing legacy systems and not relying on outlets makes installing and distributing new network connections simple and straightforward. In addition, PoE networks can be easily expanded to add more devices in different rooms or locations.

• Enhanced data collection capabilities

PoE is ideal for data collection. For example, facilities using analytics software can assess whether the areas they manage are occupied and whether HVAC components and LED lighting should be turned on or off.

What devices use PoE?

As PoE continues to be prioritized as a technology and adopted by manufacturers, the list of devices that use PoE is expanding.

Currently, its three main applications are:

• VoIP Phone: A phone that transmits and makes calls over an IP network. PoE-enabled VoIP phones require only a wall socket connection and can be powered off remotely.
• IP Camera: A digital camera that sends image data over an IP network. The flexibility of PoE makes it ideal for surveillance cameras that need to be quickly relocated and deployed.
• Wireless Networking: RFID readers, Wi-Fi access points, and Bluetooth access points can use PoE technology to enable remote access.

The Future of PoE Technology

As PoE technology continues to evolve, steps are being taken to upgrade its supporting infrastructure. The latest PoE standard supports 100 watts of power (enough to power an average laptop, but not enough to power a full desktop system). The Ethernet Alliance has also launched a certification program for PoE devices that meet the standard with the "EA Certified 2.0" logo.