PoE Troubleshooting Guide: Common Problems and Solutions

Power over Ethernet (PoE) is a revolutionary technology that can deliver power and data to network devices through cables. In PoE, there are three entities - Power Supply Device (PD), PoE Cable and Power Supply Device. This is widely used in various data networks, retail chains, traffic control systems and various other applications across industries.

Here, we can use PSE to power the device without the need for an external power supply. This works very well in situations where there is no grid or frequent power outages. It is also suitable for PoS, NFC, and other such standalone applications. However, PoE may not work properly sometimes. What should we do in such situations? Here are some common PoE-related problems and their solutions.

Common PoE Problems and How to Fix Them

Some of the most common PoE devices (power supply) in a network include PoE switches and media converters that act as PSEs. There are also PoE extenders and cables that help extend the transmission distance. PDs are connected devices such as IP phones, cameras, computers, PoS terminals, wireless access points, etc. If PoE stops working, the PD shuts down. Therefore, if it is necessary to find out why it is faulty through troubleshooting. Here are some tips.

Insufficient power supply

First, check the power switch, its power management configuration, and whether it is working properly. If applicable, check the cabling, the ports it is connected to, and whether it is connected correctly. Also check whether the required amount of power is available.

If both of these devices are functioning well, you then need to check the powered device, such as a camera or phone. This is a basic logical sequence for troubleshooting. If the PD only shuts down or restarts intermittently, it may be because it is not getting the power it needs through the cable or PSE.

Also, some devices may consume more power in certain full-featured modes, such as zoomed-in camera mode, gimbal mode in camera, etc. Power requirements need to be set accordingly.

Cable length

Sometimes geographic transmission distance can be an issue. Typically 100 meters is a comfortable range for most PoE devices. However, if that distance increases, it can cause signal loss on the cable, reduced transmission speeds, etc., resulting in intermittent power loss. In situations where distance is an issue, a PoE extender or PoE-powered switch can be used. A long-range PoE switch may also help.

Incorrect port or wiring

Sometimes, some ports may be faulty. Check all connected ports and switches for any devices that are not powered. This is because while one PSE can power multiple PDs, it may not be able to power all connected PDs. Try changing the port and see if the PD powers up. If the device powers up, this may prove that the port is faulty. We also need to check the wiring and whether it is connected correctly. If it is not correct, then the PoE device may not work at all.

Network Configuration

Choosing the right compatible PoE switch is necessary. Therefore, before installing, check the quality, compatibility, and configuration. The same applies to most PoE devices. If frequent problems occur, consider upgrading the device to a higher version and expanding the network size.

Incompatible devices

If the device does not comply with the PoE standards, then it may not work as required. To fix this issue, you need to check the specifications of the device and make sure that it is compatible with the PoE standards.

overheat

In PoE devices, overheating is caused due to improper ventilation. You should keep an eye on the temperature of the device as per the recommended range. This can easily resolve this issue.

If you are looking to upgrade your network with fiber or expand your network using PoE and purchasing equipment and cables, make sure you source these devices from a reliable and certified supplier.