POE

What is POE?

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POE vs POE+ vs POE++

What is Power Over Ethernet

Power over Ethernet (PoE) is a technology that allows electrical power and data to be transmitted over 100 meters of a single Ethernet cable. This simplifies the installation of network devices, such as IP cameras, wireless access points, POS terminals, kiosks, and VoIP phones, by eliminating the need for separate power supplies. PoE is governed by the IEEE802.3xx standard that defines the methods and specifications for delivering power and data safely and efficiently over Ethernet cables.

Overview of PoE Standards

PoE standards are a set of protocols defined by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) that promotes the development and application of electrotechnology. Regarding PoE, there are three standards; IEEE802.3af, IEEE802.3at, and IEEE802.3bt, which specify power levels, wiring configurations, and other technical parameters to ensure the safe and efficient delivery of power over Ethernet cables. Adherence to PoE standards guarantees compatibility and reliability across different network devices and manufacturers, promoting widespread adoption and interoperability.

IEEE 802.3af (PoE)

The PoE standards began in 2003 with the introduction of IEEE802.3af standard, also known as the PoE standard, specifies how to safely deliver 15.4W of power from Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE) and 12.95 watts of power at the Powered Device (PD) using 44-57 volts of DC power over Cat5 ethernet cables. The first application was VoIP (Voice Over IP), with other applications, such as WAP (Wireless Access Points), and low-power surveillance cameras quickly adopting the standard, which ensures interoperability between different vendors’ equipment, providing a reliable and widely adopted method for powering network devices.

IEEE 802.3at (PoE+)

In 2009, the IEEE802.3at standard, also known as PoE+, was released. This standard, providing up to 30 watts from the PSE and 25.5 watts at the PD over Cat5 cables. This higher power level supports more demanding devices like PTZ cameras, higher speed wireless access points and video IP phones. It ensures backward compatibility with POE.

IEEE802.3bt (PoE++) Type 3

To meet the growing demand for higher power devices, the IEEE 802.3bt standard was introduced in 2018. Also known as Hi Power PoE (Hi-PoE) and PoE++, the IEEE 802.3bt standard is the latest PoE standard delivering from 60 watts (TYPE 3) to 90 watts (TYPE 4) of power from a PSE. The IEEE802.3bt standard is backwards compatible to the IEEE802,3af and IEEE802.3at standards and can support PD’s with power requirements from 51 watts (TYPE 3) to 71.3 watts (TYPE 4). This standard supports high-power devices such as digital signage, LED lighting, and high-performance wireless access points. IEEE 802.3bt provides greater flexibility and scalability for modern networks, accommodating the growing demand for power-intensive applications.

IEEE802.3bt (PoE++) Type 4

TYPE 4 POE++ ALSO KNOWN AS UPOE (UNIVERSAL POWER OVER ETHERNET), TYPE 4 POE++ DELIVERS UP TO 100W PER PORT. THIS IS ALMOST SEVEN TIMES THE POWER PROVIDED BY THE ORIGINAL TYPE 1 POE STANDARD. TYPE 4 POE++ SUPPORTS DEMANDING DEVICES LIKE HIGH-PERFORMANCE SERVERS AND SPECIALIZED INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT.

POE Applications & Devices

Voice and Communication

VoIP phones and video conferencing systems are powered and connected via PoE, enhancing office communication. Conference phones and PBX systems also benefit, ensuring clear and reliable communication solutions.

Datacom / Networking

Wireless networks benefit from PoE, with devices like Wireless Access Points (WAPs) providing both data connectivity and power. PoE supports mesh networking devices, extending coverage, and bridges that connect distant segments without additional power sources. WiFi networks, integral to both residential and commercial environments, rely on PoE to power various networking components, ensuring seamless and reliable wireless connectivity. Additionally, 5G technology, which promises faster speeds, lower latency, and higher capacity, can utilize PoE to power small cell installations, enhancing network performance and coverage.

Data Centers

PoE midspans can power non-PoE network infrastructures for networking equipment, servers, and other devices.

Security / Surveillance

PoE technology is integral to security systems, powering IP cameras for surveillance, access control systems (including biometric fingerprint, facial recognition devices, card readers, electronic locks, keypads, etc.), electronic gate locks and intercom systems for seamless communication in buildings.

Retail (Kiosks, Displays, POS Systems)

Self-checkout and point-of-sale (POS) machines in grocery and retail stores, price-checking kiosks, digital advertising, informational displays, ticket machines, printers, patient check-in kiosks in hospitals, can utilize PoE technology.

Lighting

PoE lighting offers significant advantages in industrial environments. By using Ethernet cables to deliver both power and data to LED lighting fixtures, facilities can achieve greater energy efficiency and simplified installation. PoE lighting systems can be integrated with sensors and building management systems, enabling smart lighting controls such as occupancy sensing, daylight harvesting, and remote management. This integration results in reduced energy consumption, lower maintenance costs, and enhanced operational flexibility.

Building Automation

In building automation, PoE powered LED lighting in offices, retail spaces, and warehouses offer energy efficiency and control advantages. Sensor control systems monitor temperature and humidity. Building automation systems communicate with HVAC systems, incorporating features like occupancy sensors and smart thermostats.

Robotics

In robotics, PoE technology powers robotic arms and manipulators for industrial tasks, supports automated guided vehicles (AGVs) in logistics operations, and enables drones and UAVs for surveillance and aerial missions.

Infrastructure & Public Utilities

Outdoor PoE

Outdoor PoE applications are critical in infrastructure and public utilities. These include powering outdoor security cameras, environmental monitoring systems, traffic management systems, and public WiFi hotspots. PoE can also support street lighting and smart city applications, where sensors and communication devices are integrated into municipal services. Using PoE for these applications simplifies installation and maintenance, ensures reliable power delivery in various weather conditions, and enhances the scalability of urban infrastructure projects.

Public Transit

Transportation Mode

GRID Power-over-Ethernet DC input injectors provide a flexible power delivery option for PoE-enabled devices that operate on DC power sources. These injectors enable the transmission of power and data over ethernet cables, facilitating the use of IP security cameras in environments where DC power infrastructure is prevalent. Users can link them to a battery source. Phihong PoE DC input injectors support data speeds of up to 2.5G and are available in 30W and 90W variants. Common applications include trains, locomotives, and transit surveillance systems.

Medical

Hospitals & Care Facilities

Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology is increasingly being applied in the medical industry to enhance efficiency and functionality in various healthcare environments. PoE lighting systems provide reliable and energy-efficient illumination in hospitals and clinics, allowing for centralized control and integration with other smart building systems. In greenfield applications, where new healthcare facilities are being built, PoE infrastructure offers a flexible and scalable solution for deploying advanced medical equipment and devices. Additionally, PoE supports robust Wi-Fi networks essential for seamless communication, telemedicine, and real-time patient monitoring, ensuring that medical staff have access to critical information whenever needed.

PoE Applications: Wattage and Voltage Range Overview

This should be the most obvious feature of all, there are different wattages and voltages for different types of applications. GRID carries a wide range of products varying power outputs. Wattage ranges from 13W – 576W, and output voltage can range from 5V-56V.

Low power PoE Injector Applications (13W – 30W):

IP Cameras: A low power injector is commonly used to power Internet Protocol (IP) cameras and other surveillance systems like Network Video Recorders (NVRs).

Access Control Systems: PoE injectors can power access control devices such as card readers, keypads, door controllers, biometric fingerprint and facial recognition devices.

VoIP Phones: Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phones and intercoms often utilize injectors to power individual phones in offices or call centers.

Point-of-Sale (POS) Systems: PoE injectors can power devices such as barcode scanners or card readers in retail environments.

APs / Wireless Access Points / Wireless Bridges: A low power injector would be great for powering a wireless bridge. It’s a networking device that connects two or more separate wired networks or network segments.

Digital Signage: Using IP to control the signage and POE to power the signage screens

Monitors: There are desktop monitors that are POE

Docking Stations: Connection hubs for LapTop computers are available in IP/POE

LapTops: LapTops are available that can be powered / charged by POE++

Audio: There are IP / POE speakers for audio, paging and more

Lighting: Commercial, Industrial and residential lighting fixtures are now available as IP/POE

Smart Home Automation: Components like LED lighting, thermostats, and voice assistants can utilize PoE for simplified installation and management

IoT Devices: A wide range of Internet of Things devices, including doorbells, smart home hubs, and sensors, can be powered by PoE.

Industrial controls: A wide range of industrial control devices are now IP / POE for controlling automation and industrial controls

Enabling communication between devices on each network as if they were directly connected by a physical cable, even if they’re located far apart and cannot be connected by traditional means.

In the realm of Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology, several key terms are crucial. This section explores various types of terminology, helping you understand how PoE functions and interacts within network environments.

PSE

Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE) refers to devices that provide power to PoE-enabled devices over Ethernet cables. PSEs can be network switches or PoE midspan/injectors. These devices are responsible for detecting PoE-compatible devices and supplying the appropriate amount of power. PSE plays a critical role in PoE networks, ensuring reliable power delivery and enabling the use of various PoE devices.

PoE Injector and Midspans

PoE injectors and PoE midspans are two terms for the same thing, whether they are 1 port or multi ports. PoE injectors/midspans essentially serve the fundamental purpose of enabling non-PoE network switches to deliver power alongside data to a PoE-compatible device through a single Ethernet cable.

Passive and Active Injectors (Dumb and Smart Injectors)

Passive and Active Injectors are also referred to as Dumb and Smart Injectors: PoE injectors are available in either “passive” or “active” format. Passive PoE injectors provide a fixed output voltage that does not have any negotiation or handshake with the end powered device (PD). Passive Injectors have a simpler design with a lower cost, and are often used in applications where the passive PoE injector and PD are provided together as a bundled solution.

In contrast, active PoE injectors adhere to IEEE standards (such as 802.3af, 802.3at, and 802.3bt) and require a handshake between the active PoE injector and the PD to negotiate and deliver the correct amount of power. The handshake between the active PoE injector and PD is crucial to ensure powering compatibility to avoid damage to the PD. This ensures safety, compatibility, and adaptability to a variety of devices, making active PoE Injectors the perfect solution for open architecture systems requiring the interoperability between injector and PD’s from different manufacturers.

Detection

Detection in Power over Ethernet (PoE) refers to the process by which Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE) identifies whether a connected device is PoE-compatible and capable of receiving power. This detection mechanism is essential to prevent accidental damage to non-PoE devices and ensures efficient power delivery to PoE-enabled devices. Typically, detection involves the PSE sending a low voltage signal down the Ethernet cable to check for the presence of a valid PoE signature. If the connected device responds appropriately, indicating it can accept PoE, the PSE then proceeds to deliver power at the appropriate voltage and current levels. This detection process is standardized across different PoE implementations (such as IEEE 802.3af, 802.3at, and 802.3bt), ensuring compatibility and safe operation within PoE networks.

Classification

Classification in Power over Ethernet (PoE) refers to the process by which Powered Devices (PDs) are categorized based on their power requirements. This classification helps Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE) determine how much power to deliver. PDs can be classified into different classes (such as Class 0 to Class 4), each corresponding to specific power needs defined by IEEE standards (802.3af, 802.3at, 802.3bt). Higher classes require more power, accommodating devices with greater power demands like PTZ cameras with heaters or wireless access points. Understanding classification is crucial for ensuring proper power allocation in PoE networks and avoiding overloading or underpowering devices, thereby optimizing network performance and reliability.

Disconnect

In Power over Ethernet (PoE) terminology, “disconnect” refers to the mechanism that ensures safe power delivery in case of faults or when devices are unplugged. This feature is crucial for protecting both the equipment and the network from potential damage due to unexpected power surges or short circuits. After power is applied to a PD the load is constantly monitored to ensure that it stays within specified envelopes of current, voltage and time. When a disconnect event occurs, the PSE detects an out of envelope level and ceases power delivery to the affected port or device, preventing any potential harm. Understanding disconnect mechanisms is essential for maintaining the reliability and safety of PoE networks, ensuring uninterrupted operation and protection against electrical hazards.

PD

In Power over Ethernet (PoE) terminology, “PD” stands for Powered Device. PDs are devices that receive power and data through Ethernet cables from Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE) such as PoE switches or injectors. These devices include IP cameras, wireless access points, VoIP phones, and other network devices designed to operate with PoE technology. PDs are classified into different categories (Class 0 to Class 4) based on their power consumption needs, allowing PSEs to deliver the appropriate amount of power efficiently. Understanding PDs is essential for designing, deploying, and managing PoE networks effectively, ensuring seamless integration and reliable operation of powered devices.

POE Switch

A Power over Ethernet (PoE) switch is a network switch that, in addition to providing data connectivity, also delivers electrical power over the same Ethernet cables to connected devices. This eliminates the need for separate power outlets and cables for those devices. A PoE switch combines the functionality of a standard network switch with the ability to supply power, usually DC, to devices like VoIP phones, security cameras, and wireless access points. Instead of needing a separate power supply and Ethernet cable for each device, a PoE switch delivers both power and data through a single Ethernet cable

POE Terminology