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A Power over Ethernet (PoE) switch is a type of network switch that provides power and data to PoE-enabled devices such as wireless access points, IP cameras, and VoIP phones over a single Ethernet cable. This eliminates the need for a separate power source for each device and simplifies the network infrastructure.
The most common PoE standard is 802.3af, which delivers up to 15.4 watts of power per port, while the newer 802.3at (also known as PoE+) can deliver up to 30 watts per port. Some high-end switches can even deliver up to 60 watts per port using the 802.3bt standard (also known as PoE++ or 4PPoE).
When selecting a PoE switch, it is important to consider the power requirements of the connected devices and the switch’s capacity to deliver power. It is also important to ensure that the switch is compatible with the PoE standard used by the devices.
PoE switches come in different configurations and capacities, ranging from small 4-port switches for home or small office use to large 48-port switches for enterprise-level networks. They also come in different classes, which determine the amount of power that can be delivered to a device.
What are the benefits of using a PoE Switch?
Installation Cost Savings
It costs a lot of money to bring standard power to locations where there is not any. For example, say you want to add cameras to the part of a warehouse that does not have power outlets. Without PoE, you would need to consult a certified electrician since a network administrator would very likely be unable to complete the electrical installation. However, with the low-voltage application of Power over Ethernet, anyone can run network cables (or PoE network cables) from the cameras to a PoE switch. Using PoE means you also avoid the need of installing power outlets, electrical wiring and breaker boxes, which saves even more money.
Greater Flexibility
PoE edge devices can be easily deployed in locations without power outlets. Since they no longer face the limit of needing a standard outlet to work, those previously hard to reach places can now be accessed with more ease. Installing a PoE network camera high up on the wall or the roof isn’t as daunting a task anymore since you only need one network cable to get power and network connections.
(Remote) Power Management
A very helpful feature of managed PoE switches is that you can access them over the Internet or local network. This access includes being able to remotely power-cycle edge devices that may have failed. The network camera that crashed or the VoIP phone that needs a reboot no longer needs physical intervention from a person on location. All that is needed for the required restart on either device is to initiate one via the switch management interface.
PoE Watch Dog / Guard / Powered Device Monitor
Some Managed Power over Ethernet Switches can monitor all connected PoE devices and automatically initiate the restart of a device that has failed to communicate for a defined period. Such a feature can be especially useful, for example, in case a security camera stops working in the middle of the night.