Lucero Artemio, Senior Product Manager
Are you looking to maximize your network efficiency? One way to do so is by choosing the right PoE switch for your business needs. But what exactly is a PoE switch and how does it differ from a regular Ethernet switch? In this blog post, we’ll explore the different standards of PoE (PoE vs PoE+ vs PoE++) and their applications. We’ll also discuss What is PoE Switch and Why using a PoE switch can be beneficial for IoT networking. So, let’s dive in!
What is PoE Switch? The difference between the Regular Ethernet Switch.
A PoE switch is a type of Ethernet switch which has the ability to provide power to connected devices over the Ethernet cables. This can be useful in situations where there is no other source of power available, or where it would be inconvenient to run a separate power cable to the device.
PoE switches work by using the spare pairs of wires in an Ethernet cable for carrying both data and power. This means that a single cable can be used for both purposes, which can simplify wiring in some applications. PoE switches are available in a variety of port counts and speeds, just like regular Ethernet switches. They also come with a variety of features, such as support for different types of PoE (e.g. 802.3af vs 802.3at), and management capabilities.
The main difference between a PoE switch and a regular Ethernet switch is the presence of PoE ports on the former. These allow devices to be powered via the Ethernet cable, which can be very convenient in some situations. Other than that, they function in much the same way as any other type of switch.
10 Port Unmanaged Gigabit PoE Switch(FR-5A3010P)
16 Port Unmanaged Gigabit PoE Switch(FR-5A3216P)
8 Port Managed Gigabit PoE++ Switch(FR-5M3208BT)
24G+4*10G SFP+ Layer 3 Managed PoE Switch
PoE vs PoE+ vs PoE++ Standard
What is IEEE802.3 af PoE Standard For PoE Switch?
The IEEE 802.3af PoE Standard is a specification that defines the standards for Power over Ethernet (PoE) equipment. This standard was created by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and was approved in 2003. The PoE Standard provides guidance on how to safely and effectively transmit power over Ethernet cabling. It is important to note that the PoE Standard does not define specific products or manufacturers; rather, it establishes safety requirements that all PoE products must meet.
What is IEEE802.3 at PoE+ Standard For PoE Switch?
IEEE 802.3 at PoE+ Standard is a new standard for Power over Ethernet (PoE) that provides up to 25.5 watts of power per port. This is enough to power devices such as high-end VoIP phones, wireless access points, and pan/tilt cameras. The increased power allows for longer cable runs and higher-power devices. The standard also supports both IEEE 802.3af and IEEE 802.3at PoE devices.
What is IEEE802.3 bt PoE++ Standard?
IEEE 802.3bt PoE++ is the next generation of Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology, providing up to 100 watts of power per port. It is based on the IEEE 802.3at PoE++ standard and is backwards compatible with existing PoE devices. The new standard supports higher power levels and enables new applications such as virtual reality headsets, video conferencing systems, and wireless access points.
| PoE | PoE+ | PoE++ | PoE++ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IEEE Standard | IEEE 802.3af | IEEE 802.3at | IEEE 802.3bt | IEEE 802.3bt |
| PoE Type | Type 1 | Type 2 | Type 3 | Type 4 |
| Device Port Power | ||||
| Max Port Power | 15.4W | 30W | 60W | 100W |
| Port Voltage Range | 44-57V | 50-57V | 50-57V | 52-57V |
| Power over Ethernet Cables | ||||
| Supported Cables | Cat3/Above | Cat5/Above | Cat5/Above | Cat5/Above |
| Twisted Pair Used | 2-pair | 2-pair | 2/4-pair | 4-pair |
| Power Device Power | ||||
| Max Power to Device | 12.95W | 25.5W | 51W | 71W |
| Voltage Range to Device | 37-57V | 42.5-57V | 42.5-57V | 41.1-57V |
Application of PoE Switches, PoE+ Switch and PoE++ Switches
The Power over Ethernet standard, or PoE, is a technology that allows Ethernet-based devices to receive power through the same cable that carries data. This means that network devices like IP cameras, VoIP phones, and access points can be powered without the need for a separate power connection. PoE was originally developed for use with standard Ethernet cables but has since been expanded to include higher-speed variants like PoE+ and PoE++.
PoE switches are specialized networking devices that provide power over Ethernet connections. They can be used to deploy PoE-powered devices in a variety of settings, including homes, small businesses, and enterprise networks. PoE switches come in a variety of form factors, from standalone units to rack-mounted models.
PoE+ and PoE++ are newer versions of the PoE standard that support higher power levels. PoE+ switches can deliver up to 30 watts of power per port, while PoE++ switches can deliver up to 60 watts. These higher power levels allow for the deployment of more powerful devices, such as 4K IP cameras and 802.11ac access points.
While the increased power levels offered by PoE+ and PoE++ are certainly appealing, they come at a cost. The higher wattage required by these standards results in increased heat generation, which can lead to decreased reliability and shorter device lifetimes. For this reason, it is important to carefully consider the benefits.
Why Use the PoE Switch? The benefit of the IoT Networking
There are many reasons to use a PoE switch for your IoT network. The most obvious reason is that it can provide power to devices over the Ethernet cable, which is very convenient. But there are other benefits as well.
For one, a PoE switch can help you save money on energy costs. If you’re using devices that require a lot of power, like security cameras or video conferencing equipment, then you can cut down on your electricity bill by using a PoE switch.
Another benefit of using a PoE switch is that it can help improve the reliability of your network. When all of your devices are connected to the same power source, they’re less likely to experience power problems. This can be especially important in industrial environments where power fluctuations are common.
Finally, a PoE switch can offer flexibility in terms of installation and expansion. If you need to add new devices to your network, or if you want to move existing devices around, then you won’t have to worry about running new power cables. This can make it much easier to keep your IoT network running smoothly.