How Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) Is Adapting To the High-Power IoT Revolution

The Internet of Things (IoT) is revolutionizing industries around the world, and its reach is only growing. As devices become more powerful, they need more power to function, increasing the demand for reliable power sources. Enter Power-over-Ethernet (PoE), a technology that delivers both data and power over Ethernet cables. PoE has been around for years, but it has been limited by its maximum power output—until now. In this blog post, we’ll explore how PoE is adapting to the high-power IoT revolution, enabling new use cases and possibilities for connected devices everywhere.

What is PoE?

Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) is a technology that enables electrical power to be carried over twisted-pair Ethernet cabling. This allows devices such as computers, VoIP phones, and security cameras to be powered through the same cable that carries data. PoE has been around for many years and has been used mostly for low-power devices such as VoIP phones. However, with the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT), there is a need for higher power PoE in order to power devices such as sensors, thermal cameras, and access control readers.

The IEEE 802.3at standard, also known as PoE+, supports up to 25.5 watts of power per port. The newer IEEE 802.3bt standard, which was released in 2018, supports up to 90 watts of power per port. This higher power allows for more devices to be powered by PoE and opens up new possibilities for IoT applications.

While higher power PoE is still in its early stages, it is already being used in some applications such as security cameras and thermal imaging cameras. In the future, we can expect to see more devices powered by PoE+ and 802.3bt as the technology continues to evolve.

The Different Types of PoE

There are a few different types of Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) that are being used in various applications and devices. The two most common types are passive PoE and active PoE.

Passive PoE is the most basic type of PoE and it simply means that power is supplied through the Ethernet cable to the device. Active PoE, on the other hand, is a bit more complex. It involves using an active Ethernet switch that can supply power to the device through the Ethernet cable.

The main difference between these two types of PoE is that passive PoE requires no external power source, while active PoE does. This makes passive PoE much simpler to deploy and manage. However, active PoE can provide more power to devices, which is often necessary for high-power IoT devices.

Other less common types of PoE include mid-span PSEs and end-span PSEs. Mid-span PSEs are devices that can be deployed in the middle of an Ethernet network to provide power to IoT devices. End-span PSEs are similar but they are typically deployed at the end of an Ethernet network (near the edge device).

Both mid-span PSEs and end-span PSEs have their own advantages and disadvantages depending on the application or deployment scenario. But overall, they provide more flexibility when deploying Power-over-Ethernet since they can be

Pros and Cons of PoE

As the world becomes more connected, the demand for power-over-ethernet (PoE) devices is increasing. PoE is a technology that allows electrical power to be transmitted over twisted pair Ethernet cables. It is commonly used in devices such as IP phones, Wireless Access Points, and Security Cameras. The main advantage of PoE is that it simplifies the installation of networked devices by eliminating the need for a separate power cable. This can save time and money, especially in large installations. Another advantage of PoE is that it can provide a backup power source in case of a power outage.

There are some disadvantages to PoE as well. One is that it can require special equipment, such as injectors or midspans, which can add to the cost of installation. Another disadvantage is that it can be less reliable than other power sources, such as AC power adapters. Finally, PoE can be less energy-efficient than other power sources, such as batteries.

What Devices are Powered by PoE?

As the Internet of Things (IoT) continues to grow, the demand for power-over-Ethernet (PoE) technology is also increasing. PoE allows devices to be powered through an Ethernet cable, which means that no other power source is required. This is especially beneficial for devices that are difficult to access or are located in areas where there is no reliable power source.

Some of the most common devices that are powered by PoE include security cameras, VoIP phones, and wireless access points. However, the list of devices that can be powered by PoE is constantly growing as more and more manufacturers adopt this technology. In the future, it is likely that we will see even more devices powered by PoE, including smart home devices and wearables.

Conclusion

The IoT revolution is changing the way we think about Power-over-Ethernet (PoE). With increased power demands and more sophisticated applications, PoE has had to adapt. Today, PoE is capable of powering a variety of devices and technologies that are essential for modern industry. As PoE technology continues to evolve, it will become even more powerful in its ability to support the growing number of IoT devices out there. It’s an exciting time for PoE as this new era begins!