PoE Standards: A Guide to Powering Your Network Devices

Abstract

We summarize in our article about Power over Ethernet and the job of Power over Ethernet (PoE). PoE is a growing industry standard for powering devices that require both a data connection and power using the standard Ethernet cabling. The IEEE 802.3at and 802.3bt specifications permit the layering of up to 90 watts of electricity per network link onto already-installed or future Ethernet cable networks in a secure and reliable manner Networked devices can be installed and powered without the use of batteries or electrical services, including phones, wireless access points, cameras, lighting, displays, smart terminals, and many other categories. According to IEEE standards, power consumers are referred to as Powered Devices (PD) and PoE sources as Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE). In order to ensure safe, dependable powering that does not negatively impact non-PoE equipment and data transmission integrity throughout links up to 100 meters in length, both PSEs and PDs must adhere to a complicated set of standards.