Today's electronics enable people to complete tasks more quickly, thoroughly, and with less effort. Unfortunately, all the devices involved require electricity, which may not be available depending on the location of the power outlets. Data transmission through cable is also necessary, as reliable Wi-Fi may be unavailable, insecure, or too expensive.
Various industries are turning to Power over Ethernet (PoE) as a solution. The technology bundles data and power transmission into an Ethernet cable, which can drastically streamline operations and reduce costs.
- What Is Power over Ethernet (PoE) and Why It Matters
- How PoE Works
- Common Applications of PoE
- Benefits of Power over Ethernet
- Considerations Before Implementing PoE
What Is Power over Ethernet (PoE) and Why It Matters
Most devices, such as digital security cameras, typically have two connections or cords: one to receive power from an outlet, allowing them to function, and one to transmit data or send the video feed to a receiver, like an industrial panel PC.
Power over Ethernet (PoE) is a technology that enables the transmission of both electrical power and data over a single Ethernet cable. This setup eliminates both the need for nearby electrical outlets or other separate power supplies, as well as the need for an individual data transmission outlet.
How PoE Works
The Ethernet cable is the central part of how PoE works. In each one are pairs of wires called twisted pairs. Each cable has four pairs. PoE uses two of these pairs to transmit data, while the other two are used to transmit power.
New PoE standards, such as Type 3 and 4, utilize all four twisted pairs for both power and data.
The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) has categorized PoE into three major categories:
- IEEE 802.3af (PoE): Provides up to 15.4W of power per port. Used for Voice over IP (VoIP) phones.
- IEEE 802.3at (PoE+): Provides up to 30W of power per port. Perfect for certain cameras and Wireless Access Points (WAP).
- IEEE 802.3bt (PoE++ / 4PPoE): Provides up to 90W of power per port for applications such as digital signage and other high-power devices.
Data speeds depend on the type of cable and the standard used. Cat5 and Cat6 PoE cables can deliver data at 1 gigabit per second (Gbps) over distances of up to 100 meters (328 feet).
Devices that receive power and transmit data through Ethernet cables are called Powered Devices (PD). An example is a PoE Industrial Panel PC. It and other PoE devices connect to Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE), such as a PoE switch, which provides the power and handles data exchange.
Other devices, such as PoE Splitters, PoE Injectors, and PoE Extenders, handle data and power in specific ways. For example, splitters separate the data and power to work with non-PoE devices, like an all-in-one touchscreen PC.
Common Applications of PoE
Hospitality, healthcare, and many vertical markets and industries have extensively leveraged PoE devices and equipment.
- VoIPs are the most common applications of PoE. They are found in many business offices and institutions.
- A wide range of businesses, from finance giants to coffee shops, utilize WAPS to offer Wi-Fi access throughout their facilities. The access points use an Ethernet cable for power and data transmission.
- Manufacturing plants, government buildings, and schools utilize PoE flexibility to strategically deploy PoE security cameras throughout their facilities. The cameras don't have to be near power outlets, making them ideal for out-of-the-way places. Similar cameras can also be found in public vehicles, such as buses, which use rugged mini PCs to power and store their video feeds.
- The PoE-based patient monitoring system used at the University of Wisconsin Hospital (UWH) is an example of the technology's use in healthcare. UWH needed a way to quickly provide patient vitals, such as dietary restrictions and medication, to caregivers working in the long-term care ward. Installing new outlets and their wiring in each patient's room would have been extremely expensive. PoE computers mounted outside each patient's room proved to be the solution.
Other applications of PoE include smart offices and smart cities.
Benefits of Power over Ethernet
PoE, by reducing the once cumbersome setup of separate data lines and power cords, offers plenty of benefits to businesses and consumers.
- Users of PoE devices don't have to deal with the hassle of separate AC/DC power supplies, power bricks, and outlets.
- PoE devices, such as security cameras and wireless access points, can be located in out-of-the-way places, like ceilings.
- Hiring an electrician to install new wiring and electrical outlets is unnecessary. Not only are time and costs saved for many companies, but certain industries, like healthcare, cannot shut down during such work.
- There are fewer regulations regarding the installation and placement of Ethernet cables and outlets. Even better, the cables are inexpensive and often found already installed at sites.
- PoE devices and switches are specifically designed to work with less power than conventional network devices without sacrificing quality. As a result, companies can see a drop in their energy bills.
- Users can restart specific PoE configurations if their devices fail during a power outage.
- Mission-critical applications on PoE can be protected from those same outages by being attached to an uninterruptible power supply.
Considerations Before Implementing PoE
Businesses looking at PoE as a means for greater network flexibility should consider the following question.
- What are your power requirements?
Each PD will have different requirements. You'll need to know each one's wattage and ensure the PSE can transmit that amount of power. Account for loss of control, especially if using extenders for out-of-the-way PDs.
- What is your budget?
Ethernet cables, PDs, PSEs, and other PoE devices can be more expensive than their non-PoE counterparts. You will save, though, in the long run, especially from less power usage.
- What's your network infrastructure?
More specifically, how and where will PoE fit in your current layout and in future plans? PoE cables, as previously mentioned, have a maximum range of 100 meters from a PSE. Is that enough? If not, you'll need PoE extenders to pass the limit.
- What is the long-term scalability?
PoE setups, such as complex lighting systems and large-area WAPs, consume a significant amount of power. If your business has plans for them or similar setups for the future, consider installing higher-power PoE switches (PoE++) to support such growth.
Let Cybernet Be Your Power over Ethernet Source and Connection
Power over Ethernet provides power and data connectivity through a single cord to electronics like telephones, surveillance cameras, and PoE computers. Benefits of this setup include reduced costs, lower power usage, and increased location flexibility. Businesses as diverse as manufacturing, security, and healthcare use PoE devices in daily operations.
Contact the team at Cybernet Manufacturing if your business is looking to roll out the technology for your latest project. We have a range of pre-built PoE computers for use in diverse work environments and settings. And it's not a problem if none are exactly what you're looking for. As an Original Design Manufacturer, we have direct control over the many features of our products. We're confident that our talented designers and engineers can build the PoE PC to meet your wants and needs.