Introduction to Power over Ethernet
Power over Ethernet (PoE) is a technology for supplying power to devices over Ethernet cables. It eliminates the need for extra power cables or AC/DC adapters, making it ideal for powering devices in hard-to-reach places or where space is limited. PoE technology has been around for many years, but it is only recently that it has started to gain widespread adoption in both homes and businesses.
There are two main types of PoE: Active PoE and Passive PoE. Active PoE supplies power using an active device, such as a switch, while Passive PoE uses the existing infrastructure of an Ethernet cable to provide power. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, which will be discussed in more detail below.
Active PoE:
– Advantages:
— More flexible since it can be used with any Ethernet cable
— Can supply more power than passive PoE
– Disadvantages:
— Requires an active device, such as a switch, to supply power
— More expensive than passive PoE
Passive PoE:
– Advantages:
— Uses existing infrastructure of an Ethernet cable to provide power
— No need for an active device, making it less expensive than active PoE
– Disadvantages:
Type 1: Basic Power over Ethernet
Power over Ethernet, or PoE, is a technology that allows devices to receive power through an Ethernet cable. There are three major types of PoE: Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3. Each type has its own set of benefits and drawbacks.
Type 1 PoE is the most basic form of the technology. It provides power to devices, but does not offer any data connectivity. This means that devices powered by Type 1 PoE cannot transmit or receive data over the Ethernet connection. While this may be suitable for some devices, such as security cameras or lights, it limits the usefulness of others, such as laptops or printers.
Type 1 PoE is also the least expensive type of PoE, making it a good choice for budget-conscious consumers. However, because it lacks data connectivity, it may not be the best choice for all applications.
Type 2: Mid-span Power over Ethernet Injector
As the name suggests, a mid-span power over Ethernet injector is a device that is used to provide power to Ethernet devices that are located in the middle of a network cable run. In most cases, these devices are used to power IP cameras or VoIP phones. Unlike end-span injectors, which are placed at the end of a cable run near the network switch, mid-span injectors are placed in the middle of the cable run, typically near where the powered device is located.
Mid-span injectors typically have two Ethernet ports: one for the upstream connection (towards the network switch) and one for the downstream connection (towards the powered device). Some mid-span injectors also have an additional port for connecting an unpowered device (such as a computer) to the same cable run.
When using a mid-span power over Ethernet injector, it is important to note that only half of the available pairs in the Ethernet cable are used for data transmission. The other half of the pairs are used for carrying DC power from the injector to the powered device. As a result, mid-span injectors can only be used with Ethernet cables that have four pairs (8 wires). Cables with fewer pairs will not work with this type of injector.
Type 3: End-span Power over Ethernet Injector
End-span Power over Ethernet Injectors are the most common type of power injector used today. They are typically used to connect devices such as IP phones, wireless access points, and security cameras to an Ethernet network.
End-span Power over Ethernet Injectors consist of two ports: a data port and a power port. The data port is used to connect the device to be powered to the Ethernet network. The power port is used to connect the power injector to a power source, such as a AC outlet or Power over Ethernet midspan.
When using an end-span Power over Ethernet Injector, the device being powered will receive both data and power over a single Ethernet cable. This eliminates the need for separate data and power cables, which can save time and money during installation.
Type 4: Power Sourcing Equipment
Type 4: Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE) provides power to devices over the Ethernet cable. It is typically used in industrial applications where higher voltages and currents are required. The PSE may be either a standalone device or built into the Ethernet switch.
Conclusion
We hope this article has helped you understand the different types of Power over Ethernet and their applications. With this knowledge, you can make a more informed decision on which type of PoE is best for your needs. Do you have any experience with Power over Ethernet? Let us know in the comments below!
