Power over Ethernet (PoE) is an advanced technology for appliance-wired ethernet local area networks (LANs) that enables the electrical current to pass through devices for operation instead of standard electrical power cords and wiring.

These ethernet cables (bulk Cat5e Copper Cable, bulk Cat6 Copper Cable, and Cat6a Copper Cable) along with signals also carry current for devices to operate professionally and can be used in both surveillance as well as in offices, education sectors, healthcare centers, and for security purposes. 

The PoE standard was developed in 2003 to support devices such as wireless access points (WAPs). Different vendors choose various types of proprietary PoE to provide PoE compatibles. The conductor inside the Cat5e ethernet cable or Cat6 ethernet cable and last but not least Cat6a ethernet cable meets the specification of Power over Ethernet.

What is PoE?

Power over Ethernet is an easy way of transferring current to those devices that cannot be easily available for the access points in which they are installed. PoE installers must determine the new and old devices as some older versions of PoE would not be compatible with the new version of the devices. 

How Does PoE Work?

The PoE works through an electrical current to goes into the ethernet cable at the power supply (Input) and passes through the other end of the device (Output).

The ethernet cable is designed in such a way that electric current and signals would not interfere with each other for the proper functioning of the device.

Current enters the Cat6 ethernet cable through a component called an injector. (A PoE injector that connects your PoE-enabled network device to a non-PoE LAN switch port).

If the device, on the other hand, is power over ethernet compatible then it will work properly without any additional resources.

Additionally,  if it does not meet the specifications then a component called a picker or tap must be installed to pass the current to another device. This picked-off current will be directed toward the power jack.

Devices That Use PoE

As the Power over ethernet was developed for the older version of compatible devices that supported all wireless access points were later on not suitable for augmented technology like video surveillance and cameras.

Over time, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and several vendors have attempted to address the power issues but unfortunately, the problem persists.

PoE supports the following devices with a range of 30 to 47 watts of power.

• Internet protocol, VoIP (voice over internet protocol), and video telephones.

• Worldwide interoperability for WiMAX, and AP devices or nodes.

• Pan, tilt and zoom robotic cameras

• Remote computer terminals, laptops, computer monitors, thin client computers, and large computer displays.

• Liquid crystal display screens and large TVs.

• Door access systems and video signing displays, etc

• Network audio.

 

There is a need to introduce the new standards of PoE to align all the new technology to function properly as per standards. The IEEE introduced 802.3bt (a new standard known as high power PoE or PoE+.

With the help of this new upgrade, PoE accommodates cat5 and cat6 cables and their internal structure (4 twisted pairs of wires) and supports devices that might need more power.

Such standards include different devices such as

• Light-emitting diode lighting

• Security card readers

• High Performance (WAPs)

• Intercoms

• Video conferencing

• Security cameras

Pros Of Power Over Ethernet

The PoE has various advantages that can be accountable to its usage and can be necessary for some aspects of domestic or commercial installation purposes.

Ease of Installation

PoE once compatible with the device can easily be installed and can be fastened into electrical system outlets without any hassle.

Cost Savings

Can reduce your cost as a single cable can give you the benefit of data transfer along with supplying electric current to the devices.

Safety

It also provides safety by automatically restricting current flows if there is some interruption in service.

Data Speed

PoE can deliver a fast speed of over 1 Gbps, 10/100/1000 Mbps using category 5 and 6 ethernet cables. The PoE standard (IEEE 802.3bz) can deliver speeds of up to 2.5 Gbps over 100 meters (328 ft) standard length measurement.

Security

PoE devices attached to networks with high-level security enjoy the same security protection as other network assets.

Cons of PoE

There are also some concerns with PoE which are under consideration before opting to power over ethernet. As it is not a panacea. 

The following are the drawbacks and should be evaluated before improvising it.

Outages

A single PoE connection is usually connected to multiple devices. If there is a single failure in the stream results in the failure of all devices or all devices will go down.

Power Limits

The older PoE standards demand a 30-watt power supply, as new technology devices need higher wattages and need an upgraded version of IEEE 802.3bz.

Higher Switch Costs

PoE cables are cost-efficient, giving double edges in a single cable, but their switches cost more than ordinary switches.

Distance Limit

PoE transmission is limited to 100 meters unless PoE extenders or other methods are used to supply power.

Security

In case of a lack of network security, bad actors who want to penetrate or access PoE devices will have easier access.

Under these drawbacks, you should consider these points before choosing this setup. 

Ethernet Cables That Support PoE

You might be very conscious of knowing which ethernet cables are used for PoE applications. Here, let me tell you by mentioning the details of the cables along with the conductor ratings. Keep this in mind never use a CCA conductor for PoE application as it will distort the signals if overheated. Following are the cables that are suitable for power over ethernet.

• Cat5e Unshielded Plenum/Riser Pure Copper Cable

• Cat5e Shielded Plenum/Riser Copper Cable

• Cat6 Unshielded Plenum/Riser Copper Cable

• Cat6 Shielded Plenum/Riser Copper Cable

• Cat6a Unshielded Plenum/Riser Copper Cable

• Cat6a Shielded Plenum/Riser Copper Cable

Likewise, bare copper cables are also in demand for use in PoE applications. It sounds pretty good that all your needs are catered to by only one cable transformation of signals and power at the same time.

These are the most demanding cables that show maximum strength for signaling when used for PoE applications. 

Ethernet cables that can provide fast speed and can run high ethernet applications are eligible for PoE, like Cat5e solid conductor, and be used for the connection of power over ethernet likewise Cat6 and Cat6a are also used for these connections.

The higher the speed of the wire it will be compatible with the ethernet applications.

Note that copper-clad aluminum cables are a bad choice for PoE connections and can be brittle as the conductor will heat up, well that's not a usual phenomenon but sometimes with overload, this does happen with CCA cables.

Final Findings

Ethernet cables have many salient features that cannot be ignored as of their high speed they may run to support other ethernet fast applications. With the help of this PoE blog, you are more clear and gain much information about which ethernet cable is more suitable for PoE applications.

There are many benefits and drawbacks of PoE and choose wisely for your networking structured cabling to avoid bearing extra expenses for the installation of your security.

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2. network cable
3. power of ethernet