What is PoE?
PoE (Power Over Ethernet) is a technology that allows network cables to carry electrical power.
For example, when a digital security camera is installed, it normally requires two connections to be made.
A network connection to communicate with the camera equipment, A power connection for the camera to operate. However, if the camera is PoE-enabled, only a network connection is required since it will receive electrical power from this cable.
Why Use PoE?
Advantages of using PoE device;
- Time and Cost Savings: It reduces the time and cost of laying electrical power cables and does not require a qualified electrician to install network cables. It can be placed anywhere.
- Flexibility: Without relying on traditional outlets, devices such as IP cameras and wireless access points can be placed where they are needed most and easily repositioned as needed.
- Security: It is designed to protect PoE network equipment from overload, insufficient power or improper installation.
- Reliability: PoE power comes from a centralized and universally compatible Ethernet port source. It can be backed up by an uninterruptible power supply or easily disable devices, controlled to reset them.
- Scalability: Setup and deployment of network connections become simple and effective.
Devices Suitable for PoE Use
PoE has many uses and applications, but its three main areas are as follows;
- VoIP Phones : IP phones, which are frequently used today, save our desk from both comfort and excess cables thanks to their PoE operation feature.
- IP Cameras : Thanks to quick commissioning and easy repositioning, they can be used everywhere.
- Wireless, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth APs and FID readers are generally PoE compatible so that they can be positioned away from RAC sockets.
Misconceptions About PoE
PoE is a recently developed technology and there is a lot of misinformation and contradictions about it.
The most popular ones are as follows:
- There are PoE compatibility issues. Actually, it's not like that. As PoE usage areas have increased, the IEEE 802.3af standard has become universally adopted, which ensures compatibility between all PoE devices.
- PoE requires knowledge of electrical installation. No, it is designed to provide reliable operating environment in all scenarios possible with normal Ethernet.
- PoE requires special cabling. As we mentioned above, it works with the classic RJ45 port.
- Excessive power damages devices. This misconception is much more common than others. However, it is worth remembering that the wattage values given by the manufacturers are upper limits and are not fixed. Connecting a 5 watt camera to a 15 watt PoE injector will not cause the remaining 10 watts of energy to be lost or damage the device, the device will draw as much electrical current as it needs.