Everything you Need to Know About PoE Deployment

Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology is the current buzzword in the networking industry. It allows users to power low current devices like VoIP telephones, IP cameras, access points, IP Intercoms, IP clocks and card readers.

 

Undoubtedly, WiFi and VoIP are soaring high, with several enterprises announcing plans of WiFi coverage and global rollout of IP phones. These two technologies share one thing in common – they need Ethernet and power to run. With the onset of PoE, you can provide both power and Ethernet-based data to all remote devices over standard Ethernet cabling.

 

Know everything about PoE from the leading IT solution provider in India. Through this article, we shall help you to understand the nuances of PoE to help you achieve success in this field.

 

What is PoE?

 

Power over Ethernet (PoE) is a technology that enables delivery of data and power over the same twisted pair cable.

 

 For instance: A CCTV requires two connections for proper installation. It has a network connection that helps to communicate with video recording and display equipment. While the power connection delivers the electrical power required by the camera to work. [1]

 

A PoE-enabled camera needs a network connection since it will receive electrical power from the same cable.

 

There are 2 primary components:

 

  • power sourcing equipment (PSE) – It’s any equipment that has the ability to provide power over ethernet-like a switch or PoE injector. It’s located at the end of the network, midspan or even the middle of the network.
  •  

  • powered device (PD) – Any type of equipment that has the tendency to get powered over ethernet. Eg: access point, telephone, etc.

 
Generally, there are two types of PoEs:
 
According to the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), there are two primary standards for PoE, i.e., 802.3af (PoE) and 802.3at (PoE+). They support higher power ratings and higher speeds. The difference is the amount of power delivered over each standard. The best thing about this network system is that both PoE and PSEs can provide you with twice as much power over a single ethernet cable. Sounds fantastic, right?

 

The latest update to PoE is the IEEE 802.3at standard which is also known as PoE+. Move down to know the two basic types of PoEs:

 

➔ 802.3af (PoE) or Type 1 PSE or PD can deliver 15.4 watts over Cat5 cables.

 

➔ 802.3at (PoE+) or Type 2 PSE or PD can deliver up to 30 watts over Cat5 cables with 25.5 watts available to devices.

 

Go through the following table for better understanding.

 

802.3af (PoE) 802.3at (PoE+)
Power at the powered device (PD) 12.95 W 25.5 W
Maximum power supplied by the power source equipment (PSE) 15.4 W 30.0 W

 
Further, PD can also be classified into various PoE classes based on their power needs. It’s available in 0-4 categories with a varied power range that detects whether its low, moderate or high power. Speak to your IT solution provider for some advice.

 

PoE has many applications but is widely used in three key areas like:

 

VoIP phones –

Here, phones have a single connection to a wall socket that can be remotely powered down like the older analog systems. It’s an original PoE application.

 

Wireless –

All the WiFi and Bluetooth enabled equipment, including the RFID (radio-frequency identification) readers, are PoE compatible.

 

IP cameras –

Networked surveillance cameras are now omnipresent as it enables  easy deployment and quick repositioning.

 

While choosing a PoE switch, you need to double-check these two things:

 

  • PoE standard compatibility
  • Total power budget

 

Pro Tip: Make a point to check that the PoE standard for PDs is compatible with the PSE and the total power budget for the PDs doesn’t exceed the PSEs.

 

Let’s move down to know the merits of installing PoE.

 

This networking system has many benefits when it comes to highlighting power over ethernet. It has several advantages, like the following:

 

Flexibility: You can place your devices like IP cameras and wireless access points without securing it to an electrical outlet. You don’t need to break your head thinking about its placement. Install it wherever required.

 

Safety: You will be shocked to know that PoE delivery is super intelligent and designed to protect your equipment from overloading, underpowering and incorrect installation.

 

Scalability: Now that you have the power available on the network, it’s easier to install and distribute network connections in easy words, it’s super easy and effective.

 

Reliability: The origin of PoE power lies in the central and universally compatible source instead of a collection of distributed wall adapters. It can be backed-up using an uninterruptible power supply and can be controlled to disable or reset devices easily.

 

Reduced costs: The value of PoE can far outweigh its cost. It’s easier and less costly to maintain and administer your network. PoE allows faster deployment of powered devices.

 

Saves time: You don’t need a qualified electrician to install it. It can fit anywhere and anywhere. It can also be used over existing copper telecom infrastructure that makes installation easier for scaling IoT networks.

 

If you have already made your mind to install a PoE at your workplace or home, then you need to understand the methods and try to incorporate a few tips to acquire success while deploying PoE deployment.

 

Normally, there are two methods used for deploying PoE in your network. The first one requires that the ethernet switches both power and data at the same time. This method is suitable for new installations wherein you need to buy a new switch which is expensive than the standard ethernet switch.

 

In the second method, you use a dedicated power-injecting or midspan device between the Ethernet switch and the remote powered device. It works well for both new and existing installations. These devices are flexible and can be deployed between the switch and PDs without changing the existing infrastructure.

 

After reading this article, you won’t be able to deny that PoE is a safe, effective, reliable and cost effective option, if you deploy it correctly. There are some factors you need to consider when installing PoE networks.

 

As a reputed IT solution provider in India, we would like to give you some key takeaways for a successful PoE deployment.

 

Check the power-supply size used on a non-PoE enabled switch and add 15.4 watts per port to identify if the power supply is large enough.

 

Make sure you deploy only IEEE 802.3af-compliant devices. Make sure you determine compatibility in order to save time and money.

 

Stay attentive to the manufacturer’s specifications, including the cabling-performance.

 

Look for the most cost-effective PoE method for your network.

 

The End…

 
The main motive to install VoIP and WiFi is to reduce networking costs and switch to effective technology. It’s an economical solution used to acquire consistent and dependable power to all networking devices. Make sure you reach out to a reliable IT solution provider company.

 

Patwa Kinarivala Electronics Ltd offers end-to-end IT infrastructure solutions and computer networking solution for greenfield projects or expansion of existing IT Infrastructure in Vadodara, Gujarat. We have been an active player in implementing enterprise networks for over 30 years.

 

Not only this, but PKEL also has a strong background of networking, server and storage. Our experts have designed and implemented the various critical installation of surveillance for our clients involving wireless, switching, server, storage and LAN-WAN connectivity. Contact us for more!