What is a PoE Switch?
Power over Ethernet (PoE) is a technology used at the access layer, which integrates data signals and electrical power into one Ethernet cable link, facilitating remote powered devices. PoE switches supply PoE power and network connection via twisted-pair wiring to access points, surveillance cameras, and other IoT devices.
A PoE Switch Explained
Power over Ethernet (PoE) is a layer-1 technology that integrates electrical energy and data signals into a single Ethernet cable link, enabling the operation of remotely powered devices. PoE operates on twisted pair cabling, which is easy to install, especially in locations where supplying electricity might be impractical.
Leveraging data signal capacity, the status of PoE and devices can be tracked, with data exchanged between a switch and powered device to regulate the volume of power supplied to the remote device.
A PoE switch dispenses PoE energy to network gadgets such as access points, IP cameras, booking devices, lighting, and other IoT items. These switches typically have the capability to prioritize and streamline PoE energy distribution for essential network equipment.
Why a PoE Switch?
Architecting a network designed to handle the surge of IoT devices and contemporary wireless applications calls for special considerations. These should address network capacity preparation for both speed-centric performance and device power provisioning. Power over Ethernet (PoE) is an access layer mechanism that merges data transmission and electricity into a single Ethernet cable connection to facilitate the operation of remotely powered devices.
PoE, by eliminating the need for separate cables for data and power, introduces the benefits of simplicity and cost-efficiency, while supplementing new intelligent device management features. Driven by the urge to connect to escalating power-demanding IoT devices, PoE technology has advanced with the roll out of the IEEE 802.3bt standard. This novel standard enables PoE switches and powered devices to function beyond 30 Watts of PoE per port and accommodate up to 60, and potentially 90 Watts of PoE per port.