Power over Ethernet (PoE) delivers electrical power through the same cable that carries network data. Cameras, IP phones and wireless access points can then be installed wherever a network cable reaches, with no separate power supply.
What it simplifies
- Installation: one cable per device instead of two, and no nearby mains socket.
- Placement: devices go where they work best, such as a ceiling camera or a corridor access point.
- Resilience: a PoE switch on a UPS keeps every device it powers alive during an outage.
- Management: devices can be restarted by cycling the port.
What to check
- The power budget of the switch against the total draw of all connected devices.
- The PoE standard supported by switch and devices, which sets the power per port.
- Cable quality and length: PoE relies on good cabling.
A typical use
A hotel corridor can carry its Wi-Fi access points, door-entry panels and cameras from a single PoE switch in the nearest technical cupboard, all backed up by one UPS.
Switches, routers and wireless access are part of the networking family in the EnnovaMarket catalogue, and of BTOBBuy for projects that need them with surrounding equipment.
