Power Over Ethernet (PoE) is a great example of technology improvement, new innovations, cost and space-saving improvements, etc.
Power Over Ethernet (PoE) Devices Receive Power and Transmit/Receive Data all through the same CAT5e/CAT6 4-Pair Cable.
How does an Ethernet camera work?: An Ethernet camera works because the Ethernet cable as well as carrying data (video, photos and audio content) also carries electrical power.
This is accomplished by sending power as a common-mode signal over two or more of the differential pairs of wires inside CAT5e/CAT6 Ethernet cables.
The power comes from a power supply within a PoE networking device such as a Power over Ethernet (PoE) switch or a midspan power supply.
While most new smart devices are PoE compatible, legacy equipment that is not PoE compliant will require an injector or a splitter.
Is Power over Ethernet (PoE) Safe?: Power Over Ethernet is considered safe since the power injected into the cable is typically only a voltage between 44 – 57 volts DC with the average voltage being 48 volts DC.
Power over Ethernet (PoE) is within the range of what is low enough to be considered safe. To put that in perspective, a typical AC power cable carries what is considered high voltage power that is usually around 1000 volts but can be up to 6000. In comparison, the Power Over Ethernet (PoE) technology is actually quite safe.
What devices use Power over Ethernet (PoE)?: Power Over Ethernet is commonly used to carry electrical power to devices such as terminals, IP Cameras, IP Phones, Wireless Access Points (WAP), access control models, management stations, point of sale kiosks, security access controls, digital signs, smart clocks, and more.
New smart devices are being invented all the time and are frequently being added to the list of PoE compatible equipment.
Does Power over Ethernet (PoE) require a special cable?: Power Over Ethernet (PoE) uses the standard 802.3af designation which allows it to function with any CAT5e/CAT6 Ethernet cable.
CAT5e/CAT6 are the most commonly used Ethernet cables in both households and offices.
As long as you have CAT5e/CAT6 Ethernet cable, you will be able to take advantage of Power over Ethernet (PoE) devices.
What is the maximum range of Power over Ethernet (PoE) cables?: The maximum range of Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology is limited to the effective range of Ethernet cables which is currently limited to 100 meters (328’) This limit can actually be extended by using an Ethernet extender for PoE equipment.
An Ethernet Extender would need to be purchased separately and allows the user to plug two Ethernet cables together from end to end.
Advantages of Security Cameras with Power over Ethernet (PoE) cables (compared to 110V and WiFi)
Power over Ethernet offers the distinct advantage of allowing installation of remote or outdoor equipment without having to connect to an AC power cable.
If you have a network that can support security cameras with Ethernet cables, then adding cameras to this system will be cheaper than having to hire an electrical engineer to install more electrical outlets.
This allows equipment to be installed without having to install additional electrical systems and eliminates the need for power outlets at each end point.
While Power over Ethernet is limited to half of the voltage of 110V devices, it does provide a more stable and reliable connection than WiFi.
This helps contribute to green living by reducing the amount of copper used in buildings effectively reducing the carbon footprint.
ECS is an AVAYA Edge Emerald Level Business Partner located in Seattle, WA & Portland, OR.
ECS provides local technicians for on-site work installing and servicing a variety of voice/data equipment, ie; Low Voltage Cabling, CAT5e/CAT6, Fiber Optic, IP Office Telephone Systems, Voicemail, Telephones, Firewalls, Ethernet Switches, Circuit Extensions, Wireless Networking, Video Surveillance, Point of Sale, Overhead Paging, Avaya Aura Servers, Gateways, etc.
ECS provides services in Washington & Oregon, primarily in the greater Seattle & Portland areas.