Technology that delivers electrical power alongside data on Ethernet cables.
Key standards:
- PoE (802.3af): 15.4W per port — touch panels, small cameras
- PoE+ (802.3at): 30W per port — PTZ cameras, access points, IP phones
- PoE++ (802.3bt Type 3): 60W per port — pan-tilt-zoom cameras, displays
- PoE++ (802.3bt Type 4): 100W per port — large displays, high-power devices
Key points:
- Check total PoE budget on your switch vs. sum of all connected devices
- Cable quality matters: Cat6A recommended for PoE++ distances
- Maximum cable length still 100m (same as standard Ethernet)
- Powers many AV devices: cameras, touch panels, ceiling speakers, WAPs