What is PoE+ ? Is there any difference between PoE+ and PoE? This article attempts to make a full explanation of PoE+.
Introduction:
As its name implies, PoE+ is an advanced version of PoE. Thus, to fully elucidate the concept of PoE+, we might as well provide some indications on PoE. PoE (Power over Ethernet) is the technology that allows network switches to transmit power along with data through an Ethernet cable simultaneously. The main difference between PoE and PoE+ lies in the max amount of power delivered. On this basis, this article describes the features, advantages, and applications of PoE+ to illustrate what is PoE+ exactly.
What is PoE+?
PoE+ was published in 2009 by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers . With the development of client device technology, some PDs (powered devices) require more wattage to work normally. PoE, whose maximum power wattage for PD is just 12.95W, has no longer met the needs. To accommodate the increasing business requirements, here emerges the PoE+, which can support a higher power consumption compared with PoE.
PoE+ is defined by IEEE 802.3 at standard, serving as a more current standard than PoE(IEEE 802.3af standard). Similar to PoE, PoE+ also takes advantage of two of the available four twisted pairs in Ethernet cabling to deliver power. But an additional power class makes PoE+ switch able to transmit power up to 25.5W at maximum for a PD with a voltage range between 42.5V and 57V. The maximum power of each port of the PoE+ switch reaches 30W, with a voltage range between 50V and 57V.
PoE+ switches have backward compatibility , that is to say, PoE+ can be applied to all PDs usually supported by PoE. More importantly, the high capability of PoE+ enables new opportunities to expand PoE’s advantages to a much broader range of PDs and allows for a greater scope of application. What are the Advantages of PoE+?
As the principle of PoE+ shows, the core of this technology is the transmission of data and power at the same time on a single Ethernet cable. Such an advancement revolutionizes the process of network deployment and management. The following are several advantages of PoE+ that can further stress what is PoE+.
1. Easy Installation. If there is no qualified electrician, you can still carry out the installation work. What you need to do is just to find a proper location for the PD and then click the Ethernet cable onto the RJ45 socket. As the Ethernet cable is usually installed in most commercial and residential buildings, the installation of Ethernet cable can nearly be omitted.
2. Cost Saving . Since the concurrent delivery of power and data over the Ethernet cable removes the need for AC/DC power supplies and outlets to supply power to PDs, the costs of installing PoE+ are far less. In addition, the Ethernet cable used in PoE+ is not expensive and there is no need to install an Ethernet cable most of the time, which saves both labor costs and valuable time.
3. Safety . Power from Ethernet cables instead of adapters and sockets makes the installation less hazardous. And PoE+ also has inherent safety features. When the connection is interrupted or the cable is damaged, the PoE+ switch automatically stops delivering power, which means fewer risks of electrical overload, power outages, or damage to PD.
4. Flexibility . With no need for electrical outlets, PDs in the PoE+ network can be deployed at nearly any location and in changing environments. And the network keeps stable and uninterrupted when adding or subtracting devices. Therefore, you can install PDs in any place they are needed.
Where to Use PoE+ Switch ?
In practice, PoE+ is usually applied in places where it’s difficult to install AC/DC power supplies and outlets. Besides, compared with PoE which is applied to home networks and small businesses, PoE+ has a wider range of applications and much more commercial value due to its high power supply. PoE+ is ideal in the following applications.
Office or home alarm systems
Biometric sensors
Motion tracking cameras installed in commercial premises
Remotely-managed PTZ cameras, tilt, and pan
Remote computer terminals
IP telephones that offer voice calls, text messaging, and fax
Wireless access points with 6 antennas
Conclusion
This article sheds light on the question "What is PoE+" by providing an overall explanation of its concept, principles, advantages as well as applications. As it has been illustrated above, PoE+ is a technology that enables the simultaneous transmission of data and power over an Ethernet cable with a higher power wattage for PDs. PoE+ has a greater number of merits than traditional technology and has been widely applied to network systems. Hope this article will give you some inspiration on understanding and applying PoE+.