Power over Ethernet (PoE) has revolutionized the way we power and connect our devices, providing a convenient and cost-effective solution for delivering power and data over a single Ethernet cable. With various PoE standards available in the market, it’s essential to understand the differences between them to make informed decisions when it comes to choosing the right PoE solution for your specific needs. In this blog post, we will explore the differences between PoE with 15.5W, 25.5W, 30W, 60W, and 90W, and their respective use cases.
PoE with 15.5W, also known as PoE 802.3af, is the original PoE standard that was introduced back in 2003. It provides a maximum power output of 15.5W, which is suitable for powering devices such as IP phones, wireless access points, and security cameras with lower power requirements. PoE 802.3af is commonly used in small-scale deployments where devices require minimal power.
PoE with 25.5W, also known as PoE 802.3at or PoE+, is an updated PoE standard that was introduced in 2009 as an improvement over PoE 802.3af. It provides a maximum power output of 25.5W, which is ideal for powering devices that require higher power, such as PTZ cameras, video conferencing systems, and access control devices. PoE+ is backward compatible with PoE 802.3af, which means that PoE+ switches can also power PoE devices, but PoE devices cannot be powered by PoE+ switches.
PoE with 30W, also known as PoE 802.3at Type 3 or 4PPoE (Four-Pair Power over Ethernet), is a high-power PoE standard that was introduced in 2018. It provides a maximum power output of 30W, which is suitable for powering devices that require even higher power, such as pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras with advanced features, high-powered wireless access points, and digital signage displays. One of the key features of PoE 802.3at Type 3 and Type 4 is the ability to deliver power over all four pairs of Ethernet cables, instead of just two pairs as in earlier PoE standards. This is known as Four-Pair Power over Ethernet or 4PPoE. Delivering power over all four pairs allows for higher power delivery and longer cable distances compared to PoE 802.3af and PoE+ 802.3at. This makes PoE 30W suitable for installations that require long cable runs or higher power requirements.
PoE++ Type3 (60W) and PoE++ Type4 (90W):
PoE with 60W and 90W, also known as PoE 802.3bt Type 3 (60W) and PoE 802.3bt Type 4 (90W), are the highest-power PoE standards available in the market. PoE 802.3bt Type 3 provides a maximum power output of 60W, while PoE 802.3bt Type 4 allows for a maximum power output of 90W. These high-power PoE standards are designed for powering devices with extremely high power requirements, such as outdoor surveillance cameras with built-in heaters, industrial devices, and high-performance access points. These PoE standards can deliver power over all four pairs of Ethernet cables, allowing for higher power delivery and longer cable distances. PoE 802.3bt Type 3 and Type 4 are backward compatible with PoE 802.3at and PoE 802.3af, which means they can power devices that are compatible with these earlier PoE standards.
When selecting a PoE solution, it’s important to consider factors such as device power requirements, cable distances, and compatibility. Higher power PoE standards generally allow for longer cable distances, but it’s crucial to ensure device compatibility. Additionally, not all PoE switches or devices support all PoE standards, so compatibility verification is essential. Safety and reliability should also be considered, as higher power PoE standards may require additional safety measures. In summary, understanding the differences between PoE standards will help you make informed decisions when choosing a PoE solution for your network, ensuring efficient and reliable power delivery for your devices.
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