A Few PoE (Power Over Ethernet) Frequently Asked Questions From PoE Experts Silvertel

What is PoE ? 

Power over Ethernet or PoE is a cost effective solution which allow both data and power to be provided over an ethernet cable to an endpoint.

Why use PoE ?

There are a number of reason why you would use PoE, but in most cases the overriding reason is cost.

An example of this is: - 

It can cost between $100 and $200 to run an ethernet cable to a wireless access point. But it can costs a further $400 to run an electrical conduit to power that access point.

The alternative is to install Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE) called Endspan Equipment into the ethernet switch, or by adding Midspan Power Insertion Equipment after the ethernet switch. This will combine the data and power at the source to be sent through the ethernet cable. The power from the cable can then be extracted at the endpoint with a Powered Device (PD) to operate the access point.

This solution removes the need to run expensive electrical conduit and will cost considerably less than $400.

Is there a PoE Standard ?

Yes, the Institute of Electrical Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.3af Task Force has ratified the technology into the Ethernet standard. The IEEE 802.3af standard covers the interoperability of using PoE products and covers the PSE - Endspan or Midspan, the Powered Device (PD) and the cabling requirements. It is endorsed by all network players that power IP-connected devices, such as voice-over-IP (VoIP) phones, wireless LAN (WLAN) access points (APs) and advanced security devices, over the existing Ethernet cabling infrastructure.

For additional Silvertel product information, samples or technical support, contact Symmetry Electronics, an authorized distributor of industry leading wireless, audio/video and embedded chips, modules and dev/eval tools. www.symmetryelectronics.com/contact or call (877) 466-9722.