Power over Ethernet (PoE)
Power over Ethernet represents a description of various standards and hoc systems which are passages for electric power together with data along with twisted pair of Ethernet cabling, allowing a single cable to be effective in the provision of both data connection as well as electric power for use by devices like IP cameras and wireless access points. In other words, PoE can be defined as a technology that allows network cables to carry out electrical power. For instance, in a scenario of a digital security camera its functionality is determined two connections during installation;
- Power connection used for delivering electrical power when the camera has to operate.
- Network connection significant to affect communication when video recording or displaying equipment.
The main difference arising between the PoE and the traditional Ethernet Networks lies in the concept of data and power delivery done in one Cat6/Cat5 Ethernet cable. Thus PoE marks the end of the need for having AC/DC power supplies and their outlets as it is in the traditional Ethernet Networks (Ramos). PoE involves remote installation which has less cost than fiber installation in the traditional network systems, making it more efficient as no electrician is required. The Ethernet cables are also cost-friendly as they are often found and already installed in buildings.
Some of the advantages of PoE include;
- Safety and convenience
The power sourcing facility only has to provide power supply to the PoE enabled devices. For instance, a PoE switch is designed in a way that it only transmits power supply only when it detects a connection to a PoE enabled device. Avoiding risk involved from leakages (Ramos).
- Simple cabling, minimizing the cost of installation
Due to the centralized power supply, one network cable is applicable for the transmission of data as well as a power supply (Ramos). Where use of PoE enhances network devices to require less of extra power supply cutting the cost of installation and saves on time.
Limitations of PoE
- Centralization of risk
A PoE switch links all the connections to multiple IP cameras, and in any case, the PoE network switch is faced with a problem of any kind, affects the functionality of all the IP cameras (Ramos).
- High equipment cost and maintenance
In comparison to other power supplying facilities and methods, the usage of PoE technology hikes the workload and maintenance under the consideration of stability and security, hence the relevance for separate power supply (Ramos).
Work cited
Ramos, Sérgio Filipe Carvalho. “Power over Ethernet.” Neutro à Terra, no. 12, 9 June 2017, 10.26537/neutroaterra.v0i12.388. Accessed 12 July 2020.