techiny.com Power over Ethernet (PoE) delivers up to 15.4 watts of power per port, sufficient for devices like VoIP phones and simple network cameras. PoE+ enhances this capability by providing up to 30 watts, supporting more power-intensive equipment such as pan-tilt-zoom cameras and wireless access points. Choosing between PoE and PoE+ depends on the power requirements of your networking pet devices and future scalability needs.
Table of Comparison
| Feature | PoE (Power over Ethernet) | PoE+ (IEEE 802.3at) |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Power Output | 15.4 Watts per port | 25.5 Watts per port |
| Standard | IEEE 802.3af | IEEE 802.3at |
| Supported Devices | IP Cameras, VoIP Phones, Wireless APs (Low power) | High-power IP Cameras, PTZ Cameras, Wireless APs, Video Phones |
| Voltage | 44-57 V DC | 50-57 V DC |
| Backward Compatibility | Supported by PoE+ devices | Compatible with PoE devices |
| Cable Type | Cat5e and higher | Cat5e and higher |
| Application | Low power networking devices | Moderate to high power networking devices |
Introduction to PoE and PoE+
Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology enables network cables to carry electrical power alongside data, simplifying device installation by eliminating the need for separate power supplies. PoE+ (also known as IEEE 802.3at) enhances the original PoE standard by supplying up to 30 watts of power, supporting higher-powered devices like IP cameras, wireless access points, and VoIP phones. Both standards improve network efficiency and reduce installation costs by merging power and data transmission over a single Ethernet cable.
Key Differences Between PoE and PoE+
Power over Ethernet (PoE) delivers up to 15.4 watts of power per port, supporting devices like IP phones and basic wireless access points, while PoE+ increases the power output to 30 watts, enabling more demanding equipment such as pan-tilt-zoom cameras and high-performance wireless access points. PoE+ complies with the IEEE 802.3at standard, ensuring backward compatibility with PoE (IEEE 802.3af), which means PoE+ switches can power both PoE and PoE+ devices efficiently. The enhanced power capacity of PoE+ reduces the need for additional power sources, simplifying network infrastructure and improving scalability for enterprise-level deployments.
Power Delivery Capabilities
PoE (Power over Ethernet) delivers up to 15.4 watts of power per port, sufficient for basic devices such as IP phones and simple wireless access points. PoE+ (IEEE 802.3at) enhances power delivery capabilities with up to 30 watts per port, supporting more demanding equipment like advanced IP cameras and multi-band wireless access points. The increased wattage in PoE+ enables improved device performance and broader deployment options across network infrastructures.
Supported Devices and Applications
PoE (Power over Ethernet) supports devices with power requirements up to 15.4 watts, ideal for IP phones, basic wireless access points, and simple security cameras. PoE+ extends power delivery to 30 watts, enabling support for more demanding devices such as PTZ cameras, advanced wireless access points, and video VoIP phones. The increased power capacity of PoE+ ensures compatibility with a wider range of networked devices and applications requiring higher power consumption.
Technical Standards: IEEE 802.3af vs 802.3at
IEEE 802.3af standard, known as PoE, delivers up to 15.4 watts of power over Ethernet cables, supporting devices like IP phones and simple wireless access points. IEEE 802.3at, or PoE+, enhances power delivery to 30 watts, enabling support for more power-hungry devices such as pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras and advanced wireless access points. Both standards ensure safe power transmission with intelligent power management and maintain compatibility through backward support.
Compatibility and Backward Support
PoE+ (Power over Ethernet Plus) offers higher power output of up to 30W per port compared to the original PoE standard's 15.4W, ensuring better support for devices requiring more energy, such as PTZ cameras and higher-end wireless access points. Both PoE and PoE+ maintain backward compatibility, allowing PoE+ switches to power legacy PoE devices without damaging them, while PoE devices cannot fulfill the power demands of PoE+ equipment. Network infrastructure planning should consider this compatibility to ensure seamless integration and future-proofing of connected devices.
Installation and Cabling Requirements
PoE (Power over Ethernet) supports up to 15.4W per port and typically uses Cat5 cabling for installations, making it suitable for standard network devices without extensive power needs. PoE+ delivers up to 30W per port, requiring higher-quality cables like Cat5e or Cat6 to handle increased current and maintain signal integrity during longer cable runs. Proper cable selection and adherence to IEEE 802.3af (PoE) and IEEE 802.3at (PoE+) standards ensure reliable power delivery and reduce the risk of installation issues or network disruption.
Cost Considerations and ROI
PoE+ delivers higher power output up to 30 watts per port compared to PoE's 15.4 watts, impacting initial investment for switches and cabling infrastructure. While PoE+ switches often have a higher upfront cost, the enhanced power capacity supports a wider range of devices, potentially reducing expenses related to separate power supplies and increasing operational efficiency. Evaluating total cost of ownership and return on investment includes factoring in future-proofing network scalability alongside energy consumption savings.
Pros and Cons of PoE vs PoE+
PoE (Power over Ethernet) delivers up to 15.4 watts per port, suitable for low-power devices such as IP phones and basic wireless access points, offering simplicity and cost efficiency. PoE+ extends power delivery up to 30 watts, supporting higher power devices like advanced wireless access points, PTZ cameras, and VoIP phones with video, but it tends to be more expensive and may require upgraded cabling infrastructure. Choosing between PoE and PoE+ depends on the power requirements of connected devices and the budget constraints of the network deployment.
Choosing the Right Solution for Your Network
Choosing between PoE and PoE+ depends on the power requirements and device compatibility within your network infrastructure. PoE delivers up to 15.4 watts per port, suitable for basic devices like IP phones and cameras, while PoE+ offers up to 30 watts, supporting higher-power equipment such as PTZ cameras and wireless access points. Evaluate your network's current and future needs to ensure optimal performance, energy efficiency, and scalability when selecting the appropriate Power over Ethernet standard.
PoE vs PoE+ Infographic
