The world of technology is full of amazing trends. It is subject to evolution which occurs as a result of better products and techniques being introduced to be able to improve efficiency and satisfy the current needs.
PoE is an example of a highly efficient concept that was introduced to improve the operation of connection-oriented gadgets. It is a feature that is of great essence for electronic devices that needs to maintain a high level of flexibility.
Most of the modern communication devices such as routers and switches have the capability to operate using PoE. Here is more. You can also checkout enable-it, inc. to find out more details.
What is PoE?
As indicated by the name, it is a way of powering up devices using Ethernet cable instead of a dedicated power cable. The Ethernet cable is a wired network link used to transmit data.
Traditionally, an electronic device used for communication would require at least 2 cables; one for powering up the device and the other for transmitting the data.
This is cumbersome and tends to limit the flexibility of the gadget. Such a device can only be used near the AC outlets and will also require the services of an electrician.
PoE changed all that by combining the power and networking requirements in a single Ethernet cable. As long as the device has the feature and it is connected properly using the Ethernet cable it will be charged up.
What are some of the most common uses?
More networking gadgets built according to the modern standards are continuing to embrace the concept. There are protocols developed by the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers that guides the design and use to ensure compatibility. Here are some of the uses.
- Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)
WLAN is liked by many people because it reduces the complexity of the network. The configuration is easy as it only requires few wired connections.
PoE makes it more efficient. When used by the devices at the access point it helps widen the network since the connection is not restricted by the power outlet.
It can provide a solution to the limited transmission range of Wi-Fi when implemented properly using an extender.
- Surveillance
Cameras used for surveillance must have a way to relay the collected data without interruptions.
They should also be flexible enough to allow for use over a considerable distance. PoE ensures that they can be placed anywhere and not just near the AC source.
They can also be re-positioned as need be without any hindrance. Also, the lesser the wiring the easier it is to conceal the system.
- VoIP
This stands for Voice over Internet Protocol. It is a technology used by phones to allow voice communication via the internet. As such, the appliance that uses this technology qualifies as a networking device hence can make use of PoE.
What are the advantages?
- It is cost-effective
As mentioned before, the setup is easy and so you won’t have to spend money hiring an expert to do the installations for you.
Ethernet cables have connectors at both ends. All you have to do is plug one at the wall port and the other at the indicated port on your gadget.
So long as it has the Power over Ethernet feature enabled it will automatically get the appropriate amount of power required to function.
- It is flexible
One of the features of this technology that makes it very useful is that it eliminates the need to have the appliance near the AC outlet. Being able to do so is more convenient for the user and also allows proper arrangement.
For example, if you need a camera at a certain exact position you can place it there without having to install a socket nearby or connecting long wires. Read more here https://inbuildingtech.com/network-infrastructure/poe-power-over-ethernet/
- It allows scalability
Systems with lots of restrictions are usually compact and hard to scale. When growth occurs the owner will have to implement a whole new system instead of adding on to the already existing one.
With PoE technology, the system is easy to scale since there will be no need for lots of additional resources.
Instead of increasing the number of AC outlets and buying different kinds of adapters you will only have to buy the end-user appliances. Scalability is also easy considering that the technology follows protocols that are set to ensure compatibility.
- It is safe
This is because it deals with regulated voltages that are usually below 60 volts. It eliminates the need for protective cabling that protects the users.
Besides that, it has built-in ways of detecting anomalies within the system and taking the appropriate protective measures.
Thus it can protect the gadget when there is an overload or even when there is a wrong connection.
What are the shortcomings?
- Limited transmission range
This is brought about by the design of the medium used. Ethernet cable can only achieve effective transmission up to a maximum distance of one hundred meters. However, the distance can be further increased by adding a specialized equipment known as Ethernet extender.
- It is not supported in some devices
This creates a problem considering that there are protocols to be followed and only gadgets that meet the standards can implement the technology. Though, there is a solution that involves using additional equipment like splitters and injectors.
- Power limitations
The amount of power is restricted by the rates specified on the legacy devices. Click here to learn more.
Conclusion
Power over Ethernet refers to the use of an Ethernet cable both as a data transmission medium and a power supply link. As such, equipment that uses this technology don’t need to be connected to an AC outlet for them to receive power. When such appliances are used the result is a flexible, economical, safe, and scalable system that is of great convenience both to the service provider and the users. It has a few shortcomings but these also have alternative solutions thus making it a reliable technology. The standardization part is done by the IEEE and so interoperability is guaranteed.
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