PoE is a simple technology that transmits data and power through the same Ethernet cabling to edge devices. But with the expansion of IP network solutions, the main question faced by installers is how to add PoE-enabled devices into a non-PoE compatible network. Many homes, offices and businesses already have non-PoE switches (for data only) installed, so replacing the entire legacy network is clearly not a feasible choice.
To upgrade your existing network infrastructure in a more budget-friendly way, all you need is a PoE injector. The PoE injector can be implemented to make a non-PoE network switch to work with PoE-compatible devices. Moreover, it can provide a larger power supply than the PoE switch to power devices like PTZ cameras and POS machines.
What is a PoE injector?
The PoE injector is a network device that injects the PoE capabilities into the regular network switch and allows the older switch to work with the PoE-compatible devices. It facilitates the connections to high-power applications, such as 90W smart LED lighting, PTZ cameras and high-performance wireless access points, with improved network speed but less latency. A PoE injector normally has three interfaces: power-in, data-in and Ethernet-out. Power-in goes to a wall outlet, data-in comes from a network switch, and Ethernet-out combines the former two into a powered Ethernet for your device. Furthermore, it can work with a PoE splitter to mix PoE and non-PoE devices in the same network.
Benefits of using a PoE injector
Reliability: A constant power delivery is guaranteed with an uninterruptible power supply from a centralized point rather than distributed wall outlets. Power conversion from AC to DC lowers the risks of power outages and overloads. And the point-to-point PoE connection reduces the chances of power failures, with a minimal impact on other connected devices.
Cost-effectiveness: The PoE injector is a money-wise investment. The delivery of power and data over the same Ethernet cable eliminates the need for additional power supplies. If you don’t have a PoE Switch but still want to install an IP camera, you can use an injector instead. It is a great alternative to PoE switches when fewer devices are installed.
All-in-one unit: The PoE injector is a compact device that will not take too much space for installation. It integrates power conversion, power management and power/data connection all in one unit. Real-time power consumption monitoring is available with LED indicators. It takes fewer devices to get your PoE system up and running.
Fastcabling has launched several advanced PoE injectors that meet your specific needs.
95W PoE Injector
The 95W PoE injector, compliant with IEEE802.3bt, is specially designed for high-power IP devices, such as 802.11ac/ax access points, high-definition PTZ cameras, digital signage displays, All-in-One touch PCs and information kiosks, with an increased network speed of 10/100/1000Mbps. This PoE injector can provide a maximum power of 72W to the connected device. The 95W PoE injector is also backward compatible with legacy PoE/PoE++ devices like a Waterproof PoE Pass Through Switch to power 7 PoE IP cameras at a time. This high-power PoE injector can be both desktop- and wall-mounted, offering great convenience and flexibility on installation.
30W/60W Outdoor Industrial Waterproof PoE Injectors
Fastcabling has launched 30W/60W outdoor industrial waterproof PoE injectors for network deployments in harsh environments. The injectors also support full-duplex Gigabit speeds up to 1000Mbps. Shielded in an industrial-grade IP67 metal casing, these outdoor PoE injectors can survive any imaginable weather conditions with a wide operating temperature of–40°C to 75°C. The outdoor industrial PoE injectors also feature a wide input voltage range (24-56V DC) for industrial-grade applications. Most power sources in the control cabinets is set on 12 or 24V DC, while this PoE injector is equipped with a built-in regulator to boost the voltage from the existing 24V to 54V DC. The outdoor industrial waterproof PoE injectors can be used in factory automation systems, mining sites, oil and gas platforms, etc. They can also work with a 24V solar power system and the maximum distance between the injector and the solar panel could reach 100 meters.
10 Gigabit 30W/95W PoE Injectors
The 10 Gigabit PoE injector supports 1G/2.5G/5G/10 Gigabit Ethernet network speed, ideal for environments where the highest possible data transfer speed is essential. This PoE injector can handle a diverse range of applications including high-speed security cameras, 802.11ac WAPs, ITS-traffic monitoring systems, automated production lines, 5G networks, NBASE-T connectivity, etc. Fastcabling’s 10 Gigabit PoE injectors provide various power budgets (30W and 95W) to satisfy the increasing power consumption of today’s IP devices. Compliant with the IEEE 802.3bt standard, the 10 Gigabit 95W BT PoE Injector ensures that high-power and data-intensive applications can be handled properly with a seamlessly faster network speed. It can be used in fast-speed surveillance systems like PTZ cameras, remote access controls, etc.
Final thoughts on choosing a PoE injector
Number of PDs: If you want to connect 1 or 2 PoE devices to your regular network switch, it’s always recommended to use the PoE injector. But if you want to connect more IP devices, you’d better use the PoE switch instead, because if you apply a PoE injector for each device, you’ll need more AC outlets to power the injectors.
Power budget: There are several PoE standards (802.3af/at/bt) available. Make sure the one you choose is compliant with the connected device. For example, you want to deploy a power-hungry solution like LED lighting, a PoE++ injector (95-100W) is needed to ensure the connected device gets enough power to start up.
Voltage: PoE injectors can be mainly classified into 12V, 24V and 48V. You need to double-check if the injector is compliant with the voltage requirement of the PD, since a false match will lead to operation failure. And a high-voltage injector is recommended in long-distance deployments given the potential voltage drops over long cable runs.
How to mix PoE and non-PoE devices?
As is mentioned above, to connect a non-PoE switch with a PoE device, you’ll need a PoE injector to injects the PoE capabilities into the legacy network. But if you’re planning to connect a PoE switch with a non-PoE device like a laptop or Raspberry Pi, you’ll need a PoE splitter to split the power from the data and feeds it in a separate input. Read more about PoE Splitter here to successfully mix PoE and non-PoE devices in the same network.
