PoE technology has revolutionized the way we connect and power our devices. It enables the transmission of both data and power through a single Ethernet cable, eliminating the need for additional power sources. However, there are scenarios where the standard PoE power of 30W may not be sufficient, leading to the need to increase the power to 90W. In this blog, we’ll explore the possibilities of upgrading PoE power to meet higher demands.
What is High Power PoE?
IEEE802.3bt is a PoE standard that provides higher power levels than the standard PoE specifications. The standard PoE specifications, defined by IEEE 802.3af (PoE) and IEEE 802.3at (PoE+), typically provide up to 15.4 watts and 30 watts of power per port, respectively. However, IEEE802.3bt can deliver even greater power levels to meet the demands of devices with higher power requirements, which also introduces two new types of PoE:
1.Type 3 (UPoE or PoE++)
Type 3 PoE provides up to 60 watts of power per port, doubling the capacity of its predecessor. The voltage used for Type 3 PoE is typically around 48V, consistent with other PoE standards. This voltage is standardized to ensure compatibility with a wide range of PoE-enabled devices. PoE++ is suitable for devices with moderate to high power requirements. Common applications include PTZ cameras, high-performance wireless access points, and certain types of terminals.
2.Type 4 (Hi-PoE or 4-pair PoE)
Commonly known as high-power PoE, Type 4 PoE can supply power up to 100W per port for devices with substantial power demands. It utilizes all four pairs of wires in an Ethernet cable to deliver power. In a typical Ethernet cable, only two pairs are used for data transmission, while the other two pairs remain unused. With 4-pair PoE technology, these remaining pairs are utilized to transmit power, allowing for higher power delivery capabilities. High-power PoE is commonly used in a wide range of applications, including security systems, access control systems, building automation (HVAC controls, lighting), and industrial applications (sensors, actuators).
How to Take Advantage of High-Power PoE?
To increase PoE power to 90W, you need to ensure that your existing infrastructure supports IEEE802.3bt standard. Here’s how you can use high-power PoE:
1.Upgrade Your PSE
The power sourcing equipment (PSE), such as PoE switches or PoE injectors, should comply with the IEEE802.3bt standard. Ensure your PSE supports the higher power levels required by the devices.
- 802.3bt PoE Switch
This 802.3bt PoE switch delivers up to 90 watts of power to support a diverse range of power-hungry devices such as high-power WAPs and digital signage. With a total power budget of 120W, this PoE switch can efficiently distribute power across multiple connected devices. Moreover, it ensures lightning-fast data transfer rates of up to 1Gbps. Whether you’re streaming 4K video, managing large data transfers, or supporting bandwidth-intensive applications, this 802.3bt PoE switch ensures a seamless and responsive network experience.
- 10G 95W PoE Injector
This 95W PoE injector presents a cost-effective means to empower high-power devices, including 802.11ac/ax wireless access points, high-definition PTZ cameras, and LED lighting, all while operating at the swift pace of 10 Gigabit network speed with minimal latency. Versatile in its applications, it effortlessly connects PoE and non-PoE devices through a single Cat5e or Cat6 cable, minimizing the impact on your existing network infrastructure.
2.Check Cable Compatibility
The next critical consideration is the compatibility of your Ethernet cables with high-power PoE. Not all cables are created equal, and the transition to high-power levels may necessitate a closer look at your cabling infrastructure. Cables designed for standard PoE may not be suitable for delivering 90 watts of power due to increased resistive losses. To ensure compatibility, it may be necessary to upgrade to cables with higher power handling capabilities, such as Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a or Cat7. Also, thicker cables are generally preferable for high-power PoE applications as they can reduce resistance and power loss.
Regardless of the specific category, choosing cables with shielding is crucial for high-power PoE applications. The shielding ensures a more stable and reliable power delivery, reducing the risk of signal degradation. Shielded twisted pair (STP) cables help minimize EMI and RFI, which is important in environments with numerous electronic devices. Besides, in some high-power PoE applications, especially those involving outdoor installations such as security cameras or wireless access points, outdoor-rated cables may be necessary. These cables are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions like moisture, UV exposure and temperature fluctuations.
3.Ensure Device Compatibility
Devices not specifically built to support high-power PoE might not operate correctly and could cause safety concerns. Ensure the devices you want to power through high-power PoE are designed to receive and handle the increased power. Below are some devices that commonly benefit from high-power PoE:
1)Pan-Tilt-Zoom Cameras: PTZ cameras, commonly used in surveillance systems, often require high-power PoE to support their motorized components, pan, tilt, zoom capabilities, and built-in heaters or cooling fans.
2)Remote Monitoring and Control: Devices such as environmental sensors, smart locks, and remote access control systems, may require higher power levels for sustained operation, especially in locations without readily available power sources.
3)Industrial Automation: Devices used in industrial automation, such as PLCs and industrial sensors, often require robust power delivery. High-power PoE can be instrumental in powering these devices efficiently in industrial settings.
4)PoS Systems: Modern POS systems that are equipped with touchscreen interfaces, biometric authentication and additional peripherals may require higher power.
5)Smart Lighting: Advanced smart lighting systems that incorporate sensors, IP cameras and other intelligent features may benefit from high-power PoE. This ensures reliable power delivery for efficient operation and control of lighting components.
