Power over Ethernet (PoE) refers to the ability to carry electrical power over a standard Ethernet cable - the same one used today for transferring data. PoE allows IP telephones, WLAN access points and webcams to receive power as well as data over existing LAN cabling, without any requirement to modify the Ethernet infrastructure. Ever since the ratification of the IEEE802.3af standard in June 2003, growth in PoE devices and installations has been increasing steadily. The primary benefits of the 802.3af standard include lower deployment costs due to elimination of electrical outlets, and increased reliability especially when paired with an uninterruptible power supply. It also enables simpler installation because it goes wherever Ethernet cabling is utilized.

3Com has been involved with the ratification of the standard and has been providing PoE devices since long before it was published. These devices, known as Midspan Ethernet Power Supplies (EPS), are available in a 12 and 24 port version. They offer a low cost alternative to expensive 802.3af switches and are completely capable of powering an entire network of 3Com NBX Phones. Midspan Power Supplies are capable of combining with your existing switching infrastructure to introduce power onto your network. 3Com also offers a full line of PoE switches that will work as well. One advantage to using PoE as an administrative tool by being able to hard reboot devices without physically locating them and power cycling them. You can simply log into the switch and power cycle the port without having to leave the server room.

Remote control of the power can be done to multiple devices, notes Peter Doggart, Product Manager, 3Com. “We can turn the ports on and off - a simple mouse click lets an admin turn off the phones after hours. And it’s a great tool to lock down the network.” The shipment of PoE- enabled switches is expected to grow aggressively in the next few years as more Ethernet cabling enabled devices will be increasingly made available. These will include appliances such as surveillance systems, home automation systems, and point-of-sale systems, among others. As 802.3af compliant products are being developed, vendors and device manufacturers who collaborate and offer products and technologies that are creatively bundled will enjoy considerable sales opportunities.

PoE (Power over Ethernet) is definitely going to be part of the future networking landscape. Still, despite all the advantages of PoE there are some restrictions as well. As it is currently implementing the 802.3af standard, it is compatible with the 10/100 “Fast Ethernet” standard, but not compatible with Copper Gigabit. This is because both Gigabit and 802.3af use the extra two pairs of wire on your Ethernet cable for different things. Gigabit uses them to carry data, while 802.3af uses them to carry 48V power. You can combine with Gigabit devices, but then have to physically segregate your Gigabit devices (servers and desktops) and your Fast Ethernet POE devices (phones, cameras, Wireless Access Points, etc). While this is easier than it may seem it is still worthwhile to consult a networking specialist before integrating POE and Gigabit on your network simultaneously.

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3Com NBX Ethernet Power Source - 12 Port
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NBX Phone Splitter - 12 Pack
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