100-POE4 Power Supplies - External/Internal (Off-Board)

Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology is a way to transmit power and data over Ethernet cables, which eliminates the need for a separate power cable and power outlet. This technology has been around for over a decade and is becoming increasingly popular in applications such as IP cameras, VoIP phones, point-of-sale (POS) systems, wireless access points, digital signage, and more.But beyond its uses, many may not be aware of the working principles of PoE. PoE works by transferring electrical power to powered devices (PDs) over the same Category 5 Ethernet (CAT5) cable as used for data transmission. This is done with a Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE) device, which is responsible for supplying power to PDs. A PSE typically is a switch, a router, or a mid-span device, supplying power over two out of the eight wires in a CAT5 cable. PoE is offered in several different versions, such as PoE+, PoE++, and HDBase-T (PoE4). PoE4 is currently the highest version with power levels of up to 100 W. Due to its power levels, PoE4 is ideal for applications that require more power than PoE and PoE+ can provide. In terms of applications, the PSE must be compatible with the PD in order for them to work together. Also, the PSE must be connected to active power sources such as from a wall outlet to provide the 40-100 W of power needed for PoE4 operations. When ready, the PSE will then apply the 802.3at standard to the two conductors in the CAT5 cable, thus allowing the PD to receive power. In terms of safety, PoE4 is subject to the same safety measures and precautions as PoE and PoE+. For instance, the PSE must include surge protection to protect connected PDs from surges and lightning strikes, and the system must also feature overcurrent protection in order to prevent current overloads and device failure. This is especially important in outdoor applications where certain temperatures are present. PoE4 is an effective and efficient way to transmit high levels of power over long distances. Its capabilities, along with the fact that it requires fewer cables than other power transmission systems, makes it a great option for many applications. As more and more applications continue to require greater levels of power, PoE4 will likely become the go-to technology for providing that power.