In recent years, PoE, which can be powered using a network cable that establishes a network connection, has attracted attention. Let's consider the differences between the standards defined for PoE power and how to use it.
PoE standard
The PoE power standard starts with "IEEE" and there are three types. Both were established by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and are common standards. Let's see what specific standards are available.
IEEE802.3af
The first standardized PoE power supply was "IEEE802.3af" in 2003. The standard simply displayed as "PoE" or "PoE Type 1" is this "IEEE802.3af". PoE is divided into four classes from class 0 to class 3 according to the power provided, and power is supplied to the receiving side according to the class of the old phone side. Category 3 cables can be used with this standard.
IEEE802.3at
The next higher PoE standard established in 2009 was "IEEE802.3at". Often referred to as "PoE+" or "PoE Type 2". In PoE, there is only class 3, but it was decided to be class 4 due to the possibility to provide more power.
Must be powered via PoE+ using a Category 5e or higher network cable. It can be said that it is a high-end product that can further improve the performance of IEEE802.3af.
IEEE802.3bt
For a while, the only PoE power standards were IEEE802.3af and IEEE802.3at, but in 2018, "IEEE802.3bt" was newly established. According to the size of the power supply, it is divided into 5 to 8 levels. Now it is more convenient than the first two standards because it can provide more power. Also known as "PoE++" or "4P PoE" because it uses four twisted pair cables. Currently, PoE standards that provide high power capacity of up to 90 W of power are being developed, and PoE standards are expected to be added in the future.
PoE Standard Differences
There are two main differences between the three PoE standards currently available. This might be something to keep in mind if you're considering PoE power. Knowing the difference between PoE power can help you decide how to use PoE power in your home or office.
power difference
The first and biggest difference is the "power difference". Depending on the PoE standard, the amount of power that can be supplied to various electronic devices varies. For example, the earliest established standard "IEEE802.3af" has a class 3 maximum power supply of 15.4W. On the other hand, when it comes to "IEEE802.3at", the power supply is 30.0W, which is almost double that.
In the higher level "IEEE802.3bt", the power is raised to 60.0W. If the power required is greater than the power provided, the electronic device will not operate. Therefore, a standard that can provide more power will be easier to use in a variety of situations.
Differences in Compatible Network Cables
Another point that depends on the standard is "differences in supported cables". The network cable is very important because the PoE power supply uses the network cable to supply power. For the earliest "IEEE802.3af" any Category 3 or higher cable can be used. Today, however, Category 3 cables are rarely used for network connections. Today, even the average household uses Category 5 or higher cables.
"IEEE802.3af" would be appropriate if using a Category 5 cable. On the other hand, in "IEEE802.3at", a network cable of category 5e or higher must be used. "IEEE802.3at" is more convenient if you use Category 5e or Category 6 cable for smoother network connection as it can provide more power to the device.
How to use PoE as standard
If you know these PoE standards, you can decide how to use them.
IEEE802.3af
For "IEEE802.3af" with a minimum 15.4W power supply, it is impossible to operate that many electronic devices. It will be suitable when you want to install one or two cameras for crime prevention.
IEEE802.3at / IEEE802.3bt
For "IEEE802.3at" or "IEEE802.3bt" which can provide more power, you will be able to operate multiple electronic devices. It can be used in many electronic devices as long as the power consumption of the receiving device (such as a camera, router or IP phone) does not exceed the power supply.
It's a good idea to think about the design of your network, considering what kind of electronics you're going to use in your home or office, which ones support PoE, etc. However, it should be remembered that the more power you consume, the more stress on the network cable and the faster it will degrade.
PoE power is an excellent system for powering electronic devices without an outlet. If you know the standard for PoE power, you can determine usage by looking at the balance between power and power consumption. If you use it as standard, you can take full advantage of PoE power and build a comfortable network.
