FAQ

A POE switch is a network switch that integrates Power over Ethernet technology, allowing it to provide both data and power to connected devices over a single Ethernet cable. This technology is widely used to power IP cameras, phones, and other network devices.

A POE switch sends electrical power along with data through Ethernet cables to connected devices. It complies with IEEE standards (such as 802.3af or 802.3at), ensuring safe and efficient power delivery.

Common devices include IP cameras, VoIP phones, access points, intercoms, and other networked devices. However, there’s a wide range of applications, including IoT devices and smart lighting.

Key benefits include simplified installation (eliminating the need for separate power cables), centralized power management, remote power cycling, and cost savings on cabling and electrical work.

POE (802.3af) provides up to 15.4W of power per port, while POE+ (802.3at) can deliver up to 30W per port. POE+ is typically used for devices that require higher power, such as PTZ cameras and access points with multiple radios.

Yes, you can use POE injectors or midspans to add POE capability to a regular switch. However, using a dedicated POE switch is often more convenient and efficient for larger deployments.

Consider factors like the number of POE ports you need, power budget, data throughput, managed or unmanaged options, and compatibility with your existing network infrastructure.

Yes, you can connect non-POE devices to a POE switch. The switch will only provide power to devices that are POE-compatible and request power.

The maximum cable length for POE depends on the specific standard (802.3af, 802.3at, or 802.3bt) and the power level. In general, it ranges from 100 to 300 feet (30 to 100 meters). Most of our PoE switches offer EXTENDED DISTANCE up to 250 meters.

VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) mode on a Power over Ethernet (POE) switch is a feature that allows you to segregate network traffic into different virtual networks, essentially creating multiple isolated network segments within a single physical network infrastructure. This can be beneficial for various reasons, including enhancing network security, improving network performance, and simplifying network management.

VLANs help isolate network traffic, ensuring that devices within one VLAN cannot directly communicate with devices in another VLAN. This separation enhances network security by preventing unauthorized access to sensitive data or devices.

The “watchdog” function on a Power over Ethernet (POE) switch typically refers to a network management feature that monitors the status and health of the switch itself, as well as the devices connected to it. It helps ensure the stable and reliable operation of the network.

Storm control on a Power over Ethernet (POE) switch is a feature that helps manage and mitigate broadcast, multicast, or unicast storms within a network. These storms occur when an excessive amount of network traffic overwhelms the network’s capacity, leading to network congestion and performance degradation. Storm control is designed to prevent such situations by monitoring and controlling the traffic levels.

Gigabit uplink ports on Power over Ethernet (POE) switches are network ports that provide a high-speed connection to other network devices, such as routers, switches, or servers, typically operating at gigabit (1,000 Mbps) speeds. These uplink ports are used for connecting the POE switch to the broader network infrastructure and can have various configurations and purposes.

Supporting IEEE 802.3af Mode A on pins 1, 2, 3, 6 for Power over Ethernet (PoE) means that a device or switch can provide both power and data over the same Ethernet cable using only four of the eight available wires (4-pair cable). IEEE 802.3af is a standard for PoE that defines two modes, Mode A and Mode B, which specify how power and data are transmitted over the cable.

Here’s what “IEEE 802.3af Mode A on pins 1, 2, 3, 6” means:

1. IEEE 802.3af: This is the IEEE standard for Power over Ethernet, also known as PoE. It outlines the specifications for delivering electrical power over Ethernet cables to power devices such as IP cameras, VoIP phones, access points, and other networked equipment.

2. Mode A: IEEE 802.3af defines two PoE modes, Mode A and Mode B. Mode A, also known as Endspan or MDI (Media Dependent Interface), delivers power and data on the same wire pairs, specifically pins 1, 2, 3, and 6.

3. Pins 1, 2, 3, 6: In Ethernet cables, pins 1, 2, 3, and 6 are part of the RJ-45 connector, which is commonly used for Ethernet connections. These pins are used for transmitting data in a standard Ethernet connection. In Mode A, they are also used to transmit power to the connected PoE device.

Take a Look at this Youtube Video explaining this concept here.