Power over Ethernet provides an economical answer to our power and data requirements Here we explain how best to design and install it

1. What is Power over Ethernet?
Wikipedias states that PoE (power over Ethernet) is the process where systems
send electrical power over the same data cabling as the Ethernet transmission. In
this manner the data cabling can send both the data transmission and power to
certain devices
Power is injected onto the cable at a voltage between 44 and 57 volts DC, and
typically 48 volts is used.
Therefore the voltage is designed and deemed to be safe for users of the equipment.
Furthermore if equipment that is not designed to receive PoE transmission is
plugged into the transmission lines damage can occur
PoE+
The IEEE 802.3at PoE+ specification incorporated an extension to the original IEEE
802.3af PoE standard.
Firstly this was implemented to provide more power to devices that operate on PoE
transmissions
Secdondly the 802.3af PoE standard provides up to 15.4W of power or 48 volts DC
@ 0.32 amps to each device.
Furthermore the maximum power output With PoE+ increases to 25.5 Watts or 48
Volts DC @ 0.52 Amps) when that power is sustained and a peak power limit of 30
Watts or 48Volts DC @ 0.63 Amps)
Power over Ethernet provides an economical answer to our power
and data requirements
Over the past decade our lives have become increasingly reliant on a vast array of
devices that support and control the environments in which we live and work.
Our way of life is interwoven with technology. Not only in terms of mobile phones and
the internet, but also an astounding network of cameras and sensors. These
cameras subsequently monitor and regulate the world around us.
This is a trend that is set to continue as the Internet of Things comes of age.
We have sought to centralise much of the infrastructure that manages this
technology. Furthermore we have created networks of environmental sensors,
lighting controls and security devices.
Typical applications
The types of devices that are best suited to PoE connectivity remain in a fixed
position and have a low power draw.

2. PoE is particularly useful for connecting disparate and geographically dispersed
devices to your network. Furthermore without having to add a separate power source
or additional cabling.
Common examples include:
1. WiFi access points
2. VOIP telephones
3. CCTV Cameras
4. Access Control
5. Intercomms
6. Mobile Boosters
These devices require both power and data connections to function
All of these devices require fixed power sources and data network connectivity to
operate effectively. In addition most require a high level of resiliency and are
therefore unsuited to battery power, or wireless network connections.
Additionally as you expand your network to include more nodes and user devices,
creating separate power and data solutions becomes an arduous and expensive
task.
As an alternative, passive power over Ethernet (PoE) patch panels can be used as
part of a cost effective solution for distributing power to where it is needed. In
addition to offices this includes the home, campus or other environment.
Patch panels are a vital part of an Ethernet cabling solution for organising and
managing cable connections. They maximise the effectiveness of the IT cabling by
delivering power and data to where it is needed.
While there are other cabling solutions that provide both power and data such as
USB, PoE is suitable for far longer distances.
Power over Ethernet Data Cabling
The choice on data cabling will make an impact on the performance of the PoE
cabling and its devices. Cat5e and Cat6 can be installed to support PoE devices but
the industry consensus is that Cat6a should be the standard for these installations
The following guidelines for Cat6a installations will improve the performance of your
PoE devices
 Avoiding tightly packed cables will increase performance. Cables that are
tightly packed together increase the overall heat and heat within each cable.
Being tightly packed the heat cannot disperse as easily and performance
suffers
Cat6a cables usually have a greater insertion loss margin to handle increased heat
that is generally created by cables that are tightly packed together

3.  With regards to size Cat6a cables have a greater gauge diameter in their
cores and therefore cable size. Therefore reduced resistance and therefore
lower temperature when compared to lesser grade cables. Its been
determined that in a cat5e cable 20% of power can be lost in transmission
 As the above mentions the loss in cat5e is less in a cat6a cable. Reducing
that 20% loss in power will not only lead to better transmission and operation
but also reduced electrical costs to run your systems and devices
Electromagnetic Interference
To help prevent Electromagnetic interference when using PoE it is important that the
patch panel is properly grounded.
This type of disturbance, if not guarded against, can have a serious detrimental
effect on performance. Most panels are supplied with a grounding bolt for this
purpose.
Long term outlook
PoE patch panels will become an ever more important part of any structured cabling
solution. Furthermore it will be required as the plethora of interconnected devices
continues to grow.
Finally our environments at work and home become increasingly “smart”. Indeed
PoE will emerge as the most dependable and cost effective method of supplying
power and data to the network. Hardware such as cameras, sensors and
telecommunications equipment that we have become increasingly reliant on.
We offer free surveys and during these surveys we will be able to discuss those requirements
and offer you the best solution
For further articles please visit https://www.nmcabling.co.uk/knowledge-centre/
About NM CablingSolutions - NetworkCabling Specialist
NMCablingisa technologyandstructuredcablingintegratorworkingthroughoutthe United
Kingdom.
We have createda comprehensive KnowledgeCentre forourindustrywhichcanbe viewed
at https://www.nmcabling.co.uk/knowledge-centre/