Power Over Ethernet

Designing, implementing and managing PoE

With the Ethernet’s overwhelming success in the networking world, Power over Ethernet (PoE) has emerged as a preferred technology for delivering remote power to connected devices.

As more networked devices—such as IP security cameras, Wi-Fi access points, in-building wireless, building management systems, and LED lighting—begin using remote powering, the opportunity to save on infrastructure costs by powering them over existing structured cabling continues to grow.

To ensure consistent PoE performance, in 2003 the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) set a standard of 15.4 watts to be supplied from the power source. Today, as enterprises demand more from PoE technology, work was completed to create a new standard (IEEE 802.3bt) that supplies up to 90 watts from the power source. This standard, also referred to as 4-Pair PoE or simply 4PPoE, enables the remote powering of a broader range of connected devices. It will also increase the effects of cable heating as power is dissipated from bundled cabling.

CommScope is contributing to the development of new cabling standards based on bundle size recommendations through its extensive work on modeling and building physical cable bundles subject to a variety of power and environmental conditions. This activity will establish remote power cabling guidelines for the latest TIA, ISO/IEC and CENELEC standards. For more information, we invite you to review CommScope’s white paper, “Laying the groundwork for a new level of Power over Ethernet”.

With the advent of the Internet of Things and the migration of IP devices to the ceiling, managing PoE-enabled links has become increasingly difficult. Discover how CommScope’s imVision® automated infrastructure management (AIM) system can help solve today’s new challenges.

In addition, as an increasing number of these devices are located more than 100 meters from the PoE switch, CommScope offers a powered fiber cable system (PFCS). Now, devices such as IP security cameras and remotely located access points and access control systems can be powered and connected with ease.