In the world of networking, there are a lot of standards to keep track of. And when it comes to Power over Ethernet (PoE), there are even more. So how do you know which PoE standard is right for your network? This blog post will guide you through the different PoE standards and help you select the right power and fiber cable for your network. We’ll cover everything from IEEE 802.3af to 802.3bt, so you can make an informed decision for your business.
What are PoE Standards?
Most Ethernet cabling used in building networking is based on the twisted pair cabling standard. However, there are many different types and grades of twisted pair cabling, each with their own specific benefits and applications. Selecting the right type of Ethernet cable for your network can be a challenge, especially when Power over Ethernet (PoE) is involved.
There are two major types of PoE: IEEE 802.3af and IEEE 802.3at. Both of these standards support up to 15 watts of power per port, but 802.3at also supports up to 30 watts of power per port. In order to choose the right type of PoE for your application, you need to consider the power requirements of your devices as well as the distance between the power source and the device.
IEEE 802.3af is the most common type of PoE and is supported by most devices that require PoE. It can provide up to 15 watts of power per port and can be used with devices up to 100 meters away from the power source. If your devices require more than 15 watts of power, or if you need to extend the distance beyond 100 meters, you will need to use IEEE 802.3at instead.
IEEE 802.3at can provide up to 30 watts of power per port and can be used with devices up to 100 meters away from the power source. This increased power output is useful for devices that require more than 15 watts of power
The Different Types of PoE Standards
When it comes to Power over Ethernet (PoE), there are a few different standards that dictate how much power can delivered over what type and thickness of cable. In this article, we’ll break down the most common PoE standards and help you determine which is right for your application.
The first standard is IEEE 802.3af, which was ratified in 2003. This standard provides up to 15.4 watts of power per port and can delivered over either Cat5e or Cat6 cable. The second standard, IEEE 802.3at, also known as PoE+, was ratified in 2009 and increased the maximum power output to 30 watts per port. PoE+ can also delivered over either Cat5e or Cat6 cable, but because of the increased power output, it recommended to use Cat6 cable if possible.
The third and newest standard is IEEE 802.3bt, which was ratified in 2018. This standard increases the maximum power output to 60 watts per port and requires the use of Cat6a cable. Because of the high power output, it not recommended to use lower grades of cable with this standard.
So, which PoE standard is right for your application? If you need more than 15 watts of power per port, then you will need to use either PoE+ or 802.3bt. If you only need up to 15 watts of power per port, then you can use 802.3af with either
Which PoE Standard is Right for Your Network?
As the network administrator, you are responsible for ensuring that your network is running smoothly and efficiently. part of this involves selecting the right Power over Ethernet (PoE) standard for your needs.
There are three main PoE standards: 802.3af, 802.3at and 802.3bt. Each one has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to choose the one that best fits your network’s requirements.
802.3af is the oldest and most common PoE standard. It can provide up to 15W of power per port, which is enough to power most devices such as IP phones and Wi-Fi access points. However, it is not powerful enough to run harder-to-reach devices such as security cameras or some types of VoIP phones.
802.3at is an updated version of 802.3af that can provide up to 30W of power per port. This makes it ideal for networks with a mix of devices, as it can power just about anything that uses PoE. The only downside is that it requires more expensive equipment than 802.3af does.
802.3bt is the newest PoE standard on the market. It provides up to 60W of power per port, making it ideal for networks with high-powered devices such as 4K security cameras or enterprise-grade VoIP phones. However, like 802,.3at, it also requires more expensive equipment than lower-powered
Conclusion
When it comes to selecting the right cable for your network, it’s important to consider both power and fiber options. With PoE standards, you can have the best of both worlds by choosing a cable that can provide both power and data connectivity. By doing your research and understanding your options, you can ensure that you select the best possible cable for your needs.
