For many years, Ethernet cabling had a simple job. It just connected computers and other devices to a network. This allowed them to share and communicate data. Power, well that was someone else’s problem.
Power over Ethernet (PoE) has changed that.
PoE allows compatible Ethernet cables to carry data and electrical power. Certain devices, then, no longer need a separate power cable. This does simplify installations for businesses. It also reduces cabling and makes the positioning of equipment far easier to manage.
What is Power over Ethernet?
Power over Ethernet is a technology that allows electrical power to be delivered through network cabling alongside data.
Rather than installing a network connection and separate electrical supply, a single Ethernet cable does the heavy lifting for both. It’s useful for wireless access points and VoIP phones, among other things. A device can be connected to the network and receive its power through the exact same cable.
Whilst the technology isn’t brand sparkling new, its use has expanded considerably. Businesses have become increasingly dependent on connected equipment.
Where is PoE being used?
One of the most familiar application is business Wi-Fi.
Wireless access points are often installed in ceilings or other locations where providing a socket would be inconvenient. With PoE, the access point receives its network connection and power from the same Ethernet cable that runs back to the network switch.
The same principle applies to CCTV systems. Modern cameras are often powered through their network connection. This allows cameras to be installed in places that would be complex for an energy supply.
As buildings become increasingly reliant on smart and connected technology, the potential applications are likely to continue growing.
Why does PoE matter to businesses?
The obvious advantage is simplicity.
Using a single cable rather than separate connections make installations much neater with less infrastructure needed. It also provides flexibility when designing the layout of the office.
There is another advantage that is sometimes overlooked: centralised power management.
When PoE devices are supplied through suitable network switches or other PoE equipment, their power can be managed from a central location. Depending on the equipment used, this makes it easier to monitor devices, restart them remotely, or manage how power is distributed across the network.
For businesses with numerous connected devices, that can be considerably more convenient than dealing with individual power supplies peppering a building.
Does the cabling still matter?
PoE doesn’t mean that businesses can simply pick any old Ethernet cable they happen to trip on in the storeroom. The network infrastructure needs to be appropriately designed and installed for the equipment it will support.
Cable type, length, installation conditions and the amount of power delivered are all relevant. Higher-power PoE applications also place greater demands on the cabling infrastructure.
A business might require a handful of access points. A few years later it may need to add additional security cameras, upgrade Wi-Fi, access control, VoIP equipment or other network-connected technology. If the original cabling installation has been poorly planned, expanding the system can become considerably more difficult.
Planning for the future
The biggest reason to rethink your data cabling is the demands placed on your network is unlikely to remain static.
Today’s network may support more technology tomorrow. Smart technology will become part of the same connected infrastructure. Installing appropriate data cabling from the outset gives your business greater flexibility as your requirements evolve.
PoE is a good example of how the traditional distinction between electrical and data infrastructure is becoming less clear. A single cable can now provide the connection a device needs to communicate while also supplying the power that allows it to operate.
For businesses planning a new installation, network upgrade, or refurb, considering data cabling and electrical requirements together helps create an environment capable of supporting today’s technology.
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