Since introduced to the telecommunication field, PoE switches, as a major application of PoE technology, have made great contributions to simultaneous data and power supply over one single Ethernet cable. Nowadays, in the background of the increasing number of IoT projects such as smart cities and intelligent buildings, PoE switches show greater growth potential. This post will demystify PoE switch in a concrete way by clarifying its functions, the benefits and limitations as well as addressing some FAQs about PoE switches.

What Is PoE Switch? Where Can You Use It?

? PoE switch or power over Ethernet switch is a network switch that applies Power over Ethernet technology. With a PoE network switch, the network connectivity and the power to supply the PD (powered device) can both be efficiently realized over the Ethernet cable. Currently, there are all kinds of PoE network switches filled in the market. Based on the port number, the 8, 12,

PoE switches can be widely used in various places, from home to office, indoors to outdoors. It can transmit power and data for different devices at the same time. At home, you can use PoE powered devices like TVs, computer monitors and laptops. In offices, you can use VoIP and video phones, IP cameras, wireless AP, audio devices and remote computer terminals, etc.

PoE Switch vs. Non-PoE Switch: Why You Need a PoE Switch?

The reason why you need power over Ethernet switches will be obvious when comparing PoE switch vs non-PoE switch. As the most basic switch, the non-PoE switch refers to the switch that is not PoE enabled to supply power for end-users over Ethernet, but can only send data to network devices. To acquire PoE, users have to deploy a midspan power sourcing equipment (PSE) like the

application, things will become easier. For a PoE switch, only one power cable for the switch and one network cable to connect PDs are required. Then the PD can be directly plugged into the PoE gigabit switch port for both data transmission and power supply. With PoE switches and devices, you can build a convenient wireless network.

PoE Switch vs. Non-PoE Switch: Why You Need a PoE Switch?

Based on the working mode of PoE vs. non-PoE switch, the PoE switch brings benefits over the following aspects:

Flexibility : Getting rid of the restrictions of non-PoE switches needing additional PSEs and extension cables, the PoE switches gain great flexibility for users’ network cablings. It enables PDs like IP surveillance cameras to be installed based on where it needs to go. Besides, a combination of PoE switch and wireless technology can even make the cable-free environment be possible.

Simplicity : Without the need to consider additional PSEs and installation locations like a non-PoE switch, the PoE switch simplifies the whole network deployment. In addition, good PoE switches also enable simple network management protocol (SNMP), which provides a simpler way to supervise and manage the switch.

Cost-Efficiency : With PoE network switch, there is no need for users to purchase and install additional electrical wires and outlets, which creates significant savings on installation and maintenance costs and time.

Limitations of PoE Switches

However, there are also some limitations on PoE switches you should pay attention to:

Distance Limitation : The distance that PoE switches can transmit over Ethernet is generally up to 100 meters. For those large campuses, restaurants, and enterprises deploying PoE, the 100-meter distance limitation is a challenge. However, there are still methods to extend PoE range—devices such as power extenders or powered fiber cables. For more information, refer to

Power : Without the need to consider additional PSEs and installation locations like a non-PoE switch, the PoE switch simplifies the whole network deployment. In addition, good PoE switches also enable simple network management protocol (SNMP), which provides a simpler way to supervise and manage the switch.

Frequently Asked Questions About the PoE Switch

Do I Need Special Cables for PoE Switches?

that should be used for PoE switches only depend on the data rate of the PoE port, for example, 10/100M can use Cat3 or better cables; 1000M needs Cat5/Cat5e/Cat6 cables. When you're able to deploy 2.5G/5G/10G PoE devices in the future, you may need Cat6a or better cables. But you can never be wrong to buy good quality Ethernet cables made of oxygen-free copper.

Q: Active PoE Switch vs Passive PoE Switch: Should I Choose Active or Passive PoE Switches?

Active vs. Passive PoE Switch: Which Should We Choose?

Q: Can a Computer or Other Non-PoE Devices be Connected to the PoE Switch? And Will a PoE Switch Damage Non-PoE Devices?

Can PoE Switch Be Used with Non-PoE Switch/Devices?

Q: Can I Connect a PoE Switch to Another PoE Switch?

A: Yes, you can. Power is supplied by the PSE to PD only when it detects that the device is capable of handling the power. Since the two PoE switches both function as PSEs, they will just do data communications.

Q: PoE Switch vs. PoE+ Switch: What’s the Difference?

A: The main difference between the PoE switch and PoE+ switch lies in the electrical power that each can carry or supply to the connected PoE PD. The max. PoE power consumption provided over Cat5 cabling is 15.4 watts for PoE PSE and 30 watts for PoE+ PSE. More information is in

Q: What Is the Max PoE Distance? How Can I Extend the Maximum Distance of PoE?

A: Standard PoE has Ethernet cable distance restrictions of 100 meters for data and power transmission, whether for IEEE 802.3af (PoE) or 802.3at (PoE+). If you want to extend the maximum distance, devices such as PoE extenders and