The widespread use of IP devices is making network infrastructures increasingly complex. Providing connectivity and power simply and effectively is a key challenge for ensuring fast and manageable deployments. PoE injectors are a versatile tool for meeting these needs. A single Ethernet cable can carry both data and power, eliminating infrastructure constraints and simplifying the deployment of new IP devices, even in remote areas.
PoE Injector: What is it and what is it used for?
A PoE injector is a fundamental device for designing and implementing networks that allows power and data transmission to end devices via Ethernet cables. It is an adapter that converts AC power into low-voltage DC power, typically 12V, 24V, or 48V, ideal for low-power devices.
It is primarily used when switches or other network devices do not have PoE ports but must support powered devices such as IP cameras, wireless access points, and VoIP devices.
The PoE injector connects to the Ethernet switch on one side and the device to be powered on the other, simultaneously transferring data and power up to 100 meters via a single Ethernet cable, thus reducing the need for dedicated electrical outlets.
Compared to purchasing a PoE switch, the PoE injector allows for minimal investment by leveraging existing cabling infrastructure. Furthermore, it allows you to easily add PoE connectivity and power to existing networks, expanding network coverage in remote areas without power.
There are active PoE injectors that follow the IEEE 802.3af/at/bt standards, and passive ones that do not comply with the standards, which provide voltages from 18 to 57V DC without control over the power output. The choice of PoE injector depends on the power consumption and voltage required by the device to be powered.
Ethernet PoE Injector and PoE+: Differences and Use Cases
PoE and PoE+ injectors are essential devices in networking solutions, differing in power output and resulting use cases.
The standard PoE injector, compliant with the IEEE 802.3af standard, provides up to 15.4W of power to the powered device. It is used with low-power devices such as VoIP phones, IP cameras, and WiFi access points that require limited power.
The PoE+ injector, on the other hand, complies with the 802.3at standard and can provide up to 30W. This increased available power makes the PoE+ injector suitable for powering more power-hungry devices such as PTZ cameras, IP video intercoms, digital signage panels, and high-power WiFi radio stations.
An advantage of the PoE+ injector is its backward compatibility with previous standards. PoE+ devices can interoperate with PoE switches and injectors, automatically providing only the power necessary for the connected device without risk of damaging it.
This allows you to implement mixed networks with PoE and PoE+ devices connected to the same switches, maximizing the power available to each device. For example, you can power standard IP cameras with PoE switches and use PoE+ injectors only for the most power-hungry PTZ cameras.
When designing a converged network, it is therefore important to evaluate the power consumption of devices and use the most suitable PoE or PoE+ injectors accordingly, for an optimized and scalable network deployment.
PoE Injectors: Advantages for Network Infrastructure
Compared to the use of PoE switches, injectors offer specific advantages in terms of flexibility, ease of installation, and low cost. They can be used to add PoE functionality to non-PoE-enabled switches, expand network coverage, and overcome infrastructure limitations.
Among the main benefits of using PoE Injectors for deploying and managing scalable and resilient wired network infrastructures are:
1.Quick and easy installation – PoE injectors allow you to add PoE connectivity to non-PoE-enabled switches, without complex configuration or structural changes. Simply connect the injector to the switch and the device to be powered. This allows you to easily expand the infrastructure with new devices, even in remote areas.
2.Reduced need for power points – By using Ethernet cables to carry both data and power, the PoE injector reduces the need for new dedicated power points. This simplifies deployment and reduces installation costs.
3.Greater design flexibility – The ability to provide connectivity and power with a single cable allows for better cabling design. PoE injectors allow you to overcome architectural and structural constraints when connecting network devices.
4.No impact on existing infrastructure – PoE injectors can be deployed using existing Ethernet cabling, without impacting the existing cabling infrastructure. This reduces overall network deployment costs.
5.Ease of maintenance – The ability to power and monitor devices via Ethernet cable simplifies troubleshooting and maintenance of the network infrastructure.
Using PoE Injectors provides key advantages in designing and building resilient, flexible, and easily manageable networks.
