Do I need special cabling for POE++?

For PoE++ (Power over Ethernet++), which provides significantly higher power levels (up to 60 watts for Type 3 and up to 90 watts for Type 4), using the right cabling is essential to ensure safe and efficient operation. Here’s a detailed look at the cabling requirements:

1. PoE Cabling Standards and Requirements

PoE (802.3af) and PoE+ (802.3at): Lower-power PoE standards (up to 15.4 watts for PoE and 30 watts for PoE+) can generally operate over Category 5 (Cat5) Ethernet cables without issues. These cables provide sufficient power and data bandwidth for devices like IP phones, standard Wi-Fi access points, and most security cameras.

PoE++ (802.3bt Type 3 and Type 4): For PoE++ applications, particularly for higher power levels such as 60W or 90W per port, better cabling is recommended to ensure power efficiency, minimize heating, and reduce signal loss.

2. Recommended Cable Types for PoE++

Category 5e (Cat5e): While Cat5e can technically support PoE++ power levels, it’s typically used as the minimum requirement. With the higher wattages of PoE++ applications, Cat5e cables may experience some heating over long runs, which can affect power efficiency and longevity.

Category 6 (Cat6): Cat6 cables provide better performance than Cat5e for PoE++ applications, especially over longer cable lengths. These cables offer improved shielding and reduced crosstalk, which helps maintain power and data quality while reducing cable heating. For most PoE++ installations, Cat6 is a solid choice.

Category 6a (Cat6a): For best results, particularly with 90W PoE++ applications, Cat6a is often recommended. Cat6a cables have more robust shielding and higher bandwidth, reducing power loss and heat buildup. This cabling is ideal for longer cable runs and environments where multiple PoE++ devices require higher power levels.

3. Why Higher-Quality Cabling is Important for PoE++

Power Loss: As PoE++ delivers more power, lower-grade cables like Cat5e can experience significant power loss, especially over longer distances. Higher-grade cables like Cat6 and Cat6a help reduce power loss, maximizing efficiency.

Heat Dissipation: The higher current in PoE++ applications can generate heat within the cable, which may affect its longevity and the reliability of connected devices. Better-quality cables like Cat6 and Cat6a are designed to handle higher power loads with minimal heating.

Signal Integrity: Higher-grade cables provide more protection against interference and maintain data integrity, which is especially important when using power-intensive devices that rely on stable data transmission, like high-resolution security cameras or Wi-Fi 6 access points.

4. Cable Length Considerations

--- Standard Ethernet cable runs for PoE applications are generally limited to 100 meters (328 feet), which includes both data and power transmission. Higher power delivery over longer cable lengths can increase power loss and heating, making high-quality cabling more crucial if approaching this distance.

5. Shielded Cables for PoE++ in Certain Environments

--- In high-interference environments (such as industrial settings) or where cable bundles are dense, shielded twisted pair (STP) cabling is often recommended for PoE++. Shielded cables can help prevent electromagnetic interference, which is beneficial for maintaining both data integrity and safe power transmission.

6. Structured Cabling Recommendations

--- For enterprises planning to upgrade to PoE++ in large installations or future-proofing network cabling, structured cabling using Cat6a or higher is often suggested. This choice supports both current and future network requirements, enhancing flexibility, reliability, and efficiency for high-power applications.

Summary Table

Key Takeaway

For PoE++ networks, investing in higher-grade cabling like Cat6 or Cat6a provides better power efficiency, reduces heat issues, and helps ensure reliable data transmission, particularly over long distances or when supporting high-power devices.