How many watts does a POE++ switch port supply?

A PoE++ switch port, following the IEEE 802.3bt standard, supplies power at two levels depending on the "Type" of PoE++ in use. These two types (Type 3 and Type 4) provide different maximum wattages to support a variety of high-powered devices.

Here’s a breakdown of how PoE++ power delivery works:

1. PoE++ Type 3 (60 Watts)

Maximum Power Output: Type 3 PoE++ can deliver up to 60 watts of power per port at the Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE) end, such as a PoE++ switch. This makes it ideal for moderately power-hungry devices like high-resolution PTZ cameras, wireless access points (WAPs), and certain types of digital signage.

Power Received by the Powered Device (PD): Due to power losses in the cabling, the actual power that the device receives may be around 51–55 watts depending on the cable type and length. High-quality cabling (such as Cat6 or Cat6a) helps reduce power loss, ensuring closer to 55 watts at the device.

Application Examples: Common devices powered by Type 3 include advanced IP cameras, video conferencing equipment, and multi-radio wireless access points.

2. PoE++ Type 4 (100 Watts)

Maximum Power Output: Type 4 PoE++ supports up to 100 watts of power per port at the switch, which is the highest level of PoE currently available. This high power output is achieved by using all four twisted pairs in an Ethernet cable, increasing the amount of current delivered.

Power Received by the PD: With Type 4, power loss still occurs, meaning the powered device typically receives around 71–90 watts depending on factors like cable type and distance. This range is sufficient to support high-power devices that draw significant energy, especially when combined with high-quality cabling.

Application Examples: Type 4 power is ideal for the most power-hungry applications, such as LED lighting systems, large interactive displays, advanced video conferencing systems, and even certain IoT and industrial devices.

Technical Requirements

Cabling Requirements: Both PoE++ Type 3 and Type 4 require Cat5e or higher Ethernet cables, though Cat6a and Cat7 cables are preferred to maximize power efficiency and minimize losses over the cable’s length.

Distance: The maximum transmission distance for PoE++ (both Type 3 and Type 4) is up to 100 meters (328 feet) per IEEE specifications. Extending beyond this distance typically requires a PoE extender, but with each additional extender, the effective power delivered will decrease.

Comparison to Previous PoE Standards

--- PoE (802.3af) supplies up to 15.4 watts at the switch port and typically provides 12.95 watts at the powered device.

--- PoE+ (802.3at) supplies up to 30 watts and typically provides around 25.5 watts at the device.

--- PoE++ (802.3bt Type 3) supplies up to 60 watts, while PoE++ (802.3bt Type 4) supplies up to 100 watts at the switch.

Summary

To summarize:

--- Type 3 PoE++ provides up to 60 watts per port, suitable for devices like PTZ cameras and wireless access points.

--- Type 4 PoE++ provides up to 100 watts per port, supporting high-demand devices such as LED lighting, interactive displays, and industrial equipment.

This high power capacity has made PoE++ switches an essential solution for powering advanced network devices, eliminating the need for separate power sources and simplifying infrastructure in environments where high power and reliability are critical.