What devices can be powered by PoE?

Power over Ethernet (PoE) can power a wide range of devices, especially those that are network-enabled and benefit from simplified power delivery over a single cable. These devices are commonly referred to as Powered Devices (PDs) and are used in various environments, such as offices, industrial facilities, and smart buildings. Here are the most common devices that can be powered by PoE:

1. Wireless Access Points (WAPs)

Use Case: Wireless access points provide Wi-Fi coverage in offices, public spaces, and homes. Using PoE allows these devices to be installed in places where electrical outlets are not readily available, like ceilings or outdoor areas.

Examples: Cisco Aironet, Ubiquiti UniFi, Aruba access points.

2. IP Cameras

Use Case: PoE is widely used for surveillance cameras, allowing easy installation in locations like building exteriors, parking lots, or ceilings. Cameras can also receive uninterrupted power during outages if backed by a UPS system.

Types: Fixed cameras, PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) cameras, dome cameras, and outdoor cameras.

Examples: Hikvision, Axis Communications, Dahua, and Bosch IP cameras.

3. VoIP Phones

Use Case: VoIP phones are network-enabled devices that rely on PoE to receive power and data over the same Ethernet cable, simplifying desk setups by eliminating the need for separate power adapters.

Examples: Cisco IP phones, Avaya VoIP phones, Yealink phones.

4. IP Intercoms

Use Case: These devices, used for communication in office buildings, residential complexes, and industrial environments, can be powered using PoE for easier installation in entry points or outdoor areas.

Examples: 2N IP intercoms, Axis IP video door stations.

5. Network Switches (PoE-Powered Switches)

Use Case: PoE-powered network switches (also known as PoE pass-through switches) are small switches that receive power via PoE and can also distribute power to other devices. They are useful for extending network infrastructure without requiring a nearby power source.

Examples: Ubiquiti USW-Flex, Netgear PoE pass-through switches.

6. PoE Lighting

Use Case: Modern smart buildings often use PoE to power LED lighting systems. This allows centralized control, automation, and energy efficiency by integrating lighting into the network.

Examples: Philips PowerBalance, Molex CoreSync PoE LED systems.

7. IP Speakers and Paging Systems

Use Case: Used in environments like schools, hospitals, and office buildings, these systems deliver paging, announcements, and music through network-connected speakers that are powered via PoE.

Examples: Axis network speakers, CyberData IP speakers.

8. IP Clocks

Use Case: PoE-powered clocks are used in schools, hospitals, and offices to maintain synchronized time across a network. This simplifies installation by using a single cable for both power and network synchronization.

Examples: American Time PoE clocks, Sapling PoE clocks.

9. Industrial Devices

Use Case: In industrial settings, PoE is used to power ruggedized devices such as sensors, control panels, access control systems, and monitoring equipment.

Examples: Schneider Electric industrial devices, Siemens industrial gateways.

10. Thin Clients

Use Case: Thin clients are lightweight computers that rely on centralized servers for most of their processing power. In some deployments, PoE is used to power these devices to reduce cable management and provide a cleaner desk setup.

Examples: HP Thin Clients, Dell Wyse PoE-capable thin clients.

11. IP Security Systems (Access Control)

Use Case: PoE powers access control systems, including card readers, door locks, and biometric scanners, simplifying the installation in secure entry points of buildings.

Examples: HID Global access control, ZKTeco biometric readers.

12. Digital Signage

Use Case: PoE can power digital displays and signage used in retail, transportation hubs, and corporate settings. This simplifies deployment in areas where power outlets are scarce or inconvenient to reach.

Examples: NEC PoE digital signage displays, Samsung SMART signage.

13. Point-of-Sale (PoS) Systems

Use Case: PoS systems can be networked and powered via PoE to ensure consistent power supply and data connectivity in retail environments, restaurants, and other commercial spaces.

Examples: NCR PoS systems, Ingenico PoE terminals.

14. Environmental Sensors

Use Case: PoE powers environmental sensors for monitoring temperature, humidity, air quality, and other factors in smart buildings or data centers.

Examples: AKCP environmental sensors, Netatmo weather monitoring sensors.

15. IoT Devices

Use Case: Various Internet of Things (IoT) devices, such as smart building controllers, HVAC systems, and smart meters, can be powered by PoE to streamline installations and centralize control.

Examples: Cisco Meraki IoT gateways, Smart building controllers by Siemens.

16. PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) Cameras

Use Case: These high-end surveillance cameras require higher power to control motorized zoom, tilt, and pan functions. PoE, especially PoE++ (IEEE 802.3bt), is ideal for delivering the needed power.

Examples: Axis Communications PTZ cameras, Dahua PTZ cameras.

Conclusion

PoE technology powers a wide range of networked devices across various sectors, including business, education, security, and smart buildings. Its versatility and the ability to simplify cabling while providing centralized power management make PoE a popular choice for modern network infrastructures.