ShowMeCables PoE Injector, Metal Industrial Outdoor IP67, Gigabit, 802.3at+ 802.3af, 1-Port, 30W, 54V, End-span

The popularity of Power over Ethernet (PoE) is growing. Since it was introduced in 2003 as a way to both transmit data and deliver power on a computer network, the PoE market has reached $2 billion. It is expected to hit $3.2 billion by 2030, according to market analysis firm Market Research Future.

Two key devices on a PoE network are splitters and injectors. A PoE splitter allows a PoE-enabled Ethernet cable to be split into separate power and data cables. A PoE injector injects electricity onto an Ethernet cable to supply power to PoE-enabled devices.

This blog post explains what splitters and injectors can do for your PoE deployment. It also covers some terms you will encounter while shopping for splitters and injectors − such as the difference between “mid-span” and “end-span” devices, and the significance of a few key standards that regulate the design of these products.

But first, in case you are new to the world of Power over Ethernet, let’s start with a summary of what it can do for you.

Power + Data = PoE

Power over Ethernet is a technology that allows network cables to carry electrical power along with data, enabling a single Ethernet cable to provide both to a device. It is commonly used to power devices such as wireless access points, IP cameras, and VoIP phones without the need for a separate power supply.

PoE works by injecting DC power into the Ethernet cable in a way that is compatible with data transmission. The power is delivered over the unused wires in the Ethernet cable, typically over the same wires used for data transmission. PoE is available in several different standards, with different maximum power levels.

PoE’s advantages include reduced installation costs, increased flexibility, and improved reliability. Also:

  • There is no need to install separate power cables, power outlets, or power supplies for each device, simplifying the installation and reducing the overall cost of the system.
  • PoE provides greater flexibility in device placement, as devices can be installed in locations where power outlets are not available.
  • PoE improves reliability by eliminating the need for multiple power sources, reducing the potential for power-related failures.

PoE Splitters

A Power over Ethernet splitter is a device that allows a PoE-enabled Ethernet cable to be split into separate power and data cables. It receives the combined power and data signal from a PoE-enabled switch or injector, and then separates the power and data signals into two separate cables, one for data transmission and the other for power delivery. The power cable can then be connected to a non-PoE enabled device that requires power, such as a security camera or a wireless access point.

A PoE splitter typically has two output ports: one for data and one for power. The data port is an RJ-45 Ethernet connector, which connects the device to the network, while the power port is a DC connector that links the non-PoE device to the power supply.

PoE splitters are useful when a PoE-enabled switch or injector is not available, but power-over-Ethernet is desired to power non-PoE devices. PoE splitters are used in situations where a non-PoE device is located far from a power outlet, or where the installation of new power outlets would be expensive or impractical.

SMC just released a new metal industrial outdoor PoE splitter that’s perfect for lighting and security in the transportation and telecom industries. The IP67 waterproof device is Gigabit rated (Cat6) for up to 100 meters. It works as either an end-span or a mid-span device (see those terms defined below).

PoE Injectors

A Power over Ethernet injector is a device that injects electrical power onto an Ethernet cable to supply power to PoE-enabled devices. The PoE injector is inserted between a non-PoE switch or router and a PoE-enabled device, such as an IP camera, wireless access point, or VoIP phone, allowing power and data to be transmitted over a single Ethernet cable.

The PoE injector works by taking power from a standard electrical outlet and converting it into a form that can be transmitted over Ethernet cables. The injector then adds the power onto the Ethernet cable that connects to the PoE-enabled device. This allows the device to receive power without the need for a separate power source.

PoE injectors come in various forms, such as single-port, multi-port, or rack-mounted units, and can support different PoE standards that provide varying levels of power to the connected devices. They are commonly used in situations where there is no PoE-enabled switch or where additional power is required beyond the PoE power available on the switch. They are also useful for powering PoE-enabled devices that are located far from a PoE switch or for devices that require more power than what is available from the PoE switch.

SMC recently started offering two new metal industrial IP67 outdoor PoE injectors that are ideal for lighting and security purposes in the transportation and telecom industries. One model is for end-span use and the other goes either end-span or mid-span.

Mid-Span PoE vs. End-Span PoE

An end-span PoE device, also known as a PoE switch, is typically installed at the edge of the network, close to the PoE-enabled components. It provides power and data to the components through the same Ethernet cable.

A mid-span PoE device, or PoE injector, is a separate device installed between the network switch and the PoE-enabled device. It injects power onto the Ethernet cable, allowing it to carry both data and power to the PoE-enabled device. It is often used in situations where a non-PoE switch is already installed in the network, and a PoE-enabled device needs to be connected to it.

One advantage of a mid-span PoE device is that it can be used to upgrade an existing non-PoE network switch to a PoE-enabled switch, without the need to replace the entire switch. It can also be used to provide additional power to PoE-enabled devices that require more power than what the end-span PoE switch can provide.

IEEE Standards

PoE devices follow standards set by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). Following are a few of the typical standards you will see as you shop.

IEEE 802.3bt

Ratified in 2018, IEEE 802.3bt is also known as Type 3 or Type 4 PoE and provides higher levels of power delivery than the previous PoE standards. Such devices can deliver up to 90 watts of power over an Ethernet cable, which is more than double the power delivery of its predecessor, IEEE 802.3at (Type 2 PoE). This increased power is needed for devices such as pan-tilt-zoom cameras, thin client computers, and video conferencing systems.

IEEE 802.3af

Ratified in 2003, IEEE 802.3af is also known as Type 1 PoE. It provides a standard method for delivering PoE to network devices such as IP phones, wireless access points, and IP cameras. It defines two power classes: Class 1 devices that require up to 3.84 watts of power, and Class 2 devices that require up to 6.49 watts of power. The standard can deliver up to 15.4 watts of power over an Ethernet cable, using two pairs of wires in the cable. It is widely adopted in the networking industry and supported by most PoE-enabled devices.

IEEE 802.3at

IEEE 802.3at, ratified in 2009, is also known as Type 2 PoE and can deliver up to 30 watts over an Ethernet cable to power devices such as wireless access points, IP cameras, and VoIP phones. It is backward compatible with the earlier IEEE 802.3af (Type 1 PoE) standard.

ShowMeCables offers a wide selection of PoE injectors and splitters. The vast majority of our products are in-stock and available for same-day shipping if ordered before 5 p.m. ET.

If you have any questions or need guidance on which PoE product is best for you, our U.S.-based customer service would love to hear from you at 1-888-519-9505. Or you can contact us via email or chat.