Power over Ethernet (PoE) is a technology that lets network cables carry electrical power. Learn more about it by referring below.
Applies to: Reolink PoE cameras and PoE NVRs
A digital security camera normally requires two connections to be made when it is installed:
- A network connection, in order to be able to communicate with video recording and display equipment.
- A power connection, delivers the electrical power the camera needs to operate.
However, if the camera is PoE-enabled, only the network connection needs to be made, as it will receive its electrical power from this cable as well. Refer to the picture below:
Why use PoE?
Specifying Power over Ethernet brings many advantages to an installation:
- Time and cost savings – by reducing the time and expense of having electrical power cabling installed. Network cables do not require a qualified electrician to fit them, and can be located anywhere.
- Flexibility – without being tethered to an electrical outlet, devices such as IP cameras and wireless access points can be located wherever they are needed most, and repositioned easily if required.
- Safety – PoE delivery is intelligent, and designed to protect network equipment from overload, underpowering, or incorrect installation.
- Reliability – PoE power comes from a central and universally compatible source, rather than a collection of distributed wall adapters. It can be backed up by an uninterruptible power supply, or controlled to easily disable or reset devices.
- Scalability – having power available on the network means that installation and distribution of network connections are simple and effective.
Devices that use Power over Ethernet
PoE has many applications, but the three key areas are:
- VoIP phones – the original PoE application. Using PoE means phones have a single connection to a wall socket and can be remotely powered down, just like with the older analog systems.
- IP cameras – PoE is now ubiquitous on networked surveillance cameras, where it enables fast deployment and easy repositioning.
- Wireless - WiFi and Bluetooth APs and RFID readers are commonly PoE -compatible, to allow remote locations away from AC outlets, and relocation following site surveys.
How to upgrade to PoE
Adding PoE to your network is straightforward, and there are two routes you can choose:
- A PoE switch is a network switch that has Power over Ethernet injection built-in. Simply connect other network devices to the switch as normal, and the switch will detect whether they are PoE-compatible and enable power automatically.
- PoE switches are available to suit all applications, from low-cost unmanaged edge switches with a few ports, up to complex multi-port rack-mounted units with sophisticated management. Refer to the picture below:
- A midspan (or PoE injector) is used to add PoE capability to regular non-PoE network links. Midspans can be used to upgrade existing LAN installations to PoE, and provide a versatile solution where fewer PoE ports are required. Upgrading each network connection to PoE is as simple as patching it through the midspan, and as with PoE switches, power injection is controlled and automatic.
Midspans are available as multi-port rack-mounted units or low-cost single-port injectors. Please refer to the picture below:
It is also possible to upgrade powered devices, such as IP cameras, to PoE by using a PoE splitter. The PoE splitter is patched into the camera's network connection and taps off the PoE power, which it converts into a lower voltage suitable for the camera.