What is PoE? (Power over Ethernet)

The Power over Ethernet feature -- the IEEE 802.3af standard -- lets Ethernet cables supply the power for network devices, at the same time as transmitting data in the normal way. Typical PoE users are businesses adding to their network or adding VoIP phones in buildings where new power lines would be expensive or inconvenient.

• Products using the standard send or receive power to another PoE product following the standard.
• A device can send or receive, but not both.
• The sender is a Power Sourcing device (PSE), while device that is powered is a Powered Device (PD).
• The PSE supplies 15.4 watts, which can be divided between several PDs.

PoE is included in NETGEAR products such as the WG302 access point and the FSM7326P. This illustration shows three connected PoE devices. The PSE is the FSM7326P switch, the other two are PDs.

• PoE products can be mixed in a network with non-PoE, but non-PoE products cannot send or receive power.
• PoE can also be added to a network by using a device whose chief purpose is to supply power. NETGEAR® is partnered with PowerDsine™, which makes devices that add PoE. Their "Single Port Midspan" sends power to one device, while the "6-port Power Hub" powers six. The illustration shows one "Midspan" device powering a VoIP phone, and another powering a WG302 access point. Notice that two Midspans are necessary, because the non-PoE switch does not allow the power to be transmitted through it.

  

N101556.asp Oct. 7, 2005