Oftentimes you’d like to install a device such as a security camera. To install this device, you'd normally need two wires traipsing through your establishment. Usually, power comes a separate power cord and controlling the device using data requires using yet another cord, usually an Ethernet wire.
These two lines supply power and data. Data would send information to your device, allowing you to control it. For example, if you are running a remote control camera, any time you adjust the focus of the camera, this data is sent over the cable connected via Ethernet.
Wouldn’t it be nice to just have one wire running through your home or business? Enter Power over Ethernet (PoE). There are many advantages to using Power over Ethernet:
Power over Ethernet can control a variety of devices. 3 of the most popular applications are:
A POE switch is a popular way to add PoE to your network. A PoE switch has Power over Ethernet built in. There are a variety of options available to suit any application. Ask your local electrician for advice regarding which PoE to buy, or have them set it up for you.
Then, simply connect your network devices to the switch like any other Ethernet switch. The PoE Switch can and will detect what devices are PoE compatible and make the necessary adjustment. For example it will enable the power automatically!
What if your regular network links do not have PoE? Use a midspan, or PoE injector. Each network connection must be routed through the PoE injector. A midspan can be used by an electrician contractor to upgrade existing LAN to Power over Ethernet. As with a PoE switch, there are a variety of midspan options available. Also similar to Power over Ethernet switches, power is automatically supplied.
The device itself, such as an existing IP security camera, can be upgraded to PoE. The camera’s network connection is tied into the PoE splitter, and taps into the Power over Ethernet. The power is then converted into low voltage power acceptable to power the device.
There are a variety of tools available to test and install Power over Ethernet devices. Wire Works Co Inc officially recommends the use of Net Prowler™, Cable Prowler™ or Net Chaser™ tools. These are products of Platinum Tools. When these network testers are connected to an Ethernet cable, a lot of valuable information can be found out, like: