By Lucero Artemio, Senior Product Manager, Fiberroad Technology
A PoE switch is a network device that can deliver data and power over Ethernet. A normal switch cannot transfer power over the same medium. To use a PoE switch, you need a power supply that can deliver power over the same medium. A normal switch can be made PoE-ready by attaching a midspan injector. These injectors add electrical power to the switch.
If you have several locations where you need to install networking equipment, you should consider buying a PoE switch. It will support legacy devices and networks with high power demands. New devices requiring a high power supply will likely become PoE enabled. Getting ready will position your network to take advantage of this technology as it develops.
To connect a PoE switch to a conventional switch, you will need an Injector. This small device will add PoE functionality to individual cables. Using one of these devices will protect your equipment from damage if the voltage is too high. But, it may not be the best choice if you don’t know what a PoE switch is. Before making your purchase, you can check whether a device is compatible with PoE.
Can PoE Switch Be Connected to a Non-PoE Switch?
A PoE switch can identify the terminal device that needs power, while a non-PoE switch will only provide data. You can connect both types of devices to the same switch. Moreover, most PoE switches can disable a PoE port if it is not in use. This feature makes the switch more power-efficient.
A non-PoE switch can be connected to a PoE switch without compromising its performance. It will only supply power to devices that are directly connected to it. This connection is necessary because PoE does not pass through additional switches. Therefore, the last switch before the PoE device must be a PoE switch. However, if you need to use a non-PoE switch, you must buy one that supports PoE.
Can PoE Switch Pass Through Non-PoE Switch?
The answer is NO! It doesn’t have to be PoE-enabled to be used with non-PoE devices. It can operate with non-PoE devices, but it needs to be able to pass power to them. A PoE switch also provides a higher level of performance. Using a non-PoE switch on your network can be dangerous.
To ensure you’re using a compatible PoE switch, make sure you know your devices’ power requirements. Different PoE devices have varying power requirements and life cycles. Check the ports’ power budgets when installing a PoE switch on your network. PDs have different wattage requirements than PSEs. Ensure each device’s wattage is less than the PSE’s Total PoE Budget.
You can pass the power to the device using a PoE injector without a PoE switch. This can be easily purchased on Amazon. These devices perform the same function as a switch but only pass power through a single line. You can also use a PoE injector if your devices are connected to a single line. A PoE injector will also add power to the smaller portion of your network.
Can PoE and Non-PoE Devices Be Used with PoE Switch
PoE switches allow you to plug in both devices and share the power and data. However, the difference is small. A PoE switch does have more capabilities than a non-PoE switch and is more expensive. When connecting a PoE device to a network switch, you’re ensuring that power is delivered to both. PoE switches can also be configured to automatically restart devices, which is useful if they get offline and need power.
A PoE device allows data and power to travel over the same ethernet cable. Similarly, a non-PoE device connects to an Ethernet port without PoE support. This configuration will work with an Active PoE system but could cause a Passive PoE system to malfunction. So, when choosing between a PoE device and a non-PoE device, it is important to understand the difference.
