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Power over Ethernet facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
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Wireless LAN access point, powered by a PoE injector

Power over Ethernet is a technology that allows to supply electricity over standard Ethernet cables. This is useful in many ways, as it allows to only have one cable to both provide the computer network and electricity to a device. It can be used for powering IP telephones, wireless LAN access points, network cameras, remote network switches, embedded computers, and other appliances. In many of these cases it is often inconvenient, expensive or infeasible to supply power separately.

The technology is comparable to POTS telephones. These also receive power and data through the same cable. Power over ethernet doesn't require changing the existing Ethernet cabling infrastructure.

There are several general terms used to describe this feature. The terms Power over Ethernet (PoE), Power over LAN (PoL), and inline power are synonymous terms used to describe the powering of attached devices via Ethernet ports.

Images for kids

  • 5520-24-POE

    Avaya ERS 5500 switch with 48 Power over Ethernet ports

  • IP-phone with PoE

    Cisco 7906 VoIP phone with PoE

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Power over Ethernet para niños

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