Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology has transformed network infrastructure by allowing data and electrical power to be transmitted over a single Ethernet cable. This simplification makes it easier to install and manage devices like IP phones, wireless access points, and security cameras. But with evolving power demands, technologies like PoE+ and PoE++ have entered the scene.
So what’s the difference, and which option is right for your network?
What is a PoE Switch?
A PoE switch (Power over Ethernet switch) is a specialized network switch designed to deliver both data and electrical power to network devices through standard Ethernet cables. This dual functionality streamlines installation processes by removing the need for separate power supplies, outlets, or additional cabling infrastructure. As a result, deploying networked devices like VoIP phones, IP security cameras, and wireless access points becomes much more efficient and cost-effective. The ability to provide power and data over the same cable makes PoE switches particularly valuable in environments where access to electrical outlets is limited or where aesthetic considerations discourage extensive wiring.
Key PoE (802.3af) Specifications:
- Power Delivery: Up to 15.4 watts per port.
- Voltage: 44-57 volts DC.
- Current: Up to 350 mA.
- Total Power Budget: Typically 12.95 watts (after power loss considerations).
- Notable Applications: Phones, basic cameras, access points, switches, accessory edge devices.
What is a PoE+ Switch?
Similar to a PoE network switch, the PoE plus switch also supplies power over two pairs, but it adds an additional power class that is able to deliver power up to 25.5W for a PD with a voltage range from 42.5V to 57V. The max power delivered by each port of a PoE+ switch is 30W, along with a voltage range from 50V to 57V.
Key PoE+ (802.3at) Specifications:
- Power Delivery: Up to 30 watts per port.
- Voltage: 50-57 volts DC.
- Current: Up to 600 mA.
- Total Power Budget: Typically 25.5 watts (after power loss considerations).
- Notable Applications: Wireless access points, advanced IP cameras, some VoIP phones.
What Is PoE++ Switch?
A PoE++ switch refers to a network switch that supports the IEEE 802.3bt standard, allowing it to deliver significantly more power compared to earlier PoE standards. Also known as Type 3 and Type 4 PoE, PoE++ can supply up to 60 watts (Type 3) or up to 100 watts (Type 4) per port, making it ideal for powering high-consumption devices. This includes equipment such as pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) security cameras, multi-radio wireless access points, interactive kiosks, video conferencing systems, and even compact computers or displays.
Key POE++ (802.3bt) specifications:
- Power Delivery (Type 3): Up to 60 watts per port.
- Power Delivery (Type 4): Up to 100 watts per port.
- Voltage: 50-57 volts DC.
- Current (Type 3): Up to 960 mA.
- Current (Type 4): Up to 1,400 mA.
- Total Power Budget: Depends on switch and configuration.
- Notable Applications: High-performance access points, PTZ cameras, advanced IoT devices.
Supported Devices: Matching Standards to Use Cases
Choosing the right PoE standard depends heavily on the devices you plan to power:
- PoE devices are typically low-bandwidth or static:
- VoIP phones
- Analog cameras with Ethernet adapters
- Basic wireless access points
- PoE+ adds support for more sophisticated and mobile devices:
- PTZ security cameras with motorized controls
- Higher-bandwidth wireless access points (802.11n/ac)
- Entry-level video conferencing systems
- PoE++ is ideal for modern enterprise networks needing high performance:
- High-end wireless access points (Wi-Fi 6/6E)
- All-in-one touchscreen computers
- Smart TVs and digital signage
- Industrial PoE lighting or control systems
Which One Should You Choose?
Choosing between POE, POE+, and POE++ depends on the specific power requirements of your network devices and the capabilities of your network infrastructure. Here are some steps to help you make an informed decision:
Determine Power Needs:
Assess the power requirements of the devices you intend to power over Ethernet. Different devices have varying power consumption levels. Make a list of devices and their corresponding power needs in watts.
Check Device Compatibility:
Check whether each connected device is compatible with PoE, PoE+, or PoE++. Some switches may only support specific PoE standards, so consult the manufacturer’s documentation to confirm compatibility.
Consider Future Growth:
Make sure you’re prepared for future growth by considering what upgrades you might want to make to your network. If there is a chance you may be incorporating higher-powered devices in the future, investing in a higher PoE standard switch now to accommodate later growth may be prudent.
Assess Network Switch Capability:
Check if your network switch supports the POE standard you’re considering. Not all switches support all POE standards. Make sure the switch can deliver the required power levels to the devices you plan to connect.
Evaluate Cable Length and Voltage Drop:
Keep in mind that longer Ethernet cable runs can lead to voltage drop and power loss. Higher-powered devices may require higher voltage levels to compensate for this drop. Consider the cable length between the switch and the powered devices.
Budget Considerations:
Evaluate budget constraints and balance them with the power needs of devices. PoE++ equipment may be more expensive than PoE and PoE+ options.
Plan for Redundancy and Failover:
If power continuity is critical for your network devices, consider redundant power sources or uninterruptible power supply (UPS) solutions. This may influence your choice of POE standard.
Consult with Professionals:
If you’re unsure about which POE standard to choose, consult with IT professionals, network engineers, or vendors who specialize in networking equipment. They can provide valuable insights based on your specific use case.
Review Standards Evolution:
Keep in mind that technology evolves. While POE++ might provide more power, future standards could potentially offer even higher power capacities. Consider the longevity of your infrastructure when making a decision.
Some Ubiquiti Switches available
Ubiquiti UniFi switches are intelligent, high-performance network switches designed for both home and business networks. These switches are ideal for powering and connecting UniFi access points, IP cameras, VoIP phones, and other network devices over a single cable, reducing installation complexity. Below is a list of some ubiquiti switches available at our shop:
- UniFi Switch USW-24-POE – 24 RJ45 ports, with PoE support (often ~95 W PoE budget)
- UniFi Switch Pro Max 24 PoE – Top-tier model, often supporting PoE++ on some ports, multi-gig uplinks, and advanced features
- The UniFi Switch USW-48-POE – 48-port version with PoE support, suitable for larger deployments
Ubiquiti Switch USW-Pro-Max-16-PoE – Middle ground size with PoE support
Ubiquiti Switch USW-Pro-8-PoE – Compact 8-port switch with PoE, useful for small sites, edge, or branch installations
Conclusion
PoE technology makes network deployments simpler, cleaner, and safer. Understanding the differences between PoE, PoE+, and PoE++ helps you choose the right switch based on your device power needs and future scalability.
If you plan to expand your network or deploy modern high-power devices, investing in PoE+ or PoE++ is a smart and future-proof decision. Techyshop offers a range of Ubiquity PoE solutions tailored to meet diverse networking requirements. Contact us today. We’ll help you find affordable and compatible PoE+ and PoE++ switches and accessories to upgrade and futureproof your network.
