PoE Explained: Powering Your Network Devices Over Ethernet

Power over Ethernet lets a single network cable carry both data and electrical power — a huge simplification for modern deployments.

How PoE works

PoE-capable switches deliver power along the same Ethernet cable that carries data, so devices like IP phones, wireless access points and cameras need no separate power supply or nearby socket.

Standards and wattage

802.3af delivers up to ~15W, 802.3at (PoE+) up to ~30W, and 802.3bt (PoE++) up to ~90W for power-hungry devices like PTZ cameras and high-end access points. Match your switch budget to your devices.

Why it matters

PoE cuts installation cost and complexity and makes relocating devices easy. Al-Gazelle stocks PoE switches across all standards.