How much power does a POE++ switch supply?

A PoE++ switch, also known as a Type 4 PoE switch under the IEEE 802.3bt standard, can supply up to 60 watts or 100 watts per port, depending on the configuration (Type 3 or Type 4). This high power output distinguishes PoE++ from previous PoE standards, allowing it to support a broader range of high-power devices, such as PTZ cameras, Wi-Fi 6/6E access points, LED lighting, and IoT devices.

PoE++ Power Output by Type

PoE++ has two power levels under the IEEE 802.3bt standard:

1. Type 3 (60W PoE++):

--- Maximum Power Output per Port: 60 watts

--- Power Available at the Device: 51 watts (after accounting for power loss in the Ethernet cable)

--- Applications: Ideal for moderately high-power devices such as multi-sensor IP cameras, high-performance wireless access points, and advanced building automation controls.

2. Type 4 (100W PoE++):

--- Maximum Power Output per Port: 100 watts

--- Power Available at the Device: 71-90 watts, depending on cable length and quality (longer cables cause more power loss)

--- Applications: Designed for very high-power devices, including large digital displays, video conferencing systems, LED lighting, and various industrial IoT devices that require more robust power.

How a PoE++ Switch Supplies High Power

PoE++ switches achieve their high power output using four-pair power transmission, which means all four twisted pairs within an Ethernet cable are utilized to deliver power, instead of just two pairs (as in PoE and PoE+). This approach doubles the amount of power that can be transmitted without changing the cable type (typically Cat5e or Cat6).

The switch automatically detects the device’s power requirements and supplies the appropriate wattage based on its classification. PoE++ devices are categorized from Class 5 to Class 8 under the IEEE 802.3bt standard, with higher classes corresponding to higher power needs:

--- Class 5: Up to 45 watts (Type 3)

--- Class 6: Up to 60 watts (Type 3)

--- Class 7: Up to 75 watts (Type 4)

--- Class 8: Up to 100 watts (Type 4)

The switch allocates power dynamically based on the needs of each connected device, ensuring efficient power distribution and avoiding overloading.

Power Distribution and Budget Considerations

A PoE++ switch has a total power budget—the maximum amount of power it can supply across all ports combined. For instance:

--- A PoE++ switch with a 300W power budget could supply full power (100W each) to three ports simultaneously, or distribute lesser amounts of power across more ports.

--- If more devices are connected than the power budget can support, the switch uses power management features to prioritize certain ports, ensuring critical devices receive power without exceeding the switch’s total capacity.

Practical Examples of PoE++ Power Supply

In a deployment scenario:

--- A Wi-Fi 6E access point may require 45W to function optimally, which can be easily supported by a Type 3 PoE++ port.

--- A high-resolution PTZ security camera with infrared capability might need close to 60W, supplied by a Type 3 PoE++ port.

--- Industrial LED lighting installations in a smart building might require 90-100W per unit, which is achievable through a Type 4 PoE++ port.

Benefits of PoE++ Power Supply

1.Supports High-Power Devices: The power levels provided by PoE++ are sufficient for devices that require more power than PoE or PoE+ can deliver, enabling the integration of more advanced and power-intensive equipment.

2.Simplifies Installation: By delivering both power and data over a single Ethernet cable, PoE++ eliminates the need for separate power sources and reduces cabling, lowering installation costs and simplifying setup.

3.Offers Greater Flexibility: With the higher power available, PoE++ supports a more diverse range of devices across various sectors, from smart building infrastructure to industrial automation.

Summary Table of PoE Standards

In summary, PoE++ supplies up to 60W or 100W per port, supporting high-powered, high-performance devices with a simplified, efficient infrastructure. The ability to supply this level of power over Ethernet greatly expands the applications of PoE, making it suitable for environments where more robust devices are essential.