PoE Products: L-com sells Power over Ethernet
What is Power over Ethernet?
Power over Ethernet (PoE) is a technology that employs the unused pair of wires in most Cat5 UTP cables to carry power. This means you can install a device that needs power with just one cable: the Cat5 UTP cable.
PoE has a lot of applications, usually having to do with installations in areas where it is difficult to run a power line. A lot of the equipment that you may install, like antenna amplifiers, switches, and radios all require power.
Check out our website for a terrific explanation of Power Over Ethernet. It describes Power over Ethernet and has several helpful diagrams showing different applications.
Common considerations when buying PoE products
PoE injectors and pickers or “splitters” are both needed on a PoE line, unless the PoE device is designed to handle PoE directly. The injector would be at the beginning of a cable run where it can be plugged in. The picker would be at the end of the line where the power is needed.
When an item is “PoE Ready”, such as the Linksys WAP4400N, you can plug it directly in to a Cat5e cable that is carrying power from a PoE Injector. Many items, however, are not built for a direct PoE connection. In those cases, you need a picker or a splitter that will split the data signal from the power, and allow you to plug in your product as if there were a power jack right there.
When you are deciding on which Injector and Splitter to get for your project, spend some time verifying the voltage and amps that your device will need. Also, don’t forget that you may need extra cables and an enclosure to put your product in.
Below is a diagram of a typical PoE installation, more diagrams are available here.
Here are some other items that L-com carries:
Cat5e bulk cable, connectors, and tools
Networking equipment from top brands
Of course, you can always call L-com’s free technical support line at 1-800-341-5266. Press "3" to speak with a live tech support specialist who can help you with your application.
L-com Global Connectivity 45 Beechwood Drive North Andover, MA 01845www.L-com.com E-mail: sales@L-com.com Phone: 1-800-341-5266 Fax: 1-978-689-9484
