Before diving into the working of PoE splitters, it is important to know what they are. PoE is an acronym for Power over Ethernet. A technology that allows Ethernet cables to carry power along with data. Mostly, Ethernet devices require two kinds of connections. One for the network. And another for electricity. PoE infuses both the characteristics in a single cable.
Ethernet devices can be confusing to understand. Therefore, today we will shine some light on the working mechanism of a poe splitter switch.
Operation of a PoE Splitter
PoE splitters are used in combination with PoE switches and injectors. These devices use DC (Direct Current) and transmit data over a high speed without interference. But, not all devices on the network have PoE compatibility. Is the data lost when such a device is encountered? Here comes the plot twist.
The PoE splitters help non-submissive PoE devices to use the available power. A PoE splitter can have two configurations in a network.
A PoE Switch
When you have a PoE switch, the setup of the splitter is relatively easy. You can directly connect the splitter with the switch. The splitter, in turn, outputs two separate wires for carrying power and data. The output wire carrying the data is connected to the RJ45 port of the end device. And the wire carrying the data is attached to another port.
A Non-PoE Switch
A PoE splitter cannot be attached to a PoE switch directly. You’ll need to connect the splitter with an injector that further connects to the switch. This prevents device damage and data loss.
Things to Keep In Mind When Buying a PoE Switch
Networks and their upgrades are the lifelines of present-day businesses. Buying a PoE splitter requires some knowledge on the user’s side. Therefore, the guide below illustrates some compatibility factors that must be there in a unit.
The PoE technology has different applications. For instance, it can power lightning or telephony equipment. Hence, you need to ensure that the splitter and the targeted device are compatible. Mostly, PoE switches work with IEEE 802.3af/802.3at standards.
For outputs less than 15.4W, you can pair the PoE splitter with an IEEE 802.3af. However, for generating output values of 30W or so, the splitter needs an 802.3at input.
How Is Investing In A PoE Splitter Beneficial?
Deploying the PoE splitters in your network offers a handful of benefits.
Firstly, you don’t have to invest in a separate electrical infrastructure to power your devices. This also makes the overall setup energy efficient. Next, the PoE technology offers unmatched reliability. Their integrated circuits prevent power surges and burning out of equipment.
Furthermore, they demand a low maintenance cost. The cost of replacing an electrical component is twice that of changing a PoE splitter. Also, most PoE devices now feature SNMP, which helps you remotely control the power supply across the network.
Final Verdict
The PoE splitters are a great solution when you are willing to make a one-time investment. Networks using PoE are reliable and easy to set up. Moreover, they have a low running cost as PoE splitters are very reasonable to replace.