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Useful Tips for Selecting PoE Cables

PoE has gained popularity in a number of applications, including IP cameras, IP phones, and wireless access points, by running power and data transfer over a single Ethernet cable. However, without proper PoE cables, PoE may have cable heating and connectivity problems, which would negatively impact the transmission performance from the PoE switch to these devices. This article will give you some guidance for your Ethernet cable selections in PoE deployment.

Power Over Ethernet Standards

Power over Ethernet (PoE) stands for a proven method of delivering DC power over the same twisted pair cabling used for LAN data transmission. The IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) standards for Power over Ethernet are 802.3af, 802.3at, and 802.3bt presented as follows:

PoE technology allows a single PoE network cable to provide the required communication and electrical power to a variety of devices. Therefore, choosing the right PoE cable is essential for network communication.

Applications Using PoE Ethernet Cables

PoE technology with explosive growth rates has been widely adopted in various applications—PoE IP surveillance cameras, PoE-enabled Voice over IP (VoIP) phones, Wireless Access Points (WAPs), IP PoE-based lighting, Point-of-Sale (PoS), etc. For example, see how FS PoE cables function in a network scenario by connecting FS S3150-8T2FP PoE switch to powered devices (PDs).

Factors to Select PoE Cables

Choosing the right cable is the key to network quality and reliability. What should be taken into consideration when choosing PoE network cables? There are several factors that need to be considered when selecting the cable type used for PoE applications.

Data Transmission Requirements

The first factor to consider is the data transmission requirement (e.g., 1000BASE-T, 10GBASE-T) of the device(s) being utilized. Cat5 cable can be sufficient for PoE protocol short-distance transmission. However, more advanced transmission-grade cables, like 1000Base-T, can be needed for digital devices like high-megapixel IP cameras. Cat6 cable and Cat6a cable are typically utilized for applications that require modest efficiency. To accommodate high-wattage PoE requests, 2.5GB to 5 GB Ethernet data speeds are needed, hence HDBase-T cable is recommended. Cat7 and Cat8 cables are preferred for the most sophisticated, effective applications. The newest and most advanced copper cable type, category 8, offers strong performance and top transfer rates of up to 25 GB across a steady channel.

Conductor Size

Conductor resistance (DCR) in PoE applications results in heat generation in the cable. Typically, Cat6 and Cat7 have larger conductor sizes than Cat5e patch cables. Cables with a larger conductor size can reduce more conductor resistances. Generally speaking, the heat generated in the cable will be reduced with the same ratio of the conductor resistance reduction. Cat6 cables tend to have about 80% of the DCR of Cat5e, thus only about 80% of the heat generation. The larger the conductor size of the cable, the better.

Cable Structure

Cable construction is also a factor causing the temperature rise of a cable. Copper cable can be divided into UTP (unshielded twisted pair cable) and STP (shielded twisted pair cable) two types based on cable structure. Usually, cables with metallic or foil shields are proven to dissipate more heat than UTP cables. Higher heat dissipation leads to cooler cable. When using Cat6 F/UTP cable, more than 40% of the heat can be dissipated compared to Cat6 UTP. If allowed, picking Cat7 S/FTP cable with a foil shield around each pair can dissipate more heat than Cat6 and Cat6 F/UTP.

Further Learning: Shielded vs Unshielded Cat6a: How to Choose?

Cable Temperature

The previous two factors will affect the cable temperature to some degree. Cables with high-temperature ratings allow for a higher amount of power to be dissipated. Typical temperature ratings for cables are 60°C, 75°C, and 90°C. If the temperature of a cable rises, the electrical performance will be degraded. And it’s not good for the cable’s physical performance and longevity. Normally speaking, STP cables are less likely to be affected by temperature than UTP cables.

Cable Materials

When selecting PoE network cables, make sure that you are comparing apples to apples. Copper-clad aluminum vs. pure copper cables, the former uses aluminum instead of copper wire. Some people may choose the copper-clad aluminum cable (CCA cable) on account of the tight budget, which may lead to network issues from using inferior materials to transmit the signal. The CCA cables have much higher DC resistance than copper cables. If the resistance is not compensated, the voltage drop will be greater for any channel length. Longer lengths will exceed TIA’s channel DCR requirements, limiting the voltage available to the device. Higher resistance causes radiant heat to build up faster, and this may cause damage to the device. 100% copper network cabling is a safer and more reliable choice for PoE applications.

Power Consumption

The amount of power that the PoE device requires for operation can’t be ignored when selecting PoE cables. The power requirement will dictate which IEEE standard to follow and what the minimum category cabling to be used. Although each standard regulates a minimum category of cabling, other factors are important to be considered including voltage drop and heat dissipation. Voltage drop determines how much of the supplied power reaches the receiving device. The energy that is lost over the length of the cable transforms to heat and is referred to as heat dissipation. Excessive heat build-up can cause an increase in attenuation as well as premature aging of the cabling jacket.

Installation Configuration

The last factor is the cable installation configuration which has a large effect on the heat dissipation ability. Heat will be kept within the cable as high thermal resistance and high conductor temperature occur with large cable bundles or other installation factors. The larger the cable bundle size, the higher the temperature, no matter what cable category and construction structure. Therefore, to avoid elevated temperatures, avoid environments that may confine heat to the cable, such as large cable bundles, cable bundles close together, and constructions or installations that don’t adhere to approved standards. It is important to have a proper ventilation system in the environment.

Here provides several specific installing tips for PoE cabling:

Get well-prepared before deploying, and never just wing it.
Check your network devices to verify that they are PoE compliant.
Make use of different media in the whole cabling design.
Do not run cable near devices that generate electrostatics.
The PoE cable installation is not a one-and-done, please prepare for future upgrades.
Think about your budget for the whole cabling installation, and find a cost-effective solution from a reliable supplier.

FS: A Trustworthy PoE Cable Supplier

After considering the abovementioned factors, finally, there comes the selection of the network cable provider. High-quality and high-reliability PoE cables are what a qualified supplier should offer. FS encompasses a wide range of high-quality Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a, Cat7, and Cat8 PoE cables with shielded or unshielded type options. All of the Ethernet patch cables have passed strict Fluke tests, including the Fluke patch cord test, Fluke channel test, and Fluke permanent link test to guarantee high performance. FS Assured Program for Ethernet Cables offers more detailed information on FS’s PoE Ethernet cables.

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Useful Tips for Selecting PoE Cables

PoE Cabling Explained: Architectures, Advantages, and Applications

Power over Ethernet (PoE), no longer a new buzzword, is shaping the current network ecosystem. Be it digital transformation, Internet of Things (IoT), NextGen wireless, smart devices solutions, etc. are all in rapid growth with the adoption of PoE technology. The structured and converged PoE cabling also has undergone evolvement in the past decade. This article will make an explanation of common PoE cabling architectures, and provide further insights into the benefits and the applications of the zone cabling in PoE deployments.

Architectures for PoE Cabling

A typical PoE system consists of PSE (Power Source Equipment), Power Device (PD), and PoE cable. When considering cabling architecture design options for PoE systems, two main topologies are commonly implemented: dedicated cabling and zone cabling.

Dedicated Cabling

In a dedicated cabling design, aka home-run architecture, the PoE switch and the patch panel are located in the telecommunications room (TR) with permanent link cabling running to each device. Both data and power are sent to the devices outside the TR. A surface mount box or other types of termination at a port may also be included, with patch cords connecting to the devices.

In a home-run architecture, the devices are centralized in the telecommunications room, which makes it easier to control and maintain active equipment, better for power management as well. However, the tradeoff is the inflexible cabling infrastructure, which makes future modifications difficult.

Zone Cabling

A zone cabling for the PoE system can be further divided into “passive zone” and “active zone.” Like home-run cabling, passive zone architecture locates all active gear in the TR. The difference lies in the added consolidation point between the TR and the devices, without having to provide cabling all the way back to the TR, which is beneficial to facilitate moves, adds, and changes (MACs).

In the active zone topology, the PSE is located in the telecommunications enclosure (TE), to accommodate long-distance runs or to facilitate the transmission of large amounts of data between the TE and the TR. Typically, optical fibers are added to connect the PoE switches in the TE and Non-PoE switches in the TR, and the copper cables will run from the TE to the device outlets.

Compared with the traditional “home-run” cabling, the zone cabling approach makes it quicker and easier to manage MACs, because shorter-run cables are used to connect zone boxes to local work areas. What’s more, this kind of localized topology may only have effects in one small zone at a time, minimizing widespread downtime and network disruption and maintaining maximum productivity.

Advantages of PoE Cabling With Zone Cabling Design

No one-size-fits-all topology for PoE. Each architecture possesses advantages and disadvantages. The traditional structured cabling that covers multiple lengthy copper cables will result in a nest of wires, difficult to maintain, troubleshoot, and expand. Comparatively, for high-power PoE, zone cabling will evidently provide a cost-effective solution. Featuring with its inherent advantage, zone cabling has an easily accessible intermediate connection point, making it possible to locate zone enclosures in an access floor, ceiling, on the wall, or within modular furniture for more convenient access to these connections.

Specifically speaking, the zone cabling architecture for PoE deployment has the following prominent benefits:

Simplified cabling infrastructure: Replacing multiple individual cables running from PoE switches in the TR. Streamlining the cables orderly of connection points with shorter-run cables to devices in each zone.
Improved flexibility: Connecting various devices directly in the consolidation point with a patch cord or running from the consolidation point to a fixed workstation outlet with pigtails.
Higher utilization: Supporting high-density ports while making more room.
Optimized cabling performance: Enabling to provide sufficient Wi-Fi coverage throughout a facility with easier installation and better flexibility as the capacity of the wireless LAN increases.
Easier maintenance: No longer running new cables when conducting new installations, making the adjustments and updates easier.
Cost-saving for a long-term run: The costs spend on the materials may be a lot in the initial stages. However, adopting zone cabling can meet the upgrade demands in the predictable future, and make it easier for the installers to reconfigure; both money and efforts will be saved accordingly.

An Inevitable Trend: PoE Zone Cabling Applications

PoE was used to power hubs in wiring closets at the beginning, then it developed to expand into connecting devices like Wi-Fi access points and security cameras. In order to leverage the maximum capabilities of PoE, network designers tend to turn to zone cabling architectures as an alternative to traditional home-run cabling in digital buildings. With the aid of PoE, the zone cabling architecture has been applied in various working scenarios, becoming the new normal.

To Apply in Smart Offices

When it comes to zone cabling, “open office” maybe what initially comes to mind. Originally to connect desktop PCs across a large number of cubicles, the zone cabling model is now popular for the integration of smart systems with the network infrastructure.

In the modern workplace: people are on the move all day. Grab the breakfast then dash off to a meeting, check emails on the smartphones while waiting for the elevator. After lunch, communicate with colleagues and bring their laptops or tablets to a collaboration table. In a PoE zone cabling, with PoE wireless access points installed throughout buildings, employees can stay connected wherever they go without needing to stay at their stationary desks.

In open-concept offices, or for those the layout of offices are likely to be reconfigured often, zoned cabling is more cost-effective. That is because the changes to office configuration cause less disruption in the workplace and therefore less downtime, which results in a more productive office. Frankly, the initial set-up cost is expensive, but the savings over time can be significant.

To Serve Multiple Applications

Defined under TIA/EIA standards and well-known for simplifying work area MACs, zone cabling is a topology that extends its reach to other areas and holds many benefits for the deployment of advanced and future technologies. Not just for smart offices only.

For those adopting wireless technology, zone cabling can ease its integration into the network. With a zone-cabling topology in place, PoE wireless access points can be added quickly by connecting to local zone boxes that position them in logical locations to provide the best coverage. The greater the number of zones, the more flexibility you have in deploying a wireless network.

Besides WAPs, surveillance cameras are also ubiquitous with the aid of PoE technology. A PoE switch, powered patch panel, or other power-injecting devices can be located in a TE and used to power the PoE IP cameras. Zone cabling is also the choice in buildings that use Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) telephone services and PoE lighting.

Cabling is one of the critical determining factors for IoT environments. Once IoT applications scale up, the number of connected devices will increase exponentially, making infrastructure provisioning increasingly complex. PoE cabling provides a solution that converges power and data infrastructure to cater to triple-play services and power consumption demands of edge network assets.

In some practical leasing situations, picking the PoE zone cabling approach will save both time and money. The owners can be prepared for any tenant regardless of how they want to arrange their workforce. Thankfully, this PoE cabling design strategy helps to eliminate unnecessary troubles and benefit both the owner and tenants.

Final Thoughts

PoE enables connectivity in various PDs such as IP phones, IP cameras, wireless access points, access control card readers, LED luminaires, etc. for communication applications. Apply PoE technology to a zone cabling design will provide a cost-effective solution, which helps in reducing capital expenditure and brings optimal ROI in turn. Zone cabling for PoE has become a vital part of the global digital transformation journey. The advantages of structured PoE zone cabling are multifold and upcoming industry trends indicate wider acceptance of the same. With the advent of the IoT and digital buildings, PoE cabling is poised for unprecedented expansion.

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The Differences Between Standard PoE Switches, Non-standard PoE Switches, and Non-PoE Switches

Q: What is a standard PoE power supply? What is a standard PoE switch?

A: Standard PoE power supply (Power over Ethernet, referred to as PoE) is a technology that provides both power and network connectivity to remote devices such as IP phones and IP cameras over Ethernet cables without additional power lines.

Standard PoE power supply has a handshake protocol (2.7~10.1V voltage) that complies with IEEE802.3af, IEEE802.3at, or IEEE802.3bt standards. It delivers voltage to the powered device (PD) only after a handshake between the power sourcing equipment (PSE) and the PD, with the PoE control chip responsible for detecting if the PD meets the standard.

A standard PoE switch is a network switch that complies with a standard PoE power supply and can be categorized into PoE switches (IEEE802.3af), PoE+ switches (IEEE802.3at), and PoE++ switches (IEEE802.3bt) based on different standards. Regardless of the standard, PoE switches conduct testing (primarily to detect PDs that support IEEE802.3af, IEEE802.3at, or IEEE802.3bt standards) before power supply to ensure compatibility between the switch and PD for power supply. If no PD that supports the Power over Ethernet standard is detected, the standard PoE switch will not supply power to the connected device, effectively preventing damage to non-standard PDs and playing a protective role.

Q: What is a non-standard PoE power supply? What is a non-standard PoE switch?

A: Non-standard PoE is a technology that uses power and protocols different from standard PoE. It can provide power and network connections to remote devices through Ethernet cables, but it does not follow the standard IEEE protocol.

Non-standard PoE power supply lacks handshake protocol, PoE control chip, and detection process. It provides power to the connected device with 48V or other voltage values, regardless of whether the terminal equipment supports PoE or not.

A Non-standard PoE switch does not comply with IEEE standards. When connected to network terminal equipment, it immediately turns on the power supply mode, meaning that it supplies power to the terminal equipment via the network cable, no matter whether the terminal equipment supports PoE or not. If the terminal equipment does not support PoE, using a non-standard PoE switch may damage or destroy the terminal equipment.

Q: What is the difference between a PoE switch and a non-PoE switch?

A: A PoE switch can also supply power to the connected device via network cable besides the data transmission function of a regular switch; while a regular switch primarily focuses on data transmission and does not have the power supply function.

Q: What is the difference between a standard PoE switch and a non-standard PoE switch?

A: The difference between a standard PoE switch and a non-standard PoE switch mainly lies in the internal structure which may or may not include a PoE control chip, as well as their working mode. In addition, there are also differences in the power supply mode, Ethernet application, and cost.

Power supply modes

PoE switches have three power supply methods: Mode A (End-Span), Mode B (Mid-Span), and 4-pair PoE. Standard PoE switches can support all three modes of power supply, while non-standard PoE switches can only support Mode B.

Ethernet applications

Standard PoE switches generally support 10/100/1000Mbps transmission rates and can be connected to Cat5/Cat5e/Cat6 network cables with a maximum transmission distance of up to 100 meters. Therefore, standard PoE switches can be used for both traditional 10/100BASE-T Ethernet and 1000BASE-T Ethernet; while non-standard PoE switches can only be used for 10/100BASE-T Ethernet.

Cost

Standard PoE switches are usually more expensive than non-standard PoE switches because they are equipped with PoE control chips for detecting and classifying powered devices (PDs), while non-standard PoE switches lack this feature.

Q: How to choose between standard PoE switches and non-standard PoE switches?

A: For safety reasons, standard PoE switches are the preferred power supply devices for IP-based terminal equipment such as IP phones, IP cameras, and wireless access points (APs). However, if the budget is limited, non-standard PoE switches can be considered. When selecting a non-standard PoE switch, it is important to choose one with a power specification that is consistent with the power specification of the connected powered device. Otherwise, it may cause the powered device to burn out.

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PoE Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE) Introduction and FAQs

The initially published IEEE802.3af standard has divided Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology into two main power device types: power sourcing equipment (PSE) that provides power on the Ethernet cable and powered device (PD) that accepts the power. To get a better understanding of the PoE network system, it is necessary to get familiar with the PoE devices. This post will focus on the common PoE PSE devices and clarify their applicable scenarios.

What Is PoE PSE?

PoE PSE stands for Power Sourcing Equipment in a Power over Ethernet (PoE) system. It refers to the equipment that provides power to PoE PDs (Powered Devices). PoE PSEs are responsible for detecting and classifying the PoE devices connected to them. They also monitor the power usage and can manage the power allocation to the connected devices based on their power needs.

PoE PD vs PoE PSE

There are two essential components in a Power over Ethernet (PoE) system: PoE PD (Powered Device) and PoE PSE (Power Sourcing Equipment). Here’s a brief explanation of the difference between them:

PoE PSE (Power Sourcing Equipment): A PoE PSE refers to the equipment that provides power to PoE PDs. It can be a PoE switch or a PoE injector. The PoE PSE injects power into the Ethernet cable along with the data signals, allowing the connected PoE PDs to receive both data and power through a single cable. It acts as the power source for PoE devices.
PoE PD (Powered Device): A PoE PD refers to the device that receives power from the PoE network infrastructure. It can be various types of devices, such as IP phones, wireless access points, IP cameras, and network switches. The PoE PD consumes power from the PoE PSE to operate without requiring a separate power source. It typically has an Ethernet input for data communication and power input to receive power from the PoE PSE.

Common PoE PSE Introduction

The PoE PSE (Power Sourcing Equipment) plays a critical role in delivering power to PoE-enabled devices within the network. However, the range of available PoE PSE devices is relatively more limited compared to the multitude of PoE PDs. The primary PoE PSE types commonly deployed in modern PoE networks include PoE switches, PoE injectors, PoE NVRs, and PoE media converters. Here is the introduction to the common PoE PSE devices:

PoE Switch: PoE network switch is a network switch that has PoE injection built-in. Therefore, it can transmit both data and power over one Ethernet cable to the PD directly connected to it.
PoE Injector: For adding PoE to regular non-PoE network links, a PoE injector is used. It injects power to data that is coming from a non-PoE switch and delivers both the power and data to the PD through an Ethernet cable.
PoE NVR: PoE NVR(network video recorder) has PoE injection built-in. Mostly used in the IP video surveillance system, it is responsible for encoding and processing the video data on IP video cameras, and recording it for storage and remote viewing. PoE NVR can also deliver power to IP video cameras through Ethernet cables.
PoE Media Converter: PoE media converter is a device that not only connects fiber cabling to a copper network but also provides PoE power to PoE PD such as IP cameras and VoIP phones.
PoE Splitter: The PoE splitter can also supply power, but it delivers power to a non-PoE terminal device by splitting power from the data and feeding it to the non-PoE device through its power supply cable. It is used for deploying remote non-PoE devices with no nearby AC outlets.

Frequently Asked Questions About PoE PSE

Q: Do I Still Need A PoE Injector if I Have a PoE Switch?

A: No, you don’t need a PoE injector when you have a PoE switch. When you are running through a standard PoE switch, you will not need the power connection. In this case, no injector is needed. But if you have a non-PoE switch, you will need a PoE injector to power the PoE PD such as IP cameras, because non-PoE switches do not deliver power to PoE devices. However, it should be noted that PoE injectors are only suitable for PoE networks with only a few PDs. If there are dozens of PDs, the PoE switch is a better choice.

Q: Can I Use A PoE Switch with NVR?

A: Yes, you can. A PoE switch will act as a hub but can also supply power to NVR, without the need for an external power source or extra power wires. This makes for less installation cost and cabling complexity – you can handle your power and video over a single Cat5 cable.

Q: Can I Use a Media Converter with PoE Switch?

A: Yes. As we know, the PoE switch restricts Ethernet cable distances to 100m. Then how do we get beyond the 100m limit? A PoE media converter is an ideal product to overcome the distance challenge by offering a copper-to-fiber connectivity solution and acts as the PoE PSE on the copper side to power up PDs at the same time.

Q: Can I Use a PoE Splitter as a PoE Injector?

A: No, you can’t. PoE splitters and PoE injectors are two types of PoE devices that confuse people a lot. As mentioned above, PoE injectors are used with non-PoE switches to power terminal PoE devices. PoE splitters, on the contrary, are used with PoE PSE and separate the data and power onto two different cables for non-PoE devices. The following figure illustrates common applications of the PoE splitter and PoE injector:

common applications of the PoE splitter and PoE injector

Conclusion

Given the escalating demand for simplified installations and the recent ratification of standards aimed at accommodating a wider variety of smart devices, the utilization of Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology is expected to experience substantial growth in the coming years. Therefore, it is necessary for us to have a better understanding of all the above PoE PSE devices, especially when we need to select and buy products for building up PoE networks.

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PoE Troubleshooting: The Common PoE Errors and Solutions

In a basic PoE power supply system, the major components are the power sourcing equipment (PSE), the powered device (PD), and the PoE cables. When a problem occurs with PoE, in most cases, the error symptom can be simply shown as the PoE switch not providing power, and the powered devices will stop working. The cause of failure may be attributed to many factors, including hardware device factors and software factors. How to precisely recognize the root of PoE errors and minimize PoE troubleshooting time? This post will elaborate on the three common PoE faults and the Power over Ethernet troubleshooting methods.

PoE Error 1: PoE Switch Not Providing Power

A PoE PD failing to boot up is one of the most frequently seen errors among PoE faults, caused by the PoE component issues or the wrong configuration command. Follow the steps listed below to solve the problems:

Step 1: Check PoE IEEE Standards and the Power Modes of the PSE and PD

If there are no quality issues over your PoE network switch and PD, you will need to confirm whether PSE and PD both conform to PoE IEEE standards. Note that non-standard PoE switches, also called passive PoE switches, always deliver power over the Ethernet lines at a certain voltage regardless of whether the terminal device supports PoE or not. If not well prepared, passive PoE switches may burn out the terminal devices. Also, the power modes of PSE and PD are other factors that may cause PoE faults. There are three PoE modes: Alternative A, alternative B, and 4-pair delivery. If a PD only supports PoE mode B power delivery, while a PoE switch is based on Alternative A, as a result, the PD and PoE switch can not work together. Remember to confirm the power supply modes of PSE and PD with the vendor.

Step 2: Check the PoE Cabling

A mismatch between the Ethernet cable and the PoE port can lead to network failure. Additionally, PoE failures can occur if the cable has a hardware fault or fails to meet the necessary standards. Therefore, it is highly recommended to ensure that the Ethernet cable supports PoE and is usable before connecting the powered device.

Step 3: Check Whether PoE Power Is Sufficient

Theoretically, the PSE device interface can detect the PD automatically when the PD is connected. If the power is insufficient, the PD will not get powered. Make sure the power for running the PDs will not exceed the power budget of the PoE network switch. If a PSE has detected the PD’s power class is within its capacity, it will power the PD on.

Step 4: Check the PoE Power Management Configuration

Check whether automatic PoE power management configuration is configured on the switch interface. If not, you will need to manually deliver PoE power to the PDs connected to the PoE network switch interfaces.

PoE Error 2: A PoE PD Is Powered off or Reloads Intermittently

What if a working PD stops powering on or reloads intermittently? The phenomenon of reloading or getting powered off in the middle of running can result from the insufficient power supply and poor-quality PoE cables.

Step 1: Check Whether PoE Power Is Sufficient

A PoE PD may get powered off or reloads intermittently when the PSE output power is not sufficient for all the PDs running at full power consumption, resulting in PoE switch not powering. Take IP CCTV cameras as an example. It is likely for the PD to draw a lot more power than required for its normal operation during the process when they run through a test of all their extended functions such as Pan-Tilt-Zoom, heaters, wipers, etc. If there is no available extra power, the camera may get stuck in a continuous boot cycle. To troubleshoot this PoE fault, one should measure how much power the CCTV camera requires during startup and use the right PSE to offer sufficient power.

Step 2: Check the PoE Cabling

If the Ethernet cable used in a PoE link is over 100 meters or has power loss due to the material and resistance of the cable itself, the PD would not get sufficient power, causing issues like network failure or latency. If the cables are not qualified, it will lead to PoE faults as well.

PoE Error 3: Some PDs Are Powering on While Others on the Same PSE Are Not

If there are certain numbers of PDs available to get powered while others are still powered off, you should check as the following tips suggest:

Step 1: Check if PDs Are Available on Other Ports

Check whether it’s the fault of certain ports on the PSE. Disconnect the PoE cable between the Ethernet switch port and the PDs which are unavailable to get powered. If the PDs can receive power when connected to other PoE ports, it proves the fault on certain ports. Use the configuration command to verify if the port is shut down or error-disabled. If so, run the command to enable PoE functions.

Step 2: Check the PoE Power

If the PDs are newly added to PSE ports and the PoE switch power budget is depleted, the PDs will not power on. Ensure that the remaining PoE power of the PSE is equal to or greater than the maximum output required by the connected PDs. Additionally, restrict the per-port current to safe levels and utilize additional PSE devices if necessary.

PoE Error 4: PoE Cameras Not Powered

If your camera cannot be powered on while using a PoE Switch or PoE injector, you may follow the tips below to solve your problems.

Step 1: Check if the Camera Is Compatible with the PoE Switch/PoE Injector

Please check which type of PoE switch or PoE injector you can use for the camera. Ensure the specifications of the PoE Switch or PoE injector are correct.

Step 2: Check if the Camera Is Fully Connected to the PoE Switch/PoE Injector

Please review the PoE port lights on the PoE switch/ PoE injector. You can plug the camera into other ports and try to use another Ethernet cable if the lights are not on. Make sure that the PoE port of the switch is not rusty or damaged. It can be proved by exchanging to other good PoE ports.

Step 3: Check if the PoE Module of the Camera Gets Power

If the PoE module doesn’t get power, please use a DC adapter with the right output voltage to power the camera. Ensure the DC/AC adapter is available. Generally, the adapter has an indicator light that can be used to determine if power is being supplied. Some IP Cameras with DC/AC power supply ports can support DC12V/2A, and AC 24V/3A power supply, please make sure that the specifications of the adapter are consistent with the camera.

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