Power over Ethernet Solutions

Power over Ethernet (PoE) is the ability for the LAN switching infrastructure to provide power over a copper Ethernet cable to an endpoint (Powered Device). This capability, once referred to as “inline power”, was originally developed and first delivered by Cisco in 2000 to support the emerging IP Telephony deployments. IP Telephones, like desktop PBX phones, need power for their operation and Power over Ethernet enables scalable and manageable power delivery and simplifies deployments of IP Telephony. As Wireless networking emerged, Power over Ethernet was also used to power these devices to allow for deployments in locations where local power access did not exist. While IP telephones and wireless access points are the most intuitive uses for PoE, the advent of 802.3af standardization of PoE opens the door to a new generation of networked-attached devices such as video cameras, point-of-sale devices, security access control (card scanners), building automation and industrial automation just to name a few.

Cisco offers a comprehensive range of 802.3af-based Power over Ethernet support across its Catalyst Intelligent Switching portfolio with both 10/100/1000 and 10/100 PoE LAN connections, including a new 96-port 10/100 PoE module for the industry leading Catalyst 6500. Cisco’s recently introduced 802.3af compliant PoE products also support our pre-standard PoE implementation and are backwards compatible with Cisco’s existing end devices, such as IP Telephones and Wireless access points. Additionally, Cisco Catalyst Intelligent Switces deliver Intelligent Power Management capabilities beyond the optional IEEE Power Classification feature to enable granular, optimized and scalable power delivery for more efficient power management and prioritization of power delivery.

Power over Ethernet (PoE) promises to create a new world of networked appliances by providing power as well as data connectivity over existing Ethernet cables. Learn more about Cisco's vision and strategy for Power over Ethernet. Charles Giancarlo, senior vice-president and general manager of product development provides an in-depth look into how PoE support in Cisco Catalyst Intelligent Switches brings new levels of network convergence and provides some insight into what this means for Cisco and its customers. http://newsroom.cisco.com/dlls/2004/ts_021704.html