All categories
Featured selections
Trade Assurance
Buyer Central
Help Center
Get the app
Become a supplier
(11078 products available)
Ready to Ship
Ready to Ship
There are several kinds of POE (power over ethernet) cable and they all have various effects on how electrical power is distributed along the cable. For optimal performance, one should always ensure they have the best cable for their type of system, whether it is a camera, phone, switch or node. These types include:
Cat 5e cables
Category 5e cables are an enhancement of standard Category 5 cables with the addition of improved specifications for reducing crosstalk and increasing data transmission over longer distances. They have a wire gauge of 24 AWG and can handle up to 1 Gbps of data transmission for around 100 meters. It is the minimum requirement for low-power POE applications. This cable provides a good balance between cost and performance, supporting basic network needs and power delivery for devices like IP cameras and wireless access points.
cat 6 cables
Category 6 cables offer better performance than Category 5e due to their tighter wire winding and individual shielding that reduces crosstalk. They also support data transmission speeds of up to 1 Gbps over 100 meters, with the capacity for 10 Gbps over shorter distances (up to 55 meters). Cat 6 cables can support standard Power over Ethernet (POE) and POE+ (up to 30 watts) without significant voltage drop, making them suitable for a range of powered devices such as IP surveillance cameras, VoIP phones, and wireless access points.
cat 6a cables
Category 6a cables are an augmented version of Cat 6 designed to eliminate alien crosstalk and support 10 Gbps over the full 100-meter distance. They are backward compatible with existing network infrastructure. Category 6a cable handles the higher power levels required by POE++ (up to 60 watts). This makes them ideal for high-demand applications such as powered HD cameras, outdoor access points, and network switches in environments where greater data and power are needed.
cat 7 cables
These cables feature individual shielding for each pair of wires and overall shielding, reducing crosstalk and interference. They support speeds up to 10 Gbps at 600 MHz. The 27 AWG wire can support higher power transmissions. They are designed to exceed the requirements for POE++ (up to 100 watts). Category 7 cables are suited for industrial or commercial environments with dense cabling, where devices like 4K cameras or Wi-Fi 802.11ac access points require both high-speed data and maximum power.
POE cables are made from different materials and the durability of a POE switch depends on the type of ethernet we use, i.e., CAT 5e, CAT 6, CAT 7, etc. The durability of a POE cable is critical, as it impacts long-term reliability, especially in environments where cables are exposed to potential damage or extreme conditions.
External insulation sheaths
The external insulation of POE cables is crafted from PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride), LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen), or PUR (Polyurethane). PVC provides decent durability at a low cost but can emit toxic fumes if burned. LSZH is typically used in confined spaces due to its low smoke and halogen-free formulation, reducing the risk of toxic gas exposure during a fire. PUR is more flexible and resistant to abrasion, chemicals, and moisture, making it suitable for industrial or outdoor environments.
water resistance
Many CAT 6 POE cables come with water-resistant features, such as gel-filled cores or silicone-coated wires, which protect against moisture-related damage. This is essential for outdoor installations or areas prone to flooding. Gel-filled sheaths provide excellent moisture protection; silicone is more flexible and resistant to harsh weather. Both options ensure reliable power and data transmission in wet conditions.
rodent resistance
Rodent-resistant POE cables feature特殊 coatings, often made from metal compounds or reinforced materials, that deter rodents from gnawing through the cable. Since rodents are one of the most destructive threats to cables, a rodent-resistant design is critical for laying cables in areas where rodent activity is prevalent, such as around urban buildings or outdoors.
UV protection
Ultraviolet (UV) protection is integral for outdoor installations, as prolonged UV exposure can degrade the cable's outer sheath, compromising its durability. Many POE cables with outdoor ratings incorporate UV stabilizers in the sheath material. UV-resistant cables ensure long-term protection against the sun's harmful rays while maintaining data and power transmission.
flexibility and resistance
Communications-grade copper wire used inside POE cables differs based on the category, with lower-gauge wires providing greater flexibility and higher resistance to corrosion. Cat 7 wires are made of copper-zinc alloy which is highly anti-corrosive. Cords with tighter twists in the wire pairs improve resistance to interference and signal loss. The wire's durability directly impacts the cable's ability to handle power and data over extended periods and difficult conditions.
POE cables are versatile and can easily be deployed in a variety of commercial and residential settings. Powering devices through ethernet eliminates the need for separate power sources, making installation simpler and more cost-effective. IPA cameras, for instance, can draw anywhere from 4-15.4 watts of power, depending on the model and features. This, combined with their need for a data connection, makes them a quintessential example of a device that benefits from POE.
office environment
In office spaces, wireless access points are installed on ceilings or walls to provide seamless wireless coverage. These access points typically require up to 15 watts of power and connect to the nearest POE switch for their data and power needs. With everything smoothly connected through a single ethernet cable, one doesn't have to deal with the messy extra electric cabling that goes through the walls and ceilings. This makes POE a preferred choice for deploying access points in new installations or areas where the cable infrastructure needs upgrading.
retail and commercial
In retail and commercial environments, digital signage is commonly used for advertising or displaying information to customers. These large screens need significant power, often up to 200 watts, especially if they are interactive or have a touchscreen. Running a POE cord through the wall and connecting the signage is neater and protects the signage installation from electric cabling hazards. IP phones and desk containers are other devices commonly powered using POE in these environments.
ip cameras for building
Some camera systems require up to 60 watts of power, especially those with advanced features like zoom lenses or needing external heaters/coolers to function properly. Powering these demanding devices requires either POE+ or POE++ which can deliver power over longer distances without losing power supply. This helps safeguard the smooth running of the surveillance system.
industrial settings
In manufacturing facilities and warehouses, robots and automation systems equipped with sensors and monitoring devices contribute to the overall efficiency of the place. These sensors are typically connected via ethernet to the central network. Using POE to power these sensors eliminates the hassle of running electric lines in potentially hazardous industrial environments, which, as mentioned earlier, can disrupt operations and pose risks to employees.
outdoor installation
Many outdoor devices like hotspots, environmental sensors, and lighting are exposed to all kinds of weather and need cables with added protection from moisture, UV rays, temperature variations, and extreme conditions. Water and gel-filled POE cables offer the best kind of protection against all environmental hazards. Rodent and UV-resistant POE cables are also suitable for outdoor use as they are durable and long-lasting.
Choosing a POE switch is not as easy because, in the world of networking, one can find an overwhelming variety of options, each more complex than the last. Factors like port configuration, power budget, and compatibility do all come into play when choosing a switch.
power requirements
The main reason why switches are differentiated with different power budgets is that different devices require different amounts of power; for example, IP cameras need up to 15.4 watts, while phones only need 5-15 watts. POE switches are differentiated by how much power they can deliver with standard POE switches for basic devices and advanced switches for high-power devices. The power budget of the switch should be sufficient to power all the connected devices simultaneously.
port configuration
Switches are available with various combinations of POE ports and non-POE ports. In small applications, the CAT 5e/6 POE cable will end at a simple unmanaged switch with a few POE ports connected to basic devices like desk phones and access points. Larger environments will utilize managed or smart switches with POE across all ports for full power connectivity. These kinds of switches provide dedicated VLANs for each port to segment network traffic and improve overall performance.
match power class
Just like the devices, all the switches are not alike in power delivery as some are POE (15.4 watts), POE+ (30 watts), and POE++ (up to 60 watts). These managed and smart switches can actively prioritize power over pogrammable ports and software interfaces. This helps ensure that high-power devices get the extra required power they need to function well while conserving energy on low-power devices.
data protection
Networks are vulnerable to all kinds of threats, and it's always imperative to have data protection strategies in place, especially secured switch installations for sensitive information. 802.1X port authentication enables only authorized devices to connect to the network, while other features like VLAN segmentation, access control lists, and link aggregation all add security and performance to the network.
scalability
Organizations may need to expand their network over time, so choosing a switch that scales easily is key. Unmanaged switches are stackable, which means several can be connected together to provide extra ports. Others have SFP slots, which allow fiber or copper transceiver modules to be installed for additional connectivity. Power and port capacity should be scaled for future deployments with plenty of safeguards in place for switch-over time.
A: The maximum distance for standard POE is about 100 meters. After that, the voltage drops to give an insufficient power supply and signal loss, resulting in a degraded performance. Anything over that distance will require special extenders or fiber integration.
A: The standard ethernet cable does not require any special adapters or modifications to connect to non-POE devices. Connection is done seamlessly, drawing only the required power per watt through the data connection, ensuring compatibility and efficiency for various network setups.
A: There is no special cable for POE. Any standard Ethernet cable, whether CAT 5e, CAT 6, or CAT 7, can be used effectively. Proper cable type and category ensure optimal power and data transmission across various applications without the hassle of additional cabling in the setup.
A: Power over ethernet is designed to work with existing infrastructure with no additional modifications required. This technology can enhance older networks to provide power and data to modern devices without a complete overhaul of the current cabling system.
