The Cables You Need for Running PoE Devices

Power over Ethernet (PoE) is a game-changing technology that allows both power and data to be transmitted over a single Ethernet cable. Whether you’re installing IP cameras, Wi-Fi access points, or VoIP phones, PoE offers convenience, reduces the need for additional wiring, and streamlines network setups. However, to ensure that your PoE devices perform at their best, selecting the right cables is crucial.

In this blog, we’ll explore the essential cables you need for running PoE devices, the different types available, and key factors to consider when choosing the right cable for your specific application.

Before diving into the cables themselves, let's quickly review what PoE is and why it's so popular. PoE allows electrical power to be transmitted along with data through a single Ethernet cable, eliminating the need for separate power supplies or outlets for devices like security cameras, wireless access points, or networked sensors.

There are several standards within PoE, including:

IEEE 802.3af (PoE): 

Provides up to 15.4 watts of power over Ethernet cables.

IEEE 802.3at (PoE+): 

Offers up to 25.5 watts of power for more power-hungry devices.

IEEE 802.3bt (PoE++ or 4PPoE): 

Delivers up to 60 watts (Type 3) or even 100 watts (Type 4) for demanding devices like high-powered IP cameras, LED lighting, and other advanced applications.

For PoE to work effectively, it's essential to use the right type of cable to ensure data transmission and power delivery are stable, efficient, and reliable.

When setting up a PoE network, the primary type of cable used is Ethernet cable. There are several categories of Ethernet cables, each with its own specifications for data speed and power handling. Below are the most commonly used cables for PoE installations:

Cat5e (Category 5e) Ethernet Cable

• Maximum Data Rate: 1000 Mbps (1 Gbps)
• Maximum Power Delivery: Up to 15.4 watts (PoE standard)
• Typical Uses: Basic networking for smaller PoE setups like IP cameras or VoIP phones.

Pros:

• Affordable and widely available.
• Supports gigabit speeds, which is often enough for many PoE devices.
• Works with most PoE devices that use the 802.3af or PoE+ standards.

Cons:

• May not handle power requirements for higher-power PoE devices that demand PoE++ (802.3bt), especially over longer cable runs.

Best for: 

Basic PoE applications with devices that don’t need more than 25 watts of power.

• Maximum Data Rate: 10 Gbps (up to 55 meters)
• Maximum Power Delivery: Up to 25.5 watts (PoE+), or even 60 watts for PoE++ Type 3.
• Typical Uses: IP cameras, wireless access points, and network switches in medium to large setups that need faster data speeds and higher power delivery.

Pros:

• Offers a higher data transfer rate than Cat5e, making it ideal for networks with high-demand devices.
• Supports PoE+ (802.3at) and can handle PoE++ (802.3bt) power levels for more demanding applications.
• Suitable for longer cable runs while maintaining high-speed data transfer.

Cons:

• More expensive than Cat5e cables.
• Heavier and less flexible, which may make installation more challenging.

Best for: 

Medium to large PoE installations, especially those requiring faster data speeds and higher power delivery for devices like surveillance cameras, video conferencing systems, and high-speed access points.

• Maximum Data Rate: 10 Gbps (up to 100 meters)
• Maximum Power Delivery: Up to 60 watts (PoE++ Type 3) or 100 watts (PoE++ Type 4).
• Typical Uses: High-powered PoE devices, network switches, and large-scale installations where both data rate and power delivery need to be maximized.

Pros:

• Can handle higher speeds and longer distances (up to 100 meters) compared to Cat6.
• Ideal for PoE++ Type 4 applications, providing up to 100 watts of power, suitable for more power-hungry devices.
• Greater resistance to electromagnetic interference (EMI), which improves signal integrity in industrial or crowded environments.

Cons:

• More expensive than Cat5e and Cat6 cables.
• Heavier and bulkier, which can make installation more cumbersome.

Best for: 

Large PoE setups with demanding devices requiring up to 100 watts of power, such as high-end security systems, lighting control systems, and industrial IoT devices.

• Maximum Data Rate: 10 Gbps (up to 100 meters)
• Maximum Power Delivery: Up to 60 watts (PoE++ Type 3) or 100 watts (PoE++ Type 4).
• Typical Uses: High-speed data centers, PoE+ and PoE++ applications in environments that demand extremely high performance.

Pros:

• Extremely high-quality shielding against EMI and crosstalk, ideal for noise-sensitive environments.
• Supports up to 100 watts of power for high-performance PoE++ applications.
• Suitable for mission-critical applications like broadcasting, data centers, and industrial environments.

Cons:

• Expensive compared to Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat6a cables.
• More rigid and less flexible than lower-category cables, making installation more challenging.

Best for: 

Large-scale or industrial applications that require maximum shielding, high speeds, and high-power PoE devices, such as smart lighting, high-definition surveillance, and advanced automation systems.

When choosing Ethernet cables for your PoE devices, several factors must be taken into account to ensure optimal performance:

Cable Length and Power Loss

The longer the Ethernet cable, the more power loss occurs due to the resistance of the copper wiring. To mitigate this:

• Shorter cables (under 100 meters) will generally ensure less power loss.
• For longer cable runs, use Cat6a or Cat7 cables, as they are better equipped to handle longer distances without losing signal quality or power.

PoE Standard Requirements

Ensure the cable you choose supports the PoE standard required by your devices:

• For PoE (802.3af), Cat5e is typically sufficient.
• For PoE+ (802.3at) and PoE++ (802.3bt), Cat6a or Cat7 cables may be necessary to handle the increased power and data speed requirements.

Environmental Factors

Consider the environment in which your cables will be installed:

• For outdoor or industrial environments where cables may be exposed to harsh conditions, opt for cables with weatherproofing or outdoor-rated insulation.
• If you need to protect against electromagnetic interference, Cat6a or Cat7 cables with shielding (STP – Shielded Twisted Pair) may be necessary.

Budget Considerations

While Cat6 and Cat6a cables offer better performance than Cat5e, they can be more expensive. Consider your needs:

• If your installation involves low-power devices like IP phones or basic cameras, Cat5e may suffice.
• For higher-powered applications, investing in Cat6a or Cat7 ensures better power delivery and more reliable performance over longer distances.

Choosing the right cables for your PoE devices is crucial for ensuring optimal performance, reliability, and efficiency. While Cat5e cables may work well for basic setups, Cat6, Cat6a, and Cat7 cables are better suited for more demanding, high-power installations.

Keep in mind factors like the PoE standard, cable length, and environmental considerations to make the best choice for your specific needs. By selecting the appropriate cable, you'll ensure that your PoE devices operate at peak performance and that your network infrastructure is both reliable and future-proof.