PoE Ethernet Switch vs. PoE Router vs. PoE Media Converter vs. PoE Injector vs. PoE Splitter Comparison (original) (raw)

Introduction

In today’s world, many devices need to be powered by electricity but don’t have traditional power outlets. It can be a problem because it requires you to either buy and install an expensive extension cord or find an outlet close to where you wish to use the gadget. What if, however, there was a way to keep your devices powered without having to bother about outlets? Just that is possible with PoE devices.

This article will explain the standard PoE devices and how they can be used to power your Ethernet-based devices. This article will also compare these PoE devices and explain the difference between them, and finally tell the reader how to choose the suitable PoE devices.

But First, What is PoE?

Power over Ethernet, or PoE, is a technology that allows devices to be powered by Ethernet cables. PoE devices are typically power devices like IP cameras, VoIP phones, and wireless access points. PoE is an excellent alternative to traditional power outlets because it allows you to place devices wherever you won’t find a power outlet.

PoE devices come in two different power device types: power sourcing equipment (PSE) and powered device (PD). PSE devices are responsible for providing power to PDs. PoE switches are the most common type of PSE device. PoE switches have PoE ports that supply power to PoE-compatible devices. PoE injectors are another type of PSE device.

The standard PSE device includes PoE Ethernet Switch, NVR, and PoE Media Converter. And the PoE Injector and PoE Splitter is a PD devices.

Common PoE Device Type

Now that we know the PoE definition let us talk about the PoE device types.

PoE Ethernet Switch

PoE Ethernet Switch is a device that allows you to add PoE power to your network quickly. PoE Ethernet Switches provide a simple and efficient way to power PoE devices like IP cameras, PoE access points, and PoE routers. PoE Ethernet Switches offer many other features, such as VLANs, QoS, and port aggregation.

PoE Ethernet Router

PoE Ethernet Routers allow you to quickly add PoE power to your network. PoE Ethernet Routers offer a simple and efficient way to power PoE devices like IP cameras, PoE access points, and PoE routers.

PoE Media Converters

PoE media converters are fiber media converters with the added functionality of Power over Ethernet. PoE media converters can be used to connect PoE devices, such as IP cameras and VoIP phones, to a non-PoE network switch. PoE media converters typically have one PoE port and one fiber port.

Optcore PoE SFP Fiber Media Converter

PoE NVR

PoE NVR means power over Ethernet network video recorder. PoE NVRs record and store video footage from PoE IP cameras. PoE NVRs have a built-in PoE switch that allows you to connect and power multiple PoE IP cameras with just one power outlet.

PoE Injector

A PoE injector connects your PoE network device to a non-PoE LAN switch port when a PoE-compliant Ethernet switch or device is not available. The device can quickly and inexpensively add PoE to your network without upgrading a switch’s hassle or the price tag.

PoE Splitter

PoE Splitter is a device that allows an Ethernet cable to carry electrical power. PoE Splitter is used to split the PoE signal from a PoE source into two separate signals, one for data and one for power. PoE Splitter is required if you want to use PoE with non-PoE devices. PoE Splitter is also used to extend the PoE signal over a longer distance.

PoE Ethernet Switch vs. PoE Media Converter, What is the difference?

PoE switches typically provide only about 100 meters of Ethernet connectivity. These devices have LAN ports, especially copper Ethernet ports. It is also possible that some PoE switches have some fiber link SFP ports. This would not be suitable for longer-distance transmission.

Instead, PoE Media converters are usually equipped with at least one optical port. They offer transmission distances from 500 meters to 80 kilometers. Still, it should be noted that none of the PoE fiber optic transceivers have the data processing capabilities of a switch, so they need to be used with a regular network switch in the network.

PoE Switch vs. PoE NVR, What is the difference?

PoE Switch and PoE NVR are devices that let you use Ethernet cables to carry electrical power. PoE Switch is a device you can use to connect multiple devices that need PoE power, such as IP cameras or VoIP phones. PoE NVR, on the other hand, is a device that allows you to record video from PoE IP cameras.

The main difference between PoE Switch and PoE NVR is that PoE Switch only provides power to devices, while PoE NVR also records video. If you want to power your appliances and record video, you need a PoE Switch and a PoE NVR.

PoE Injector vs. PoE Splitter, What is the difference?

PoE Injectors and PoE Splitters are relatively devices that allow workes differently.

PoE Injector combines data signal and power supply into one device, while POE splitter works in the opposite process, separating data signal and power supply.

If data terminals such as network cameras (IPC), wireless APs, IP phones, etc., support PoE Injector, there is no need to use a PoE splitter when wiring. Just use the network cable to supply power directly. A POE splitter should be used if the under-mounted devices do not support the POE power supply.

Final Words

Choosing a suitable PoE device depends on your specific needs. If you need to connect multiple PoE devices or extend the PoE signal over a long distance, you will need a PoE switch or PoE media converter. If you need to record video from PoE IP cameras, you will need a PoE NVR. And if you need to use PoE with non-PoE devices, you will need a PoE injector or PoE splitter.

We hope this article is helpful for you better understand the difference between PoE devices and which one is suitable for your needs. If you have any questions about PoE devices, please feel free to contact us. Our team will be more than happy to help you out.