Know the Difference Between PoE Injector, Splitter, Extenders and Switches
PoE or Power over Ethernet is a technology wherein both electricity and data are transmitted over a same cable through separate lines. So, cables here perform a dual function of data and power transmission over the network. There are various PoE devices, such as PoE injectors, PoE switches, PoE media converters, PoE injectors, and PoE splitters, which are installed especially in blended networks such as copper and fiber ones. All these devices perform specific roles, and must be chosen according to the requirement. But, how to choose or differentiate between these two devices. This post discusses the details of PoE injectors, PoE switches, PoE media converters, PoE injectors, and PoE splitters.
What is a PoE Injector?
A PoE injector plays more of a supporting or supplementary role. It provides power in a non-PoE network. Such networks may have a regular Ethernet switch without the PoE feature. The injector and the non-PoE switch are connected to an Ethernet cable and powered on. Overall, with injector, you can connect various other smart devices, such as phone, IP camera, and so on, onto the network. A PoE injector primarily enables you to connect a PoE-enabled device to a non-PoE port. This way, PoE-enabled device can transfer electric energy as well as receive data over the network.
PoE switch is a network switch that comes with a built-in injector. There are PoE and PoE+ switches, wherein the latter is an updated version of the former and offers double the amount of electric energy. PoE switches use the IEEE 802.3af standard, while PoE+ switches use IEEE 802.3at. These are managed switches that automatically determine the compatibility with other devices on the network. Usually, these switches have 8 ports or more. There are ports for copper as well as fiber networks, and hence most of these switches are compatible for both or blended networks.
What is a PoE Splitter?
These devices are combined with PoE injectors and PoE switches. Unlike other PoE devices, these devices do not take power and data input to turn them into a single output, rather they split the data and power and feed the power to the separate input. Generally, the PoE splitters are used in the scenario where non-PoE devices and no AC outlets are found.
What is a PoE Extenders?
Power over Ethernet extenders or PoE repeaters are used to extend the distance between the PD and PSE. These devices are installed between PD and PSE to extend the transmission distance of 100 meters on each side. Some extenders help you connect multiple units, which helps increase the distance up to 500 meters.
What is the Difference Between a PoE Injector Vs Switches Vs Splitters Vs Extenders?
All PoE devices like PoE injectors, PoE switches, PoE splitters and PoE extenders possess specific applications. Here are some key differences between them.
While a PoE injector is quick and easy to install, a switch is meant for long-term and scalable use.
Definitely, an injector is less expensive than a switch. But the overall costs depend on your use and requirements, such as in case of expanding networks, a switch would become cost effective in the long run.
In case you have a power outage issue in a certain area, injectors are a better option. This is because many devices are connected to a switch and they would all stop functioning. On the other hand, in case of a PoE injector on the network, only the one connected device would be affected.
In case of a network issue, only the injector may need replacement. In case of switches it may require time to troubleshoot, leading to downtime.
The PoE injector, PoE splitter, and PoE extenders may be used based on typical conditions, whereas PoE switches are an integral part of most expanding networks.
PoE injectors and PoE splitters are used to power devices, however, they work quite the opposite. A PoE injector usually works as midspan and powers the data coming from an endspan or non-PoE switch. This PoE injector uses the network cable to power the PoE equipment. The PoE splitter splits the power from data and feeds it to a separate input. PoE extenders receive data and power from the PoE injector and PoE switch. It uses some of the received power for operation and passes the remaining power to other PoE devices in the line. In many applications, PoE extenders are replaced by extended-mode PoE switches and PoE-powered Switches.
In spite of all the advantages of an injector, switches are definitely recommended for large and complex networks.
How to Deploy the Right Device for Your Network?
If you want to expand your network, you can use fiber optics reliably. Also, when choosing PoE devices, be sure to source them from authorized and certified manufacturers and suppliers like VERSITRON. The company has been at the forefront of fiber optic technologies for several years. The company provides several types of PoE devices, including PoE injectors, PoE switches, PoE media converters, injectors, and splitters in different specifications. These devices have been part of the blended networks for several years now. You can get in touch with the experts at the company to make a wise selection.
R.W. Tull is the President of Versitron Inc. He works closely with clients to review layout diagrams and drawings in order to ensure that the best fiber optic solution is achieved for a particular project.
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