PoE to PoH: Media Converters Are Now Significantly More Powerful

Power over Ethernet (PoE) offers numerous benefits for network systems. By transmitting power and data over a single cable, PoE simplifies installation, lowers costs, and increases flexibility.  However, some of the older PoE standards, like 802.3af, may not supply enough power for systems that incorporate video. High-performance cameras with advanced features such as infrared illumination and PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) often have higher energy requirements. Distance limitations can also be an issue. Thankfully, new PoE media converters exist to bridge these gaps.

Using the same cabling  (Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat6A) as PoE, a newer technology known as power over HDBaseT™ (POH) can simultaneously transmit:

• High-definition video.
• Audio.
• Ethernet.
• USB.
• Control signals.
• Power.

POH and PoE have a maximum distance of 100m. Power can go further with PoH, but data transmissions are less reliable.

What is PoE?

PoE technology allows data and power transmission to connected devices via a single Ethernet cable. Eliminating the need for additional wiring, PoE offers:

• Cost savings.
• Simplified installation.
• Increased reliability.
• Flexibility.

PoE future-proofs networks by allowing for easier upgrades and expansion. Safety features prevent overload and ensure proper power delivery to connected devices (CDs). 

What is POH?

POH stands for power over HDBaseT™.

HDBaseT™ is a technology capable of transmitting various signals, such as uncompressed high-definition video, over 100 meters over standard category cabling, such as Cat 5e or Cat 6. The technology maps five functions, called 5Play™, over one network cable. This includes audio, video, Ethernet, control signals, and power transmission.  

Built upon the foundation of PoE technology, POH can deliver more power than standard PoE, making it suitable for devices like high-end video displays or projectors that require extra power over longer distances to operate. Based on and backward compatible with the IEEE 802.3at PoE+ standard, POH can deliver up to 100W of DC power in conjunction with video signals over four pairs of wire across a distance of up to 100 meters. This is enough to power a typical LED TV. 

How does POH differ from PoE?

POH leverages the same cabling infrastructure as PoE but is optimized for the higher bandwidth and power delivery requirements of HDBaseT™applications. While PoE is designed for data and power transmission only, POH carries video, audio, data, control, and power signals.

PoE is a general-purpose technology that powers network devices like VoIP phones, IP cameras, and wireless access points. POH is designed to power high-quality AV systems, often requiring more power to support a broader range of signals.   

In simpler terms, PoE powers office devices, and POH powers video displays and home theaters.

What is POH power used for?

POH technology provides a simplified, cost-effective way to deliver enough power to transmit video to displays inside airports, hospitals, educational institutions, sports arenas, cafeterias, and hotels, including in outdoor settings. Because it doesn’t depend on AC power, it benefits applications near water or areas subject to moisture where AC power can present a safety hazard. POH makes high-traffic AV setups possible and with fewer cables to manage. 

Digital Signage

POH can power displays directly through the cable, perfect for delivering high-resolution content to displays in remote locations and enabling centralized digital content management.

Conference Rooms

POH facilitates easy connection of cameras, laptops, and other devices to projectors or displays in conference rooms. It supports high-quality video and audio and can integrate with room control systems for seamless video conferencing experiences.

Healthcare

POH can be used in operating rooms to connect medical devices and displays, ensuring precise and reliable medical feeds. By transmitting high-resolution medical images, it may also assist in making accurate diagnoses.

Hospitality

Connecting various devices via POH can provide seamless entertainment experiences in hotel rooms. POH can also be used in hotel meeting rooms for presentations. 

Education

POH simplifies connecting computers, cameras, and other AV equipment to projectors and interactive whiteboards in classroom settings. In lecture halls, POH facilitates the transmission of high-quality video and audio to large displays. 

Transportation

POH can power information displays, interactive kiosks, and digital signs in airports, train stations, and bus depots to help passengers navigate transportation hubs. POH-powered information displays provide real-time updates on departures, arrivals, delays, and other important information.

Industrial Networks

POH can power Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs), and various sensors used in industrial settings to monitor conditions such as temperature, proximity, and pressure. It can also power robotic arms and equipment in remote or hard-to-reach locations with minimal cabling. 

Broadcasting

POH can power studio cameras, on-set monitors, and intercom systems used in broadcasting with fewer cables for a cleaner studio floor. Distribution amplifiers and other equipment used to send signals throughout a broadcast facility can also benefit from POH.

Media Converters for the Future

Transitioning from PoE to POH requires tools that can help industry professionals navigate the challenges ahead.

The D60-044-91 Managed L2 Industrial PoE Switch from Versa Technology features four 10/100/1000BASE-T ports. It is an L2-managed industrial Gigabit PoE switch with 90W 802.3bt PoE, two Gigabit copper ports, and two SFP fiber slots. The switch has a total PoE power budget of 360W and surge protection of 6KV PoE. It offers industrial-grade protection and operates at temperatures between -40º C and 75º C, ideal for harsh weather conditions. 

The D60-044-91 enables outdoor connection of network devices such as wireless APs, IP cameras, and other industrial applications. With a simple mouse click, it automatically discovers and classifies ONVIF devices such as network cameras and video servers. The switch generates network topology maps, PoE management, and cable diagnostics. Versa Technology can help you prepare your business for the future with POH.