There are several reasons to consider the use of a PoE extender.

1) A PoE extender is an easy solution to increase the network’s range and strength.

2) A PoE extender reduces overall costs. They can be placed anywhere convenient because there is no need for an electrical outlet. This saves both time and money. Besides being easy to install, using a PoE extender provides significant savings compared to the use of multiple costly PoE switches or even more expensive fiber solutions. Also, glass fiber is highly vulnerable to damage due to extreme cold or movements.

3) PoE extenders are flexible. Changes or additions can be made without much fuss or significant time investment.

4) PoE extenders use PoE power, which means they use relatively low voltages and have a low chance of electrical hazard.

PoE extenders are installed in-line between the PSE (powering source equipment: i.e., PoE switch) and the PD (powered device).

It’s crucial to know how much electrical power a powered device needs. This is because individual PoE extenders can comply with different IEEE 802.3 standards; thus, their power output differs. Following, we will discuss the three most common “flavors” of PoE extenders.

Type 1: IEEE 802.3af (PoE) Extender

Extenders that use this PoE standard can supply a maximum of 15.4W of power to a PoE PD. However, some power is always lost over the length of the cable, so the maximum capacity cannot be fully reached. So, it is essential to be aware of your power budget. Extenders that use standard PoE deliver 12.95W to the PD—which means that even though it has a maximum power output of 15.4W, it will only be able to power devices that require 12.95W or less to work. PoE extenders are sufficient for PDs such as VoIP phones, sensors, and wireless access points (WAPs).

Type 2: IEEE 802.3at (PoE+) Extender

A PoE extender that complies with the PoE+ standard can deliver a power budget of 25.5W. As a result, the PoE+ extender is an excellent solution for IP cameras, parking systems, and video surveillance.

Type 3: IEEE 802.3bt (PoE++) Extender

IEEE 802.3bt standards come in two types. The PoE ++ (also referred to as Type 3) supports 60W of power, with PDs receiving 51W, while the POE++ (Type 4) standard supports 100W, which dissipates to 71.3W to the PD. These types of PoE extenders are sufficient to power devices such as screen kiosks and LED lighting, respectively.

IEEE 802.3bt standards come in two types. The PoE ++ (also referred to as Type 3) supports 60W of power, with PDs receiving 51W, while the POE++ (Type 4) standard supports 100W, which dissipates to 71.3W to the PD. These types of PoE extenders are sufficient to power devices such as screen kiosks and LED lighting, respectively.

A Word About Industrial Grade PoE Extenders

PoE extenders also come in “hardened” versions suitable for outdoors or even the factory floor. These sturdy devices are housed in fortified casings that are dust and waterproof and can withstand harsh environments and temperatures.