The Impact of PoE on Network Cabling Requirements

Put a few network engineers in a computer room with a multi-port switch and tangled cables and see how long it takes before their eyes start twitching. While non-engineers may find this compulsion for well-organized cabling quaint, bringing order to network wiring is more than a professional idiosyncrasy. With organizations demanding faster transmission speeds and increasing bandwidth, optimizing network cabling is essential for meeting performance demands.

Companies often forget that cables have the most extended lifecycle of any network component. In some cases, unused wires remain in network architectures far beyond their usable life, dragging network operations. Simplifying cable requirements optimizes performance; however, creating a clean infrastructure is always challenging when merging newer technologies, such as power over Ethernet (PoE), with older network configurations.

Understanding PoE technology can help engineers build networks that meet PoE cabling requirements while maintaining reliable network performance. The technology allows administrators to expand their networks without sacrificing speed or increasing complexity.

What is PoE Technology?

Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology allows electrical power and data to be transmitted over a standard Ethernet cable. Sending power and data over the same wire eliminates the need for a separate power supply for network endpoints such as IP phones or surveillance cameras. 

While early releases of the technology only supported devices requiring less than 30 watts of power, the most recent PoE standard supports devices needing up to 100 watts while delivering gigabits of data. This power is enough to support kiosks, display signage, and laptops. 

Before the Institute of Electronics and Electrical Engineers (IEEE) published its PoE standards in 2003, many devices used proprietary methods, leading to compatibility issues, especially as the number of end devices being deployed skyrocketed. Today, the IEEE 802.3bt/bz standards ensure device compatibility.

How Does PoE Cabling Impact Network Infrastructures?

PoE’s backward compatibility means Cat6 and 6a cables will work with Cat5, 5e, and even Cat3. Organizations can expand their networks with the latest technology while maintaining older solutions that they can replace incrementally. This capability allows budget-friendly expansion and reduces the chances of zombie cables (unused cables still connected to the live network that don’t appear on network schematics) accidentally being reanimated. Troubleshooting a problem with a cable no one knows exists can take months to resolve.

The latest standards place PoE technology at the center of network expansion. The higher data speeds ensure information can move quickly across a network. More sophisticated Internet of Things (IoT) devices can be installed where data collection is most needed without worrying about power. PoE cabling can support access control systems, videoconferencing equipment, and high-definition security systems.

Performance

Over its 50+ years of widespread use, PoE technology has evolved from using a two-twisted-pair wire supporting 15 watts of power and 10 Mbps to using a four-twisted-pair cable carrying up to 100 watts of power and transmission speeds in the multi-gigabit range. While PoE standards are backward compatible, network engineers should match Ethernet cables with PoE devices for optimum performance.

For example, Cat5e and Cat6 Ethernet cables are almost identical. Both can support gigabit networks at distances up to 100 meters; however, Cat6 can support 10 Gbps over shorter distances. Upgrading to Cat6a provides 10 Gbps up to 100 meters. Cat6 and 6a cables are often deployed as part of the infrastructure backbone, while Cat5e connects workstations and other endpoints to the network. 

Network designers should opt for Cat6 or 6a wires whenever speed is essential. Cat5e operates at 100 MHz, while Cat6 delivers up to 250 MHz. Cat 6a doubles the speed to 500 MHz. Extenders and switches can increase distance without degrading performance.

PoE Cabling Installation

Unlike traditional network devices, PoE devices do not need an external power source. Organizations can deploy without waiting for an available electrician or pay for extra electrical services. Instead, they can rely on in-house network engineers to run cables. This flexibility means endpoint deployment is no longer restricted to where power is available. IT departments can place devices where they are most needed.

Before moving ahead with PoE deployment, installers should review building codes and legal requirements to ensure compliance. They should also create schematics that delineate distances and identify extenders for added coverage. Cables should have adequate shielding to prevent crosstalk and minimize interference. Installers should identify and plan cabling routes ahead of time using best practices. Poorly installed cables hamper performance, complicate network maintenance, and burden IT staff.

Maintenance

Designing and installing is only the beginning of a well-organized, high-performance network. The best test of an infrastructure is how well it runs once implemented. If planning did not account for replacing and maintaining network components, the cost of time and labor could ruin any budget.

PoE significantly reduces electrical wiring. Fewer wires mean less maintenance. Cables need no longer be constrained by power requirements. They can instead be placed according to accessibility, leaving extra space to remove cables, including zombie wires, when necessary. 

Simplifying network infrastructures can improve response times should a failure occur. Adding an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to PoE-enabled networks can reduce downtime during power outages. PoE technology allows network administrators to construct infrastructures that meet performance demands, are easier to maintain, and maximize uptime.

Return on Investment (ROI)

Evaluating the cost of network cabling requires a more nuanced approach. The ROI should consider more than the ratio of price to usable life. It should also take into account the benefit of labor reallocation. Reducing complexity allows IT staff to locate and resolve network issues faster. With less time spent maintaining the network, network personnel can explore new technologies and implement innovative solutions for maximum performance.

Organizations often forget the critical role cabling plays in network operations. Cables are invisible threads that connect visible network components. Without PoE cabling, data doesn’t flow, and business growth slows. Yet, few companies consider cables’ critical role in ensuring their survival when calculating ROI. Only network engineers with their twitching eyes seem to recognize their value. Versa Technology is a leading supplier of PoE products and solutions. Whether looking for switches, extenders, or splitters, Versa has a solution that meets the ever-increasing demands of today’s networks. Contact a Versa team member for more information on building a PoE-enabled network.