The Difference Between PoE, PoE Plus, and PoE Plus Plus

If you think that only data can be transmitted through an Ethernet cable, then think again. These days, you don't have to position your security camera near an electrical outlet just to power them. Thanks to Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology, you can now place security cameras just about anywhere – even in the farthest corner of your expansive property.

But what exactly is PoE, and what is the importance of this technology to you as a property owner or security camera installer? You're also probably wondering, “What is the difference between PoE and PoE Plus?” If so, then check out the piece below to learn more about it.

What is PoE?

PoE stands for Power over Ethernet, a technology that first made its breakthrough in the early 2000s. Old security cameras and other similar devices used to be powered by plugging them directly into an electrical outlet. Thanks to PoE technology, all you need is a standard Cat5e (or higher) Ethernet cable and you're all set. This technology allows you to transmit both data and electricity to and from your device and into a PoE switch.

But do data and power run through a single cable? Not quite. If you strip a Cat5e cable, you'll see it has four twisted pairs of wires inside. Data travels through two pairs of wires, while power is transmitted through the other pair.

This technology evolved over the years, and now there are three different types of PoE standards in use. These are PoE, PoE Plus, and PoE Plus Plus. We'll discuss PoE technology first before we talk about the other standards.

Let's say you're shopping online for a PoE security camera. You look at its specification sheet and you see that it is rated at 5 watts. If you're planning to hook it to a PoE switch, then you only need Standard PoE.

IEEE 802.3af, also known as Standard PoE, has a maximum power of 15.4 watts per port. Some devices that you can power using Standard PoE include older or basic security cameras, VoIP phones, and 802.11n access points. These devices typically have a lot of advanced features and run on low power requirements.

What Is PoE Plus?

But a lot of newer cameras and devices have advanced features now, thus requiring more power. If you check your security cameras specification sheets or packaging and find a listed wattage rating higher than 15.4 watts, then you need to plug that device into a PoE Plus switch.

So, what is PoE Plus? PoE Plus, also known as IEEE 802.3at or PoE+, has a maximum rating of 30 watts per port. This makes it suitable for high-definition IP cameras, Wi-Fi access points, small audio speakers, and other similar devices.

What Is PoE Plus Plus?

Then there's PoE Plus Plus (PoE++) or IEEE 802.3bt, which is a switch designed for newer, more high-powered devices. PoE Plus Plus has two types of switches: Type 3 which can deliver a maximum power of 60 watts per port and Type 4 which can deliver a maximum power of 100 watts for each port. 

This makes PoE++ suitable for the latest security cameras. It is also ideal for devices, such as LED displays, laptops, and more. 

Differences Between PoE vs. PoE+ vs. PoE++

The main difference between PoE vs. PoE+ vs. PoE++ devices is their power output. Standard PoE has a power output of up to 15.4 watts and a voltage of up to 44 to 57 volts.

PoE+, on the other hand, can deliver a maximum of 30 watts for each port and is rated at 50 to 57 volts.

Last but not least, PoE++ Type 3 can provide up to 60 watts for each port, while PoE++ Type 4 has a maximum power delivery of 100 watts/port. Both Type 3 and Type 4 voltage ratings are set at 50 to 57 volts.

Here's a detailed and consolidated chart summarizing the comparisons between PoE, PoE+, PoE++, and UPoE:

To sum it all up, Standard PoE is ideal for devices that don't draw a lot of power. Poe Plus is suitable for newer devices that draw more power, while PoE Plus Plus is made for the latest high-performance devices with lots of features.

How to Choose Between PoE vs. PoE+ vs. PoE++?

The most important factor you have to consider when choosing between PoE, PoE+, and PoE++ standards is the power requirements of your chosen device. 

Let's say you're installing a standard security camera and you see that each camera has a rating of 6 watts. Since it's not a high-powered device with high energy consumption, connecting it to a PoE switch will do. But if you're installing a more advanced security camera with high power requirements, then PoE Plus and PoE Plus Plus are the ideal choices.

Check your device's specification sheet to see which PoE standard is built for it.

Conclusion

Power over Ethernet (PoE) is a powerful and groundbreaking development in the data and power transmission sector. If you're considering switching to this system, then you've made the right choice as it has unparalleled device compatibility even with non-PoE devices. This technology also offers greater cost savings as you don't need to purchase separate wires and cables to power your devices.

Now that you know the difference between PoE, PoE+, and PoE++, it's time to choose a security camera and other devices to get started.

FAQs

What is the difference between PoE and PoE Plus?

The difference between PoE and PoE Plus is their power output. PoE can provide up to 15.4 watts and a voltage of 44 to 57 volts. Meanwhile, PoE Plus has a power output of 30 watts and a voltage of 50 to 57 volts.

PoE is used for older or more basic security cameras and other devices that have low-power requirements. Poe Plus, on the other hand, is ideal for more advanced cameras with pan-tilt-zoom features and other high-powered devices.

What voltage is PoE+?

Poe+ has a voltage rating of 50 to 57 volts.

Can I plug a non-PoE device into a PoE+ port?

The answer is yes, you can connect a non-PoE device to a PoE+ port. Will they have any issues? No. PoE switches can automatically sense if you plug in a non-PoE device as the technology is versatile and compatible even with older devices. 

Keep in mind, though, that only data will be transmitted through the cable and not power. Don't worry as the device you connected will not be damaged.

What devices need PoE++?

PoE++ is ideal for devices with high power demands, such as advanced alarm systems, multi-sensor and high-definition security cameras, and the latest wireless access points (WAPs). It also supports LED displays, video conferencing equipment, and LED lighting. Other compatible devices include Internet of Things (IoT) devices, virtual reality systems, some medical equipment, and advanced VoIP phones. If you’re using technology with intensive power requirements, PoE++ ensures reliable performance and simplifies installation by combining data and power delivery in one cable.