What type of Ethernet cable is needed for a PoE splitter?

For a PoE (Power over Ethernet) splitter to function properly, the Ethernet cable must be capable of carrying both data and power. This means the cable must meet the necessary specifications for the transmission of both Ethernet signals and the power required by the PoE standard. Here’s a detailed look at the type of Ethernet cable needed for a PoE splitter:

1. Cable Category:

The Ethernet cable should meet a minimum Cat5e (Category 5e) standard or higher. The specific cable category impacts the maximum data transmission speed, bandwidth, and the ability to support PoE power delivery over long distances.

Recommended Cable Categories:

Cat5e (Category 5e):

--- Data Speed: Up to 1000 Mbps (Gigabit Ethernet).

--- PoE Compatibility: Can support both power and data up to a distance of 100 meters (328 feet) for standard PoE (IEEE 802.3af) and PoE+ (IEEE 802.3at) implementations.

--- Use Case: Most common for basic PoE applications like small devices (IP cameras, wireless access points).

--- Power Delivery: Can reliably deliver power (up to 15.4W for 802.3af and 25.5W for 802.3at) over distances of up to 100 meters.

Cat6 (Category 6):

--- Data Speed: Up to 10 Gbps over shorter distances (up to 55 meters or 180 feet for 10 Gbps, and 100 meters for lower speeds).

--- PoE Compatibility: Suitable for PoE applications, especially if you plan to use higher power PoE (e.g., PoE+ or even PoE++).

--- Use Case: Ideal for environments requiring higher data speeds or higher bandwidth, like surveillance systems with high-resolution cameras or business networks.

--- Power Delivery: Can support higher PoE power (e.g., PoE++ for up to 60W or 100W, depending on the setup).

Cat6a (Category 6a):

--- Data Speed: Up to 10 Gbps over 100 meters.

--- PoE Compatibility: Designed for environments that require high-speed data transfer and can support PoE+ and PoE++ applications.

--- Use Case: Recommended for high-performance networks or large enterprise setups with higher power demands, such as high-performance wireless access points or IP cameras.

--- Power Delivery: Can support higher PoE standards like PoE++ (up to 60W or 100W) across long distances.

Cat7 (Category 7) and Cat8 (Category 8):

--- Data Speed: Cat7 supports up to 10 Gbps, and Cat8 can support up to 25 Gbps or 40 Gbps for short distances (up to 30 meters).

--- PoE Compatibility: These cables can handle higher bandwidth and power delivery, making them suitable for future-proofing or high-demand environments, but they are typically overkill for standard PoE applications.

--- Power Delivery: Like Cat6a, they can support higher-power PoE++ configurations.

2. PoE Standards and Voltage:

The type of Ethernet cable needed also depends on the PoE standard you're using. PoE standards define the amount of power that can be delivered over the Ethernet cable. The most common standards are:

--- IEEE 802.3af (PoE): Provides up to 15.4W of power.

--- IEEE 802.3at (PoE+): Provides up to 25.5W of power.

--- IEEE 802.3bt (PoE++ or Ultra PoE): Can provide up to 60W (Type 3) or 100W (Type 4) of power.

Higher-power PoE (like PoE+ and PoE++) is supported better by Cat6 or Cat6a cables due to their superior shielding and higher bandwidth capabilities, which helps minimize signal degradation when power is also being transmitted.

3. Cable Construction:

For reliable PoE operation, shielding and wire quality are important. Here's a breakdown of the different construction types:

Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP):

--- Most common and generally sufficient for most PoE applications.

--- If you’re running cables in a typical office or home network with no excessive interference, UTP will work fine.

--- Suitable for lower-to-moderate power applications like PoE (802.3af) and PoE+ (802.3at).

Shielded Twisted Pair (STP):

--- Has an additional shielding around the pairs of wires, which helps reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI).

--- Best for environments with high electromagnetic interference (EMI), such as industrial areas, factories, or areas with a lot of heavy machinery.

--- It’s also beneficial if you’re running cables over long distances and need to ensure minimal power loss and signal degradation.

4. Cable Length:

The length of the Ethernet cable is a crucial factor in how far the power can be transmitted. For standard PoE, the maximum cable length is typically 100 meters (328 feet) as defined by the IEEE standards.

--- PoE (802.3af): Power is delivered reliably up to 100 meters (328 feet).

--- PoE+ (802.3at): Power is typically reliable up to 100 meters but may degrade slightly depending on the cable quality and power consumption of the device.

--- PoE++ (802.3bt): For higher power (60W or 100W), the reliable distance might be slightly shorter, around 55 meters (180 feet) for maximum power delivery.

5. Summary of Ethernet Cable Requirements for PoE Splitters:

--- Cable Category: Cat5e or higher (Cat6, Cat6a, or Cat7 for higher-power applications).

--- Cable Type: UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair) is sufficient for most environments, but STP (Shielded Twisted Pair) may be preferred in environments with high interference.

--- Cable Length: Up to 100 meters (328 feet) for reliable PoE operation, but power delivery may degrade slightly over longer distances, especially with higher power PoE types (PoE+ or PoE++).

PoE Standard Compatibility: Ensure the cable can handle the required power based on the PoE standard in use (802.3af, 802.3at, or 802.3bt).

In Conclusion:

To use a PoE splitter, you need an Ethernet cable that can handle both power and data. A Cat5e cable is typically sufficient for most standard PoE applications, but Cat6 or higher is recommended for environments requiring higher power or greater data speeds. Make sure the cable is appropriately rated for the required PoE standard and the distance the signal will travel to ensure reliable power delivery and data transmission.