Active vs Passive PoE

Summary

This chapter is an overview of recommended use active and passive PoE

Note: The following recommendations apply to Teltonika devices

Active PoE

Active PoE (Power over Ethernet) refers to the technology that allows network cables to carry electrical power along with data to remote devices. This technology simplifies installation and reduces the need for separate power supplies and outlets for each device. Active PoE is standardized by the IEEE and comes in various classes, each specifying different power levels.

Here's a table outlining the different classes of Active PoE:

Key Points:

PoE (IEEE 802.3af): Provides up to 15.4 W of DC power.
PoE+ (IEEE 802.3at): Provides up to 30 W of DC power.
PoE++ (IEEE 802.3bt): Extends the power up to 60 W (Type 3) and up to 90 W (Type 4).

Each class within these standards specifies the maximum power that can be delivered to a powered device (PD), and the maximum power that can be drawn from the power sourcing equipment (PSE), ensuring compatibility and efficient power management across various devices and applications.

How Passive PoE Works

Passive PoE (Power over Ethernet) is a non-standard implementation of PoE that provides power to network devices without adhering to the IEEE PoE standards. Unlike Active PoE, which involves power negotiation and safety protocols, Passive PoE supplies a fixed voltage directly to the connected devices. This simplicity makes Passive PoE cheaper and easier to implement, but it comes with certain risks and limitations.

Key Features of Passive PoE

Fixed Voltage: Passive PoE typically provides a fixed voltage, usually 12V, 24V, or 48V.
No Power Negotiation: Devices do not negotiate the power they receive, so the voltage is always constant.
Simpler Implementation: Less complex circuitry is needed compared to Active PoE.
Risk of Damage: If the supplied voltage does not match the device's requirements, it can damage the device.

Correct and Incorrect Ways of Using Passive PoE

Correct Way:

Voltage Matching: Ensure that the voltage supplied by the Passive PoE injector matches the voltage required by the device.
Device Compatibility: Use Passive PoE with devices specifically designed to accept the supplied voltage without power negotiation.
Proper Installation: Follow proper wiring practices and use quality cables to ensure stable power delivery.
Avoid High Power Devices: Use Passive PoE for low power devices like small access points, cameras, or VoIP phones that are within the power capacity of the PoE injector.

Incorrect Way:

Mismatched Voltage: Connecting a device to a Passive PoE injector that supplies a higher voltage than the device is designed for, leading to potential damage.
Incompatible Devices: Using Passive PoE with devices that require IEEE 802.3af/at/bt compliant power negotiation, which can lead to malfunction or damage.
Overloading: Attempting to power devices that require more power than what the Passive PoE can provide, causing inadequate performance or device failure.
Improper Wiring: Using substandard or incorrect wiring that can lead to power loss, instability, or even safety hazards.