POWER-OVER-ETHERNET STANDARDS

There are four different PoE types: Type 1, Type 2, Type 3, and Type 4. We can categorize such types based on a variety of features, such as the standard they use, their port power, and the devices one can use them for. The power per port of each PoE type will largely determine which type best suits your application. Below, you will find detailed descriptions on the various nuances of each power over Ethernet type.

PoE Type 1

• Name: PoE, 2-pair PoE
• Standard: IEEE 802.3af
• Maximum port power: 15.4W

Firstly, ‘PoE’ was originally designed to power low-power devices such as IP telephones. In 2003, IEEE 802.3af was standardized to use two of the four twisted pairs of wires in standard (at the time) Cat3 Ethernet wire runs. IEEE 802.3af provides up to 12.95W to powered devices at 37V-57V. There is some loss, so a PoE switch port is generally rated at 15.4W and between 44V-57V. Examples of devices that PoE Type 1 can support include static surveillance cameras, wireless access points and VoIP phones.  This level of PoE is typical for most indoor single sensor security cameras and some single sensor outdoor versions. 

AVCostar “CID and CLD-200 series, the 8 series of Microdomes, and the 956 series of LX DUOs” cameras all use this standard. 

AVCostar provides a PN 7412007-006 PoE injector that can supply up to 75 watts and is compatible with PoE Type 1 devices.

PoE Type 2

• Name: PoE+
• Standard: IEEE 802.3at
• Maximum port power: 30W

Like PoE Type 1, PoE Type 2 also utilizes 2-pair PoE. Its basis is the PoE+ or IEEE 802.3at Ethernet standard, which the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers released in 2009. As such, it delivers up to 30W of power at the port level over an Ethernet twisted pair cable and up to 25.5W of power to each device. It connects higher-powered devices to a network such as PTZ cameras, RFID readers, video IP phones, and alarm systems. Because it is backward compatible, however, it can support the types of devices typically supported by PoE Type 1 as well as devices supported by PoE Type 2. It supports Cat 5 cables or better.  This level of PoE is typical for most single sensor security cameras - outdoor versions. 

AVCostar “OMNI LX, OMNI RS, and the AV12CFE-250 series all use this standard. 

AVCostar provides a PN 7412007-006 PoE injector that can supply up to 75 watts and is compatible with PoE Type 2 devices.

PoE Type 3

Quick facts:- Name: 4-pair PoE, 4P PoE, PoE++, UPOE- Standard: IEEE 802.3bt- Maximum port power: 60W Also known as 4-pair PoE, 4PPoE, PoE++, or UPoE, Type 3 PoE uses all four pairs in a twisted-pair copper cable to deliver power at the PD—unlike Type 1 and 2 which only use two pairs. This higher level of PoE adheres to the IEEE 802.3bt standard which came out in 2011. As such, it provides up to 60W of power to each PoE port and up to 51W of power to each device. Examples of devices that these higher levels of power support include multi-radio wireless access points, PTZ cameras, building management devices, and video conferencing equipment. It supports Cat5 cables or better. 

CostarHD Rise 3 and 4 series use this type. 

CostarHD provides PN 7412007-003 PoE injector that can supply up to 75 watts and is only compatible with PoE Type 3 devices.

PoE Type 4

Quick facts:- Name: Higher-Power PoE- Standard: IEEE 802.3bt- Maximum port power: 100WCommonly known as Higher-Power PoE, Type 4 PoE offers the highest power capabilities of all PoE types currently in existence. This PoE type helps satisfy the growing power requirements of network devices and IoT. Conforming to the newest IEEE 802.3bt standard, Type 4 PoE delivers 90W of power from the PSE and up to 70W of input power at the PD to each device. However, it has the potential to supply a maximum of 100W of power per port if necessary. Due to the high quantities of power that it produces, Type 4 PoE can support extremely power-hungry devices such as laptops and flat screens. Supported cables include Cat5 cables or better. 

AVCostar OMNI LX RSIR series use this standard. 

AVCostar provides a PN 7412007-006 PoE injector that can supply up to 75 watts and is compatible with PoE Type 4 devices.

Reference Chart

Along with the descriptions above, we have included an easy chart for reference.