PoE or Power over Ethernet is often an excellent option for better network agility and scalability. It is widely used in security surveillance, including VoIP, IP, wireless access points, etc.
In the case of PoE, two devices PoE switch and a PoE injector, are crucial. But what are these two? Here we’ll be dealing with knowledge about these two.
Understanding PoE Basics
Before you try to understand the difference between a PoE injector and PoE switch, you first need to have a clear idea about these two.
First, consider a regular ethernet cable. It will come with our pairs of wires. In the case of a Pedestrian-style 10/100 base TX cable, two pairs of wires are used for data transmission, and the other two pairs are free to pass. This model is widely known as Mode B.
But, for modern internet needs, the larger bandwidth requirement has resulted in Mode A and 4-pair cables.
The modern PoE cables or active PoE cables can communicate with the connected device to supply the required voltage using the Handshake protocol. This ensures security and Better connectivity.
What is a PoE Injector?
A PoE injector is a type of single port PoE switch that injects power to data onto a working Ethernet cable. Since the ethernet cable does not have a power supply through built-in switches, the injector here injects power into the endspan components like IP camera, VoIP camera, or wireless access points.
Another benefit of an injector is that it is ideal for low-key devices. It helps in offering power to the devices that are installed in tough-to-reach locations.
These injectors come with an ethernet switch or router in such a way that the power injection point is the furthest away from the device that requires the power. There are multiple types of injectors according to size, power type, etc.
In general, two types of injectors are usually used- active injector and passive injector. In the case of active injectors, the maximum voltage is equal to or greater than the required voltage. But, in the case of passive PoE injectors, the voltage limit is within the working range of the connected device. Passive injectors are widely used for delicate devices that may get damaged with a higher power supply.
When do you need a PoE Injector
PoE injector is usually used to connect devices that do not have built-in internet connectivity to a network switch. For example, IP cameras, VoIP cameras, etc. It offers a plug-and-play facility and supplies direct power to the machine.
What is a PoE Switch?
The PoE switch is a Poe cable with a built-in injector. It offers nearly double the amount of energy that a regular PoE injector. These automatically detect the compatibility with other devices for supplying the optimal voltage.
In general, modern PoE switches usually have eight or more ports.
When to Use a PoE Switch
If the VoIP cameras do not have a built-in internet facility, a PoE switch is a great alternative. It offers both electricity and internet facility and is also durable.
What are the Differences Between a PoE Switch and a PoE Injector
Even though both PoE injector and PoE switch have similar functions, there are many differences as well.
- A Poe switch is a long-term investment that requires complex installation. But on the other hand, the PoE injectors are easy to But these are short-term investments.
- A PoE injector is more affordable than a PoE switch.
- One of the main differences between the switch and injector is how they work during power outages. A Poe switch is usually connected to multiple devices. Hence, during the power outage, all the devices will stop at once. But the injector is connected to only one device. That means only that particular device will stop working.
- Replacement of the PoE switch is more complicated than a Pose injector. You may need to buy a new Switch and install it completely by following all the desired procedures. But for injectors, you can just replace the particular injector.
Conclusion
As you can see, both PoE injectors and Switches use the same Pose technology. But, each of these has some advantages and disadvantages. Hence, which one you prefer depends on how you intend to use the PoE technology.
