PoE (Power over Ethernet) sends electrical power and network data over the same Ethernet cable, so a device like a touch controller, ceiling mic or PTZ camera needs only one cable and no wall outlet. PoE+ is the higher-power version of the standard. Plain PoE (IEEE 802.3af) delivers up to 15.4 W per port at the switch, PoE+ (802.3at) up to 30 W, and PoE++ (802.3bt) up to 60 W or 90 W.
PoE standards at a glance
| Name | IEEE standard | Max power at switch port | Typical power at device | Meeting room examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PoE | 802.3af (Type 1) | 15.4 W | about 13 W | Touch controllers, scheduling panels, some mics |
| PoE+ | 802.3at (Type 2) | 30 W | about 25.5 W | PTZ cameras, ceiling mic arrays, some cameras |
| PoE++ | 802.3bt Type 3 | 60 W | about 51 W | Some video bars and AI cameras |
| PoE++ | 802.3bt Type 4 | 90 W | about 71 W | High-power devices |
Some power is lost in the cable, which is why the device receives less than the switch sends. Within a standard, devices also declare a "class" that tells the switch how much power to reserve.
How it works
- A PoE switch (or a PoE injector between a normal switch and the device) detects that the device can accept power.
- The device signals its power class.
- The switch sends DC power over the cable pairs alongside the network data.
- Ethernet runs can be up to 100 m (328 ft), the same as normal Ethernet.
Why it matters in meeting rooms
- Fewer outlets: ceiling mics, wall panels and cameras often sit where there's no power.
- Cleaner installs: one cable through a table grommet or ceiling tile.
- Remote reboot: IT can power-cycle a device by toggling its switch port.
- Central backup power: a UPS on the network closet keeps PoE devices running.
What to check before buying
- Device's PoE class. Read the spec sheet: 802.3af, at or bt.
- Switch per-port power. A PoE switch may not offer PoE+ or PoE++ on every port.
- Switch total PoE budget. A 24-port switch may have a 370 W budget, not 30 W x 24. Add up all devices.
- Injector included? Many controllers and panels ship without one.
- Cable quality. Use solid-copper Cat6 or better, and plenum-rated cable above drop ceilings.
- Network setup. Put AV devices on a dedicated VLAN.
PoE devices in our catalog
| Device | Power listed in specs |
|---|---|
| Logitech Tap IP | PoE 802.3af, Class 3 (injector not included) |
| Logitech Tap Scheduler | PoE 802.3af, Class 3 (injector not included) |
| Neat Pad Generation 2 | 802.3af PoE, Class 3 |
| Neat Pad Pro | 802.3af PoE |
| Neat Center | PoE 802.3af |
| AVer PTZ310UV2 / PTZ330UV2 | DC 12 V or PoE+ |
| AVer CAM520 Pro3, CAM550, CAM570 | 12 V adapter or PoE+ (802.3at) |
| Poly Studio E60 | 12 V DC or PoE+ |
| Logitech Rally AI Camera | PoE+ (power supply included) |
| Logitech Rally AI Camera Pro | PoE++ |
| Poly Studio X32 | PoE++; see the Poly PoE++ 65W adapter |
| Yealink CM20 | PoE ceiling mic array |
If your switch can't provide power, use an injector such as the Neat PoE Power Supply (802.3af) or the Poly PoE++ 65W adapter for the Studio X32 and V12.
More on room cabling: conference room wiring and conference room electrical requirements.
Not sure your switch can power the room? Send us your device list and we'll total the PoE budget for you.
Related guides
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