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What is the difference between PoE, PoE+, and PoE++?
What is the difference between PoE, PoE+, and PoE++?
Updated over a week ago

Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) is a feature that allows network devices to be powered directly from a switch instead of from an outlet or other power supply. PoE saves on the cost of extra cabling, digging, and installation.

PoE was first standardized by IEEE in 2003. Six years later in 2009, PoE+ was implemented. A full nine years later in 2018, PoE++ burst onto the scene. Many of the improvements with each iteration involved port power and voltage range, supported cables, and twisted pairs used.

The chart below details the differences among the PoE iterations. It’s important to remember that the power grand total for a port doesn’t mean that the maximum power for every port can be used simultaneously. Users hardly ever need to use full power at all times. Each switch has a maximum power load that the power being used by the ports cannot exceed.

PoE vs. PoE+ vs. PoE++ Table Powered Switch Port to Device

PoE

PoE+

PoE++

PoE++

IEEE Standard

IEEE 802.3af

IEEE 802.3at

IEEE 802.3bt

IEEE 802.3bt

PoE Type Designation

Type 1

Type 2

Type 3

Type 4

Switch Port Power

Max Port Power

15.4W

30W

60W

100W

Port Voltage Range

44-57V

50-57V

50-57V

52-57V

Cables

Supported Cables

Cat3/Cat5

(or better)

Cat5

(or better)

Cat5

(or better)

Cat5

(or better)

Twisted Pairs Used

2-pair

2-pair

2-pair or 4-pair

4-pair

Powered Device Power

Max Power to Device

12.95W

25.5W

51W

71W

Voltage Range to Device

37-57V

42.5-57V

42.5-57V

41.1-57V

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