Power Over Ethernet

Simultaneous data communications and power delivery over copper-based Ehternet cables.

Almost all telecommunications appliances, from phones to computers, require both data connectivity and a power supply.  Telephones, for example, are powered from the telephone exchange through the same twisted pair cable that carries voice.

Power over Ethernet technology allows IP telephones, wireless LAN Access Points and other appliances to receive power as well as data over existing LAN cabling, without needing to modify the existing Ethernet infrastructure.   Power over Ethernet is gaining popularity as the cost of adding power supplies to Ethernet switches is relatively small.

Advantages of Copper

A key advantage copper wire has over fiber optic cables and wireless transmission is its ability to provide high bandwidth data communications and power delivery simultaneously.

A study is underway to determine the comparative power capacity for various enhanced copper-based local area network (LAN) cables under different environmental conditions, as well as the maximum safe power distribution capacity for data wiring. 

There are many advantages including that only a single set of wires are needed, which simplifies installation and saves space.  The appliance can be moved more easily to wherever a LAN cable can be made available with minimal disruption.  It can be shut down or reset remotely, and it provides safe delivery of electricity as there are no mains voltages to connect. 


If this application for copper wire is realised, this previously under-appreciated idea has the potential to extend the life of copper cables.