An Ethernet cable is typically used in an IT network for the purposes of passing data between devices, However it is also possible to use Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology and this enables power as well as data to be transmitted over an Ethernet cable. This can have a few advantages and the power for this type of system is supplied by a power over ethernet switch.
Most IT equipment is supplied with power through standard electrical cables which are plugged into a traditional wall socket. However for some types of equipment it is possible to include a power over ethernet switch in a network and this can be used to supply power to a device over the Ethernet cables that are more traditionally used for transferring data. This type of system can be used to power a number of devices and while not typically used with more power hungry equipment such as computers and printers, it can be used with equipment such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phones and Wireless Access Points.
The advantage of using power over ethernet switches in a system is that it can cut down on the amount of wiring required. If power can be supplied over the Ethernet cable to a number of devices, then this removes the need for separate power cables for these devices and this can make things neater. Most people who own a computer and accessories will be aware of the tangle of wires that can result when a number of devices are connected together and cutting down on the number of wires can make things tidier.
Generally when considering power over ethernet switches there are a couple of choices. In many cases all the connections on a switch can have power over Ethernet capabilities and this can be useful if a network has a lot of devices that can be powered using an ethernet cable. However, in many cases a network may only have a few devices which are capable of being powered over an ethernet cable and in these cases it can be worth choosing a switch that has a mix of a few standard ports and a few power over Ethernet ports.
There are a few manufacturers that produce power over ethernet switch equipment and this includes TRENDnet, Edgewater Networks and Netgear. Computer accessory retailers are typically the best place to find them for sale with stores such as CompUSA and Micro Center having them for sale. The cost will typically depend on brand name, the number of ports and the mix of standard and PoE ports. Prices can start around the $100 mark with the Netgear FS108P Prosafe 8 port 10/100 Network Switch with 4 Power over Ethernet Ports costing around $105. This is an affordable entry level switch which can be used in a network with four or less devices that can be powered by Ethernet cables.
A more expensive model is the Edgewater Networks 24 Port Power over Ethernet Switch which can be found on the market for around $650. This switch has automatic power device detection which can identify equipment that is suitable for being supplied with power over an Ethernet cable and is capable of powering up to 24 devices.
For networks that include equipment such as VoIP phones, a power over ethernet switch can be a useful piece of equipment. With devices supplied with power over an Ethernet cable it removes the need for an additional electrical power cable and this can make for a neater system.