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Learn About Power over Ethernet (PoE)

Last modified by Microchip on 2025/06/26 12:28
    Introduction to Power over Ethernet (PoE)   

Introduction

Power over Ethernet (PoE) is a technology that enables the delivery of electrical power as well as data over standard Ethernet cables, such as CAT5e, CAT6, and CAT6a. This innovation simplifies the installation of networked devices by eliminating the need for separate power supplies and electrical wiring, making it an efficient and cost-effective solution for various applications.

Training Structure

This training provides an in-depth overview of the protocol, starting with an introduction to the protocol and IEEE® standards, followed by a detailed description of each phase and a summary of the new features introduced by the IEEE 802.3bt standard. We'll cover the various phases in the sequence of the protocol to establish an intuitive framework for the training, i.e., pre-detection/detection, connection check, classification, and in-rush/power up/power down. 

Power-over-Ethernet Waveform Example

Power Sourcing Equipment voltage (VPSE) vs Powered Device current (IPORT)

PoE has a robust vocabulary that may seem overwhelming. To assist, we created a "Power over Ethernet (PoE) Terminology" page.

Learning Paths

This training has both page links that guide through each topic in an intuitive sequence, and a list of trainings that can be used to jump to the topic of interest. Let's get started!

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