This blog article provides a clear overview of the official IEEE PoE standards and explains why manufacturers use different terminology. With this knowledge, AV professionals can make better-informed decisions when designing, installing, and maintaining AV over IP networks.
IN THIS ARTICLE
In AV over IP networks, reliability and compatibility are key. More and more AV equipment is powered via Power over Ethernet (PoE), allowing a single network cable to carry both data and power. This greatly simplifies installations, especially in complex environments like theaters, conference centers, and heritage buildings.
Yet the wide variety of PoE names and standards often causes confusion among AV technicians, integrators, and system designers. What do terms like “PoE+,” “Ultra PoE,” or “4PPoE” actually mean? And how can you tell if a switch or camera is compatible with your infrastructure?
IEEE 802.3af (PoE)
Introduced in 2003, this first official PoE standard delivers up to 15.4 watts of DC power over Cat5 cables, with approximately 12.95 watts usable after accounting for cable losses. This was sufficient for early PoE devices like IP phones and some wireless access points.
IEEE 802.3at (PoE+)
Released in 2009, PoE+ increased the maximum power to 30 watts, supporting more demanding devices such as PTZ (Pan, Tilt, Zoom) security cameras and newer wireless access points. PoE+ is backward compatible with 802.3af, meaning a PoE+ switch can also power older PoE devices.
IEEE 802.3bt (PoE++ or 4PPoE)
Approved in 2018, this latest standard introduced two new types: Type 3 (60 watts) and Type 4 (90 watts). It enables powering high-demand devices like LED lighting, interactive displays, and laptops. PoE++ or 4PPoE uses all four twisted pairs in a network cable to deliver increased power.
| IEEE Name | Type 1 | Type 2 | Type 3 | Type 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Common Name | PoE | PoE+ | PoE++ / 4PPoE | PoE++ |
| Power at PD | 12.95 W | 25.50 W | 51 W | 71.3 W |
| Max Power from PSE | 15.40 W | 30.0 W | 60 W | 90 W |
| Voltage Range (PSE) | 44–57 V | 50–57 V | 52–57 V | — |
| Voltage Range (PD) | 37–57 V | 42.5–57 V | 41.1–57 V | — |
| Max Current | 350 mA | 600 mA/pair | 960 mA/pair | — |
| Cable Resistance | 20 Ω (Cat 3) | 12.5 Ω (Cat 5) | — | — |
| Power Classes | 1–3 | 1–4 or LLDP | 1–6 or LLDP | 1–8 or LLDP |
| Temperature Derating | None | 5°C (2-pair) | 10°C (4-pair) | 10°C (planned) |
| Supported Cabling | Cat 3 & 5 | Cat 5 | — | — |
| Modes | Mode A/B | Mode A/B | Mode A/B/4-pair | 4-pair mandatory |
(Source: Wikipedia)
Marketing Strategies
To stand out, manufacturers often use catchy names like “Ultra PoE” or “High Power PoE,” even if these fall within IEEE standards.
Compatibility and Specifications
Some vendors create proprietary PoE solutions optimized for their own devices, leading to terms like “enhanced PoE.”
Innovation and Differentiation
Manufacturers may introduce new features before they’re standardized, using unique names to highlight their R&D efforts.
User Knowledge Gaps
Many end users aren’t familiar with IEEE standards. Vendors use simplified terms to appeal to non-technical audiences, even if they’re not technically precise.
While IEEE defines clear PoE standards, manufacturers often use varied names and marketing terms. This can cause confusion, but it’s usually driven by branding, product differentiation, and user education gaps. By understanding the official standards and scrutinizing product specs, users can make better choices for their network needs.
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