The importance of PoE Switches to Your Network Infrastructure

What are PoE switches and what do they do

PoE switches are an essential part of a business network infrastructure. They enable the delivery of power over Ethernet, making it possible to connect devices that require powered Ethernet ports without installing dedicated electrical outlets. These switches work by sending power and data over a twisted-pair Ethernet cable. This enables devices that consume low amounts of power, such as IP phones and security cameras, to be powered by the switch instead of connecting to a wall outlet.

The benefits of using PoE switches in your network infrastructure

PoE switches can be a big-time and money saver, especially in deployments where many PoE-powered devices need to be installed. These switches can help reduce costs by eliminating the need for major construction, additional power cables and outlets. With this, PoE-powered devices can be easily moved to new locations without worrying about access to power outlets. Additionally, PoE switches often offer extra features and flexibility that can help optimize and troubleshoot your network. For instance, most PoE switches have built-in intelligence that can detect whether a device requires power before supplying it. This prevents electrical accidents and protects your equipment. Finally, using PoE technology can future-proof your network infrastructure, ensuring that it will be able to support new devices and applications as they emerge.

How to choose the right PoE switch for your business

The first thing you need to consider is the number of devices you would connect to the switch. If you have many devices that need to be powered, you'll need a switch with a high power capacity. Next is the type of data traffic passing through the switch. If you have a lot of video or audio traffic, you'll need a switch that can handle that kind of data. Finally, you'll need to consider your budget and the specific need of your business. The higher the capacity you require, the bigger investment you should make. If you're unsure about the technicalities, you may refer to this PoE switch guide.

The different types of PoE switch available on the market today

Businesses have a few different options for choosing a PoE switch. For smaller enterprises that don't require a lot of bells and whistles, an unmanaged PoE switch is a good option. It's relatively low cost, and it's easy to set up. On the other hand, managed PoE switches are better suited for larger businesses or organizations that need more advanced features, such as network monitoring and management, QoS (quality of service), VLANs (virtual LANs), and security.

TP-Link offers a variety of PoE switches to meet the needs of all kinds and sizes of businesses. Our PoE switches offer value beyond general networking demands more than providing basic features. They create a versatile and reliable network to grow your business. In addition, managed PoE switches integrated with Omada SDN (Software Defined Networking) provide 100% centralized cloud management to create highly scalable networks—all controlled from a single interface. Learn more about our PoE solutions and products here.

If you want to view more, compare and select the suitable devices and networking solutions for your business, visit https://www.tp-link.com/ca/business-networking/ or contact us through sales.ca@tp-link.com.