Telecommunications technology has been changing with time. We all should be thankful for the improvement and advances in technology.
I often say better technology has led to a better communications network. To make my point, I usually highlight the Power over the Ethernet switch, a vital component in network operations.
But is it possible to use the POE switch as a standard switch? Of course, it is doable! But, depending on your device, you must choose the switch that best supports your desires. For example, you can use either the POE or the regular switch.
So, let’s look at the differences between these two!
What Is a POE Switch and a Normal Switch?
The current world may force you to install a security system with video or maybe configure a network using routers.
You will need to use the POE switch or another option as long as it helps you. Before selecting these, you first need to check out the features you want or your budget.
POE Switch
POE is an abbreviation for Power over Ethernet, which supplies power and data via the Ethernet cable.
It provides power and data to PoE-enabled devices through the Ethernet cable. Thus, PoE technology can provide higher power while reducing the number of wires required for power transmission.
So, the PoE switch is a networking device through which the PoE passes. It allows the supply of network data and power through various Ethernet network cables, such as Cat5.
In addition, this switch has numerous Ethernet ports that link to network segments, which also help with power and data supply. For example, you can get 4, 8, or even a 14-port PoE switch.
Regular Switch/ Non-PoE Switch
A regular switch provides a network connection alone and does not supply power to its related devices.
The primary use of a non-PoE switch is numerous non-powered network devices.
Although the non-PoE switch does not do much, the PoE injector can make it PoE-ready.
Once you add this device, it adds electrical power. Thus, the switch can simultaneously transmit data and power to various devices. Consequently, you can use it on devices such as computers and laptops.
PoE Switch vs. Normal Switch
The PoE switch and the regular switch differ in various ways.
For example, these two function differently. They use different methods to deliver the data, have different kinds of processes, and can handle different things.
Here, I list several differences between them.
Accessibility
Accessibility is one significant difference between the regular and PoE switches. The PoE switch is PoE enabled, unlike the standard switch, which is not PoE allowed.
Therefore, the non-PoE switch will not supply power to the end-users through the Ethernet.
Required Accessories
You need no extra accessories for the PoE switch. This kind of switch can transfer power and data to the end-users over Ethernet.
However, the regular switch cannot do so. Thus, it requires an extra cable to connect to the power supplies.
Yet, when using the regular switch, you can make it PoE-ready using a midspan injector. Place this injector between the control and the PDs. The injector’s primary purpose is to add electrical power, which is usually absent in the regular switches.
Such electrical power is helpful when receiving the data signal. Thus, the regular switch will deliver both power and data to PDs.
As you can see, the PoE switch is consequently easy to manage and power transmission.
Likewise, for regular switches to function better, you will need maybe two extra wires, which makes them a bit more complex to set up.
Mixing Devices
The PoE switch can deliver power and data to both PoE and non-PoE devices. This means that you can mix PoE and non-PoE devices on the same switch.
Usually, you need not use power on non-PoE devices. Thus, you can use the PoE switch like a regular switch by turning off its PoE.
However, when using the non-PoE switch, it may not support both the PoE and non-PoE devices.
PoE Access Method
You may need to upgrade to the PoE network when accessing the PoE switch. To do this, you must replace the standard or non-PoE switch with a PoE-enabled one.
On the other hand, the regular switch’s access method requires installing a PoE injector.
Emergency Reaction
If an issue harms the switch, it is most likely to affect the whole PoE switch system.
But, for the regular switches, such problems will affect only one device.
So, Can You Use a PoE Switch as a Normal Switch?
Yes, the features of the standard switch are also present in the PoE switch. For instance, it can transfer data over an Ethernet cable, so you can use it as a normal switch.
The PoE switch can also transfer power, unlike the regular ones. So, if you use it as a standard switch, you only have to turn off the power button. It should then be able to function as a regular switch.
But you should know that when the PoE switch works like a regular switch, it will deliver power only if your device can support it. If your device does not support it, it will not function.
PoE Switch or Normal Switch – Which One Should You Choose?
While both of these switches can function well, the PoE switch is a better option. There are many benefits to using a PoE switch.
With the PoE switch, you will not incur additional costs for running extra power cables. Also, you can use PoE-enabled devices in areas with no other power outlets, such as security cameras.
Moreover, the PoE switch quickly detects the power that PoE-powered devices consume. Thus, it can determine the amount that such a device requires.
The devices requiring these two switches can mix in the same network. However, the PoE switch is a better option unless your device requires a lot of power. Furthermore, most devices are currently PoE-enabled.
Final Thoughts!
There are many products available to configure the network. All you need to do is ensure that your choice meets your demands.
Also, ensure you understand the amount of power and number of ports your device needs. After that, you can choose the best industrial PoE switch from a reliable supplier. Finally, if you still have doubts, my old post will give you some helpful tips on buying a PoE switch.
