What is a PoE Adapter?
A PoE adapter is a device that supplies both power and network data through a single Ethernet cable. By removing the need for separate power lines, it simplifies installations—making them quicker, tidier, and more cost-efficient.
There are three common types of PoE adapter:
- PoE Injector (PoE Adapter): Adds power to a non-PoE Ethernet connection, perfect for powering IP security cameras and VoIP phones.
- PoE splitter: separates the power and data signals in a PoE Ethernet cable
- PoE Extender: Extends power and data beyond the 100m Ethernet cable limit. Perfect for outdoor APs, remote cameras, or digital signage.
Together, these PoE solutions provide a flexible, scalable, and cost-effective way to power devices in smart homes, small businesses, or large enterprise networks.
A Power over Ethernet adapter typically includes:
- Power input – plugged into a wall outlet.
- Data input – connected to a switch or router via Ethernet.
- PoE output – delivers both power and data through one Ethernet cable to the device.
This means devices like IP camera, VoIP phone, or Wi-Fi access point can be powered and connected with just one cable—ideal for ceilings, garages, or outdoor installations.
Benefits of using PoE adapters
- Reduced cabling – one Ethernet cable instead of separate power and data lines.
- Simplified installation – ideal for ceiling-mounted cameras or outdoor wireless APs.
- Cost savings – fewer cables, outlets, and electrician labor required.
- Flexible setup – great for small networks, retrofits, or upgrading old non-PoE devices.
Common use cases for PoE adapters
- PoE for Security Cameras (IP Cameras): Running both power and Ethernet to cameras in garages, balconies, or gates can be difficult. A PoE adapter for IP cameras simplifies installation with just one cable.
- PoE for VoIP Phones: In modern offices, VoIP phones need internet and power. Instead of messy power cords, a PoE adapter reduces clutter and streamlines desk setups.
- PoE for Wireless Access Points & Mesh Systems: Outdoor APs or mesh network nodes often lack power outlets. A PoE injector/adapter makes it possible to deploy Wi-Fi in outdoor spaces or large homes.
- PoE for Smart Home Devices: From smart thermostats and hubs to smart locks, PoE adapters reduce cable clutter and provide reliable power + internet connectivity.
Active vs Passive PoE
Active PoE follows official IEEE standards (802.3af, 802.3at, 802.3bt) and automatically detects whether the connected device supports PoE. Power is only delivered if the device is compatible, ensuring safe and efficient operation.
IEEE PoE Standards:
- IEEE 802.3af (PoE): Up to 15.4W, suitable for low-power devices like VoIP phones and basic IP cameras.
- IEEE 802.3at (PoE+): Up to 30W, ideal for PTZ cameras, dual-band Wi-Fi access points, and advanced IP phones.
- IEEE 802.3bt (PoE++):Type 3: Up to 60WType 4: Up to 100W
Perfect for high-demand devices like Wi-Fi 6 access points, digital signage, LED lighting, and even laptops.
Passive PoE is a non-standard implementation that sends a fixed voltage (commonly 24V or 48V) over the Ethernet cable, regardless of whether the connected device supports it.
This can damage non-compatible devices since no automatic detection or negotiation occurs. Passive PoE is often used for low-cost setups, DIY projects, or consumer devices where budget is more important than safety or scalability.
How to choose the right PoE adapter?
Selecting the right PoE adapter depends on three main factors: the type of PoE supported, voltage and wattage requirements, and the number of devices you need to power.
PoE Type (Active vs Passive):
- If your device supports IEEE 802.3af/at/bt standards, choose a standard active PoE adapter, such as Omada’s POE150S, which automatically negotiates power to prevent damage.
- If your device lists “24V Passive PoE,” you’ll need a passive PoE injector. Passive PoE is less safe since it delivers fixed voltage without detection.
Voltage and Wattage Requirements:
- Many enterprise-grade devices (e.g., Omada Wi-Fi 6 access points, EAP series) require 48V PoE and comply with IEEE 802.3af/at standards for safe, efficient operation.
- Some budget or DIY devices only support 24V Passive PoE, which makes them incompatible with standard PoE adapters. Always check your device specifications for “IEEE 802.3af/at” before choosing.
Port Count & Network Speed:
- For a single device such as an access point or IP camera, a single-port PoE injector/adapter is sufficient. For multiple devices, consider a PoE switch with multiple ports to reduce clutter and ensure reliable performance across your network.
- While 1 Gbps Gigabit PoE adapters remain the standard for Wi-Fi 5 access points and most mid-range devices, the shift to Wi-Fi 6 has introduced 2.5 Gbps ports that require Multi-Gig PoE adapters to prevent network bottlenecks. For high-density Wi-Fi 6/6E environments, 5 Gbps PoE adapters deliver more reliable performance, while enterprise networks deploying Wi-Fi 7 access points or 10G switches should upgrade to 10 Gbps PoE adapters for maximum speed and scalability.
