Power Over Ethernet (PoE)

Power over Ethernet (PoE) is a protocol that transmits both data and power simultaneously to network devices, greatly reducing the cost of installation and maintenance. This allows the placement of devices such as the Ring Stick Up Cam in areas without conventional power supplies. This article will explain Power over Ethernet and answer some of the most frequently asked questions about it.

How does Power Over Ethernet work?

Power over Ethernet is produced by a device such as a network injector, network switch or a router that has PoE capability built in. PoE allows you to supply power to a networking device using the same cable that transmits the data. If you have such a device it will automatically detect when it is connected to a PoE-capable device such as a Ring Stick Up Cam Elite and provide the device with power. This means you won't have to connect the device with a standard power outlet to get it to function.

Note: Ring POE devices need CAT5 cables or higher.

Do PoE devices such as Stick Up Cam work with standard (non-PoE) devices such as routers?

Yes. If you connect a non-PoE router to a PoE device such as a Stick Up Cam or a PoE router to a non-PoE device it will provide networking as usual but the device will have to connect to another source of power to work.

Can I mix PoE and non-PoE devices in my network?

Yes, although the non-PoE devices will require a separate power source.

How do I know if my router is capable of producing PoE?

You'll need to check your router’s model number against the manufacturer to tell whether or not your device is capable of producing PoE. If your device is more than a year or two old, however, odds are it's not capable of producing PoE.

Are there any risks with using PoE with my Ring device?

No. PoE can be used with any Ring devices that are PoE-enabled such as Ring Stick Up Cam Elite. All current and future Ring products with PoE capability are engineered to IEEE 802.3af and 802.3at standards. If you can connect your network cables, you should have no difficulty connecting your device to a PoE producing switch or router and having it draw power.

Does hooking up a PoE connection require any special electrical knowledge?

No. You will connect your PoE connection at the same time as you hook up your network cables as both power and data are routed through the same cable.