Power over Ethernet (PoE) is a technology that allows network cables to carry electrical power. For example, a digital security camera might require two connections: one to a network and another to a power outlet. But with PoE, you only need a single cable, reducing cost and effort while increasing flexibility, especially for remote locations.
A POE Ethernet cable is wired exactly the same as a normal Ethernet cable.
This guide will show you how to wire a standard RJ-45 Ethernet cable for use with PoE.
When I first wired up my home, I really struggled with wiring up RJ45 connectors, and for a small number of cables it didnβt really seem worth mastering. In hindsight, it is a skill worth learning.
However, if you really donβt want to wire up RJ45 connectors properly, there are some alternative methods that are easier for beginners:
These donβt require a tool, you just need to strip the cable and thread the wires through the little plastic module that has the colour coded wires printed onto it for easy wiring. These tend to be quite bulky and much more expensive per connector than normal RJ45 connectors, but I have found them to be excellent for small wiring jobs.
These are normally used for installing into Ethernet wall plates, but there is nothing stopping you using them as is. It is an ugly and messy solution as you then need to connect an ethernet cable to the module, but it is something I have done in the past and it works perfectly well.
These are great if you have a lot of cables coming into one room. I have all my networking hardware located in my loft now and terminate my cables into these. They are easy to wire up, you just need a punch down tool and there is normally a colour-coded guide printed inside the panel too.
After wiring your cable, connect one end to the PoE device (like a camera or access point), and the other end to a PoE injector or PoE switch. If you're using a PoE injector, you will also need to connect the injector to your non-PoE network switch or router.
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