Veracity, making every IP camera installation easier
Explore how Veracity products can make your life easier
Power of Ethernet (PoE) explained
The simple premise of PoE is that it allows the running of data and power over a single Ethernet cable to operate an IP camera, or other PoE capable device. Removing the need for a conventional electrical supply at the IP camera location, PoE has made installations much easier, and less costly. PoE has been mainstream for some years now, and apart from a few power-hungry positioning units all IP cameras we sell are now PoE compatible.
But be aware of PoE limitations to ensure the IP camera or device you are looking to power will indeed receive sufficient PoE power to properly operate. There are three key aspects to think of:
- How much power does my IP camera or device need?
- How long is my cable run, and what Ethernet cable type am I using?
- How much power do I need to inject at source?
This may make it sound more complicated than it is. For installations with an Ethernet cable length of less than 100 metres (328 feet) you can use standard CAT5e UTP cable or higher. Refer to the table on the right to find the amount of power you need to inject in order to meet the power requirements of your IP camera or device. Note that the difference in wattage shown at source and the end device is the voltage drop that occurs over the 100m of Ethernet cable.
All PoE injecting devices, such as network switches or PoE midspans (also called PoE injectors), will have an IEEE standard and class rating. This PoE rating system shows how much power the injecting device is sending down the Ethernet cable. For ease of reference, the common standards/classes used for IP video equipment are labelled in the table as PoE, PoE+ and PoE++.
| IEEE standard | Class rating | Common PoE naming | PoE power at source | PoE power at end device (at 100m) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 802.3af | 0 | PoE | 15.4W | 12.95W |
| 802.3af | 1 | 4W | 3.84W | |
| 802.3af | 2 | 7W | 6.49W | |
| 802.3af | 3 | PoE | 15.4W | 12.95W |
| 802.3at | 4 | PoE+ | 30W | 25.5W |
| 802.3at | 5 | 45W | 40W | |
| 802.3at | 6 | PoE++ | 60W | 51W |
| 802.3at | 7 | 75W | 62W | |
| 802.3at | 8 | 90W | 71.3W |
Two options to extend beyond the 100m transmission limit
Veracity OUTREACH Ethernet Extenders
One of the two options to extend beyond the 100 metre (328 ft) limit for data and PoE transmission over Ethernet cable is to use Ethernet Extenders. Veracity offers a range of Ethernet Extenders under the product series name OUTREACH, which extends the maximum cable length by 100m to a total of 200m (656 ft). See below an example of how an extender is used to add 100m of transmission range.
The Veracity OUTREACH range includes Ethernet Extenders for indoor and outdoor use, as well as extenders that will provide both data and PoE extension, and extenders that will provide data extension only. So you can choose which Veracity OUTREACH extender will fit your need.
Veracity LONGSPAN Long Range
The second option to extend beyond the 100m transmission limit for data and PoE is to use an additional device at either end of the Ethernet cable. This will enable data and PoE over an Ethernet cable for over 800 metres (2,624 feet), hugely increasing the distances to where cameras can be placed without resorting to expensive fibre cabling. The Veracity long range product series is named LONGSPAN and the below diagram is an example of how it differs from using an ethernet extender.
The Veracity LONGSPAN Long Range product series offers options for different installation scenarios, including the distance to be bridged as well as how much power is needed at the camera end, and how many cameras are to be installed. It is very versatile and provides the answer to many situations.
Need assistance with PoE transmission design?
Contact us if you would like to discuss your installation scenario and find out which Veracity products or solution would be best for you.
With many years of experience selling and supporting Veracity solutions we can confidently say that all Veracity products are of high build quality and are long-lasting out in the field. It is reliable kit that rarely causes any issues.
Popular Veracity products
OUTREACH Max VOR-ORM Ethernet/PoE extender
The Veracity OUTREACH Max VOR-ORM ethernet and PoE extender is a cost-effective solution to extending the data and PoE transmission range for CAT5e / CAT6 cable by 100 metres (328 ft).
LONGSPAN Long Range Ethernet/PoE bundle
This Veracity LONGSPAN bundle includes both the LONGSPAN base and end unit, providing all you need to run data and PoE over CAT5e/CAT6 cable to over 800m.
POINTSOURCE portable wireless installation tool
The battery-powered, portable Veracity POINTSOURCE allows you to power up IP cameras with PoE locally, and set up the camera via WiFi on your laptop or phone.