March 2004

Version 1.3

What is Power over Ethernet (PoE) and how does it work?

Jim Torres
Fluke Networks
E-Mail: support@flukenetworks.com
Tel: 1 800 283 5853 (toll free)
Intl: + 1 425 446 4519

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E-mail: support@flukenetworks.com

March 2004
Version 1.3

Introduction:
Power over Ethernet (PoE) is defined in the IEEE Standard 802.3af-2003 and describes the elements of PoE such as:

PSE = Power Sourcing Equipment (Switch, Power Adapter)

PD = Powered Device (IP Telephone, Access Point)

RJ45 Pin Outs for Power

Detection of a PD

Scaling of Current from a PSE

For more information and greater detail on Power over Ethernet you will need to reference the standard itself.

What is PoE?
PoE is the ability to provide required power to a PD by searching the link, supplying power to the link, if a PD is
detected and scaling back power when power is no longer requested or required.
PSEs may be placed in two locations with respect to the link segment, either at the end of the link, like a switch or
using a power adapter which is referred to as a Midspan PSE.
With respect to the question of; On which pairs will power be applied?, the following graph used from the
standard, shows:

Alternative A: shows the PSE being a Switch/Hub and that power is being applied to the Tx (1,2) and Rx
(3,6) pairs.

Alternative B: shows the PSE being a Switch/Hub and that power is being applied to pairs unused for
10/100 BaseT (4,5 & 7,8). Note that for Gigabit Ethernet those pairs are used for data.

The last configuration shows the PSE being a Power Adapter and it is Midspan and wired using
Alternative B.

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March 2004
Version 1.3

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E-mail: support@flukenetworks.com

March 2004
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Detecting a Powered Device (PD):

The following steps outline the detection and disconnect process used for PoE and some details with respect to the
individual steps.
Step 1:

The PSE applies a voltage to the power pairs between 2.8 and 10 volts. If there is no PD attached then
impedance is infinite and no current will flow. If a PD is attached then current will flow based on the input
resistance of the PD.

Step 2:

A PD will be detected, when the PD applies circuitry, for the PSE, and the applied voltage, from the PSE,
creates current flow, and the amount of current will define the power requirements of the PD, this indicates
the Class of PD. The following table defines the PD classes wit h the required power.

Class

Usage

Minimum power levels

at output of PSE

Default

15.4 Watts

Optional

4.0 Watts

Optional

7.0 Watts

Optional

15.4 Watts

Reserved for future use

Treat as class 0

The amount of current, that flows, will change based on the Class of the PD. The table below shows the unique
currents for each class of PD.
Parameter

Conditions

Minimum

Maximum

Unit

Current for Class 0

14.5 to 20.5V

mA

Current for Class 1

14.5 to 20.5V

12

mA

Current for Class 2

14.5 to 20. 5V

17

20

mA

Current for Class 3

14.5 to 20.5V

26

30

mA

Current for Class 4

14.5 to 20.5V

36

44

mA

Step 3:

Operational voltage will be maintained until the PD changes the circuitry and changes the current flow to a
specified input current for disconnect. The PSE will detect the change and disconnect power to the PD.

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Copyright 2004 Fluke Networks Corp.

E-mail: support@flukenetworks.com