PoE vs. PoE+ vs. PoE++: A Simple Guide for 2025

Let us talk about something cool called Power over Ethernet, or just PoE for short. It is a smart technology that lets you send both power and internet data through the same Ethernet cable. That means fewer wires and an easier setup for your devices. It is super helpful for things like security cameras, phones, or Wi-Fi access points.

But here is the thing: not all PoE is the same. There are actually three versions—PoE, PoE+, and PoE++. Each version offers more capability than the one before. Let us now look at what each one does and which one is right for your setup.

What is PoE?

PoE stands for Power over Ethernet. It lets one Ethernet cable do two jobs. It carries both power and data in a single connection. This means you don’t need extra power cords. That is less clutter and fewer headaches when setting things up.

You will often see PoE used in offices or homes for IP phones, Wi-Fi routers, and basic security cameras. It is a simple way to power your devices. And the best thing? You don’t need to run a bunch of extra cables.

PoE (IEEE 802.3 af)

PoE was first introduced back in 2003. It can send up to 15.4 watts of power to a device. That is enough for gadgets that don’t need a lot of energy. Think of basic IP phones, simple wireless access points, or small security cameras.

This version of PoE is perfect if you are setting up a small office or home network. It gets the job done for devices with low power needs. It is simple and still widely used today.

PoE+ (IEEE 802.3at)

PoE+ came out in 2009 and improved on the original. It can provide up to 30 watts of power delivery. That is almost double what standard PoE can give you. With this extra power—you can use it for devices that need a bit more juice. That includes PTZ cameras, dual-band wireless access points, and video phones.

PoE is a great choice if your devices are more advanced or have features that need more power. It is still easy to use and works just like regular PoE. But it gives you more flexibility for growing networks.

PoE++ (IEEE 802.3bt)

PoE++ is the latest version and was introduced in 2018. It is also the most powerful. There are actually two types. Type 3 can give up to 60 watts. And Type 4 can go all the way up to 100 watts. That is a big jump from PoE+.

This much power makes PoE++ perfect for things like LED video walls, large digital signs, and high-performance access points. PoE++ is the way to go if you build a network for smart buildings, 4K LED video wall setups, or big offices.

What equipment supports PoE?

You need the right gear to use PoE. The most common device is a PoE switch. This is just like a regular network switch but it also sends power through the Ethernet cables. You can add a PoE injector if you already have a regular switch. This small device adds power to the cable between your switch and the device.

You also need a PoE-compatible device at the other end. This could be a camera, phone, or anything else that supports PoE. The good news? Most modern devices clearly say if they support PoE, PoE+, or PoE++. Just check the label or product description before you buy.

If your device does not support PoE, no worries. You can use a PoE splitter. It separates the power and data, so the device still works. It is a handy tool to make non-PoE devices work in a PoE setup.

Compatibility

One great thing about PoE technology is that it is backward compatible. That means a PoE++ switch can still power PoE+ and PoE devices. And a PoE+ switch can support regular PoE devices too.

So if you already have some older devices, don’t worry—you can still use them with newer PoE equipment. This helps you save money and avoid replacing everything at once. You can mix and match parts as you upgrade gradually.

Choosing the right PoE standard

Picking the right version is all about knowing your devices. If your devices only need a little power like a basic phone or camera—then regular PoE is enough. If they are a bit advanced—like a moving camera or a fast Wi-Fi router—go for PoE+.

But if your devices are big or power-hungry—like LED lights, displays, or laptops—then you will need PoE++. It is always a good idea to think ahead, too. Starting with PoE++ might save you time and effort down the road if you plan to upgrade your gear later.

Summary Table

Here is a quick table to help you compare the three:

Final thoughts

Power over Ethernet is a smart way to build networks without the mess of extra cables. Whether you go with PoE, PoE+, or PoE++—depends on how much power your device needs.

PoE is great for small and simple devices. PoE+ gives you more options for advanced gear. And PoE++ is perfect for big and high-power devices in modern setups like video walls and HDMI matrix switcher over Cat6 solutions for high-performance audio-visual environments.

The best part? They are all compatible with each other. So you can upgrade slowly and still use your old equipment. Just think about what you need now—and what you might need later.

Making the right choice today means a smoother and easier upgrade in the future.