Q. What is a PoE adapter?

Answer

PoE is an acronym for “Power over Ethernet”. PoE architecture allows for transfer of data and power across a network cable to an interconnected network equipment. PoE is advantageous when a compatible device needs to be connected to the network but the device is far away from the power source. An Ethernet cable consists of four pairs of wires and generally only two pairs are required for data transfer. PoE takes advantage of the remaining two pairs to power the device. Even before PoE was designed power transfer technologies have existed and not all of them are compatible with all the PoE architectures or topologies. To overcome this challenge of incompatibility of voltage current and even the cables PoE adapter is used. A PoE adapter is also called a PoE injector. PoE adapter is a device that provides power to a networked device over the Ethernet taking advantage of the unused pairs of cables.