New 802.3AT Power Over Ethernet (PoE) Standard Ratified

Tom Keating over at TMC has the scoop on the ratification of the new 802.3at “PoE+” standard. The new 802.3at standard will allow endpoint devices such as IP phones, WiFi Access Points, IP Network Cameras to receive up to 25W of power over existing CAT5e and above cables.

“IEEE 802.3at uses the Link Layer Discover Protocol (LLPD) from IEEE Std 802.1AB, which allows dynamic power allocation and negotiation down to 1/10th of a Watt, and associated technology including Type, Length, Values (TLVs) from IEEE 802.3bc™, which was also recently approved” said Mike McCormack, Chair of the IEEE P802.3at Task Force. “This will allow equipment manufactures to manage their power supply costs and efficiencies at levels not possible with previous standards, and to cut their costs in the process.

“In addition,” said McCormack, “we have increased available power up to 25W. This will allow Power over Ethernet (PoE) to address applications such as high power Wireless APs, gimbal mounted cameras, and even some netbooks, as well as newer emerging applications.”

The full text of the IEEE 802.3at amendment can be found here.