PoE refers to the ability to provide low-voltage (less than 100W，IEEE802.3bt), direct current (44-57V DC) electrical power to network devices via the same twisted-pair copper Ethernet cables that are used to transmit data. This eliminates the need for a separate AC power source and allows for more flexible placement options, without concern for proximity to a power outlet.

PoE is a low-cost, safety,reliable, and flexible approach to powering smart devices in a network. It is crucial to enabling smart buildings and their ecosystems of network-connected devices such as LED lighting, window shades, sensors.

What are the benefits of PoE LED lighting?

Using PoE to power low-voltage DC-powered LED lighting has many benefits over both traditional lighting options and newer AC-powered LED options.

Using low-voltage LED lighting alone can offer a dramatic reduction in energy required per lumen compared to incandescent and halogen equivalents. But using PoE to power and connect lighting has several significant advantages. It can:

• Reduce up-front construction costs and time to completion when used for cabling, installation, and configuration. There is also a dramatic reduction in carbon footprint, since no conduit or high-voltage copper wiring need to be installed.
• Lower capital expenditures, labor, and materials costs related to construction and maintenance.
• Allow for greater flexibility in design and placement.
• Enable the optimization and quantification of energy consumption by using the building's network as a sensor and interconnecting shades. This saves money and reduces carbon footprint.
• Require less energy, run cooler, and be a smaller form factor since no AC/DC transforming or transformer is required.
• Use pervasive 90W LEDCET Power Over Ethernet (POE++) to power, monitor, and control LED lighting, IoT devices.