Power over Ethernet (PoE) is an extremely useful concept that allows for the transfer of an electrical current, through an Ethernet cable. This is necessary to run many different devices, the most common of which is usually IP phones. Most businesses use IP phones in order to cheaply provide the office with reliable voice communication. In order to use devices like these over a broad office network, you’ll need a power over Ethernet switch.
A PoE switch is a network port that features the ability to accommodate the electricity needs of these devices. The ports are outfitted with the components needed to transfer electricity through the switch, so that you can tie in devices like IP phones with computers and printers on the same network.
Power over Ethernet switchesare essential for any corporation, as the ability to network literally any device is invaluable. This way your business can network phones, computers, and printers all on the same switch, enabling a connected system that will make life easier.
Phones can transfer calls on the network, just as computers can transfer documents, and you can print something for someone that may be located all the way across the building. That saves time, which in turn saves money, which makes up for the price of a power over Ethernet switch.
Price can be the only downside of a good PoE switch. You can find cheaper models around the $150 range, but they usually don’t have very many ports, and also aren’t designed for massive work loads. After all, if you’re going to have a lot of devices networked on one PoE ethernet switch, you’re going to need a lot of speed available. Usually a cheap PoE switch doesn’t meet the speed requirements of the average business, meaning slow data transfer and even dropped phone calls.
For a good power over ethernet switch, you’re probably looking to spend $600, but the really good models are upwards of $1,000. But that extra money means more ports, and more importantly more PoE specific ports, as well as higher transfer speeds.
Brands like NetVanta have a good selection of secured power over Ethernet switches that provide network safety, as well as reliability. Some of NetVanta’s switches can even have as many as 48 ports, leaving enough room for you to network all the devices you need, even accommodating growth. Plus a more expensive model usually has more options for customization, so as your business grows you can grow the network by purchasing add-on switches.
You can find many power over ethernet switches at common computer stores like OfficeMax and Office Depot. These will suffice for any business, and will probably serve you well over the years. But if you want to save money, and really compare prices to be a smart shopper, the internet is a better choice. Websites like Amazon.com have a wide variety of PoE switches at competitive prices, from a huge selection of sellers. This will enable you to save more money, and in turn find a better power over ethernet switch for your business needs.