Power over Ethernet Crash Course

Power over Ethernet (PoE) has its benefits. It reduces network installation costs, increases reliability, and improves the monitoring and networking of remote devices. But while it's a popular option for running low-power devices, is the technology suitable for powering more than your customer's VoIP phones? This Crash Course walks value-added resellers (VARs) and systems integrators through PoE basics and provides insight as to how the channel can leverage the technology to meet their customers' needs.

• Definition: Power over Ethernet
  Start with the basics with this definition powered by WhatIs.com
• Podcast: The benefits of PoE in the enterprise
  This audio download addresses the emergence of Power over Ethernet and its many benefits to enterprise networks, as well as expert opinion on its readiness for mainstream adoption.
• Tip: Power over Ethernet primer
  This introduction to Power over Ethernet discusses how the technology works, its power capabilities and some benefits it provides for the network administrator or manager.
• Tip: Power over Ethernet and 802.3af
  Learn how Power over Ethernet is defined by the 802.3af standard, what equipment is needed to run PoE and the costs associated with doing so.
• Technical article: Helping PoE reach its potential
  This article by a Cisco Systems senior network engineer explains how Power over Ethernet can improve and how Cisco devices are addressing these concerns.
• Ask the Expert: The future of PoE
  SearchNetworking expert Carrie Higbie offers offers insight as to the current state of PoE and where it's headed.
• Tip: IEEE 802.3at: Power over Ethernet plus
  Learn how the 802.3at Task Force is extending the PoE standard in order to support higher-powered network devices, improve network speeds and solve a series of design issues.