The term ‘Power over Ethernet’ (PoE) refers to a means of providing data and power together to PDs (Powered Devices) with the help of Ethernet cables. In this, Ethernet cables replace all power cables, making it easier to reach devices that are not easily accessible. With more and more PDs being added to the network, PoEs have seen a lot of innovations over the years.
Cisco UPOE vs POE+
The main difference between Cisco UPOE and POE+ is that UPOE is the third standard on PoE. It is an updated version of POE that was created by Cisco to expand network options and smoothen transitions into smarter or larger networks. POE+ works best when one needs efficiency while UPOE is used when one needs more power.
Cisco UPOE is an advanced version of Power over Ethernet. Its full form is the Universal Power over Ethernet. On Cat5e cables, it draws power up to 60W. It is double that of POE+, best suited for situations in which a lot of power is required. It is also known as POE++.
POE+ stands for Power over Ethernet +. It is a means of transferring data and power over an Ethernet cable. It is more powerful than POE with a maximum voltage of 25.5W. It accommodates various devices such as web cameras, VoIp phones, WLAN access points, or web cameras offering a variety of functions.
Comparison Table Between Cisco UPOE and POE+
| Parameters of Comparison | Cisco UPOE | POE+ |
| Twisted pair used | 4-pair | 2-pair |
| Standard definition of IEEE | Cisco proprietary | 802.3at |
| Maximum power to PD | 51W | 25.5W |
| Platforms supported | Cisco 4500E, 3850, 3650 models are supported by Cisco UPOE | Cisco 4500E,3650,3850,2960x models are supported by POE+ |
| Maximum power imparted to PSE port | It imparts a maximum of 60W | It imparts a maximum of 30W |
| POE Type Designation | Type 2 | Type 3 |
| Full-Form | It stands for Universal Power over Ethernet. | It stands for Power over Ethernet +. |
What is UPOE?
Universal Power over Ethernet (UPOE), also known as POE+, is the third generation of POE and is offered by Cisco. It imparts up to 60W power to its connected devices. It was developed by Cisco to meet the growing need for power. UPOE increased the power imparted per switch interface multifold.
It helps in imparting power to networks in remote devices. For example, in Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI), one’s laptop operates in a data center instead of an individual device. In this, the user can access his profile from any of the devices. Its addition to VDI has greatly increased its movability and reduced costs.
It provides reliable power to a wide range of devices such as LED lights, IP hones, compact switches, virtual desktop terminals, IP turrets, building management gateways, wireless access points, etc. It is available on Cisco Catalyst 4500E, Cisco Catalyst 3850, 3650 platforms.
It is a safe, fast, and cost-effective solution for small enterprises. It is the answer to their network needs. UPOE allows enterprises to upgrade the existing network without any replacement in the present Ethernet switches. Moreover, it allows enterprises to centralize their whole power supply.
Despite using the same cabling as POE, it delivers power over all four of its twisted pairs.
What is POE+?
Updated IEEE 802 3at-2009 Power over Ethernet (POE) is also known as POE+. It is an updated version of POE that imparts power up to 30W to Type 2 devices with an end power of 25.5W. It works for devices requiring low power such as security cameras and access points but not for devices like LED lighting, or flat-screen displays.
In this, with the help of LAN technology, DC power is provided to endpoints over Ethernet cables. Power passes from Power Sourcing Equipments to Powered Devices like selling machines, IP phones, card readers, IP cameras, etc.
It was developed to meet the increasing demands for power by consumers. It delivers power with the help of two of the four pairs in the cable. It is used in a variety of industries such as hotels, hospitals, retail, and industrial facilities.
There are several benefits of using POE+ over traditional electric wiring. It helps us to lower costs and provides better control over the devices connected and provides options such as scheduled on and off of devices, etc. In this, there is no need to place the device close to the circuit. It improves the management and handling of devices by providing standard powering and removing the need for AC-DC adapters.
Main Differences Between Cisco UPOE and POE+
- Maximum power imparted to powered devices by UPOE is 60W whereas, in the case of POE+, it is 30W.
- Standard definition of IEEE for UPOE is Cisco proprietary whereas, in the case of POE+, it is 802.3at.
- The full form of UPOE is Universal Power over Ethernet. On the other hand, the full form of POE+ is Power over Ethernet +.
- In UPOE, all four of the twisted pairs are used whereas in POE+, only two pairs are used.
- UPOE is supported by Cisco 4500E, 3850, 3650 models whereas POE+ is supported by Cisco 4500E,3650,3850,2960x.
- Maximum power imparted to PSE port is 60W in the case of UPOE whereas, for POE+, it is 30W.
Conclusion
Both UPOE and POE+, are used for supplying power to network devices, used in many domestic and industrial networking setups. POE+ works best in case of complex business networking needs. UPOE comes into the picture when the power needs increase as the power provided to PDs by UPOE is much more compared to POE+.
As UPOE is the third generation in Power over Ethernet, its features are better than POE+ and can be used in more devices than the latter. Depending on our needs and preferences, one can choose the appropriate networking solution for their small business enterprises and their homes.
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