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A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11A Power over Ethernet (PoE) device class identifies the power level a powered device (PD) may need, helping a power sourcing equipment (PSE)—typically a PoE switch—allocate power. A class is not the same as a PoE type: types identify broader capabilities associated with a standard, while classes distinguish power levels within those groupings.
How PoE classes work
In a PoE connection, the PSE supplies power over Ethernet cabling and the PD receives it. A switch is a common PSE; access points, cameras, phones, and lighting devices are examples of PDs. The PSE can identify a device’s power requirements through physical-layer classification or, where supported, negotiate power using LLDP. The class helps the PSE budget and allocate power; it does not guarantee that the PD will receive the class’s maximum wattage.
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The terms describe different things: an IEEE PoE type groups a generation of capabilities, while the class is a power-level designation. Cisco’s summaries associate IEEE 802.3af with Type 1 and classes 0–3, IEEE 802.3at with Type 2 and class 4, and IEEE 802.3bt with Type 3/classes 5–6 and Type 4/classes 7–8. See Cisco’s PoE standards overview and its 802.3bt and UPOE+ white paper.
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PoE types, classes, and power limits
The wattage figures below distinguish the PSE’s maximum output from the maximum power available at the PD. Cisco’s summaries give these capability figures; they are not a promise that every compatible endpoint receives that amount.
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- 𝗙𝘂𝗹𝗹 𝗚𝗶𝗴𝗮𝗯𝗶𝘁 𝟴-𝗣𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗣𝗼𝗘 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗴𝘂𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 - 8 PoEplus (802.3at/af) Gigabit RJ45 providing up to 30W per port and total PoE power budget of 65W. Up to 16 Gbps switching capacity.
- 𝗘𝘅𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗣𝗼𝗘 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 - Up to 820 ft PoE transmission distance with Extend Mode button on, perfect for surveillance camera deployment in large areas.
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| IEEE standard and type | Associated classes | Maximum PSE output | Maximum power at PD | Context |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 802.3af, Type 1 | 0–3 | 15.4 W | 12.95 W | Class 0 is a default or unclassified allocation in Cisco descriptions; classes 1–3 represent lower levels. |
| 802.3at, Type 2 | 4 | 30 W | 25.5 W | Commonly called PoE+. |
| 802.3bt, Type 3 | 5–6 | 60 W | 51 W | Uses four-pair power for higher-power capability. |
| 802.3bt, Type 4 | 7–8 | 90 W | 71 W | Some technical summaries round the PD figure to 71.3 W; check the device’s specifications for its actual requirement. |
Cisco’s Catalyst configuration guide lists class maxima of 15.4 W for class 0, 4 W for class 1, 7 W for class 2, 15.4 W for class 3, 30 W for class 4, 45 W for class 5, 60 W for class 6, 75 W for class 7, and 90 W for class 8. These are switch-side allocation maxima in that guide, not guaranteed power at the endpoint.
Why the PSE and PD wattages differ
A PSE’s output ceiling and the power available to the PD are different measurements. For example, a Type 1 PSE can provide up to 15.4 W, while the maximum at the PD is 12.95 W; for Type 2, those figures are 30 W and 25.5 W. Always check which side a wattage describes before deciding whether a port can power an endpoint.
Rank #2
- [Flexible Full Gigabit 5-Port PoE Configuration] 4x PoE+ (802.3at/af) 10/100/1000 Mbps RJ45 ports providing up to 30W per port and total PoE power budget of 65W, together w/ 1x Gigabit Non-PoE Port for high-speed connections.
- [Plug and Play] Easy setup with no software installation or configuration needed.
- [Advanced Software Features] Prioritize your traffic and guarantee high quality of video or voice data transmission with Port-based 802.1p/DSCP QoS and IGMP Snooping.
- [Sturdy Metal Case] Durable metal casing and desktop/wall-mounting design are well-suited for different environments.
- [Reliable and Quiet] IEEE 802.3X flow control provides reliable data transfer and Fanless design ensures quiet operation.
Actual allocation also depends on device detection and classification or negotiation, the switch’s available total PoE budget, cabling, implementation, and the endpoint’s requirements. A higher-rated switch does not make every connected device draw or receive its maximum capacity.
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Names and compatibility to check
IEEE 802.3af is commonly called PoE, 802.3at PoE+, and 802.3bt covers later four-pair capabilities. Cisco’s configuration guide calls Type 3 “PoE++” and Type 4 “4PPoE,” but informal use of “PoE++” can be inconsistent. When precision matters, state the standard, type, and class rather than relying on a marketing label alone.
Rank #3
- GIGABIT ETHERNET PORTS: Features 8 x 1.0Gbps Ethernet ports for high-speed connectivity. Auto-negotiating ports detect the optimal speed for connected devices and work with existing Cat5e or Cat6 Ethernet cables.
- POWER-OVER-ETHERNET (PoE): Includes 8 PoE+ ports with 62W total power budget, plus uninterrupted PoE and per-port PoE controls for managed power delivery.
- EASY SMART MANAGED NETWORK SWITCH: Intuitive software interface offers Easy Smart Managed Essentials capabilities to configure VLANs, prioritize traffic with QoS, monitor ports, and manage network security for small businesses.
- FLEXIBLE MOUNTING OPTIONS: Compact metal design supports desktop or wall-mount placement for versatile installation.
- SILENT & ENERGY-EFFICIENT OPERATION: Fanless design ensures silent performance, while IEEE 802.3az Energy Efficient Ethernet reduces power consumption without compromising high-speed network performance.
Cisco UPOE is a Cisco-proprietary technology, not an IEEE device class. Cisco describes UPOE as capable of 60 W from the PSE and 51 W at the PD; it should not be treated as interchangeable with standards-based 802.3bt.
Compatibility can depend on the specific PSE and PD, not just the headline wattage. Cisco documents Type 4 PD power demotion when connected to a Type 3 PSE and notes select legacy-device compatibility issues with Type 4 PSEs. Consult the switch and endpoint documentation for the supported standards, classes, negotiation behavior, and any cabling requirements.
Rank #4
- More Ports, PoE Ready: UGREEN ethernet switch offers 8 PoE+ (802.3at/af) Gigabit ports (up to 30W each) and 2 Gigabit uplink ports, with a total power budget of 60W. Ideal for efficient power delivery and seamless network connectivity
- Intelligent Power Management: If power exceeds 60W, it cuts ports in priority order (8–1) to prevent overload. It auto-detects PoE devices, supplies power to them, and transmits data only to non-PoE devices. Short-circuited ports shut off independently
- PoE Auto Recovery: In Extend Mode, ports 1–6 automatically detect and restart powered devices (such as cameras or access points) when they go offline or freeze, ensuring stable PoE operation without manual monitoring or restart
- One Touch, Three Modes: The unmanaged ethernet switch can easily switch between Standard, Port Isolation (VLAN), and Extend with one button. Port Isolation separates ports 1–8 to prevent network storms. Extend mode supports PoE up to 820 ft, ideal for security systems and long-distance deployment
- High-Speed, Low Latency: The ethernet splitter offers 1000Mbps connectivity for real-time, lag-free monitoring with security cameras, efficient IP phone connections for work, and enhanced performance for wireless access points across your network
How to check whether a PoE port meets a device’s needs
- Read the endpoint’s specification. Find its IEEE standard or type, supported class, and required PD-side power.
- Check the switch’s port capability. Confirm the IEEE standard or type and the maximum PSE output for the port; do not compare a PSE output figure directly with a PD input requirement.
- Check the total switch budget. A switch’s per-port maximum does not establish that its total power budget can support every attached device at once.
- Verify negotiation and compatibility. Check whether the endpoint and switch support the required classification or LLDP behavior, and confirm any Type 3/Type 4 or legacy-device caveats.
Use the product data sheets and configuration guide for the exact switch and powered device. Cisco’s Catalyst 9200 PoE guide is one example of model-specific documentation that describes Type 4 supply, demotion, and compatibility considerations.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- GIGABIT ETHERNET PORTS: Features 5 x 1.0Gbps Ethernet ports for high-speed connectivity. Auto-negotiating ports detect the optimal speed for connected devices and work with existing Cat5e or Cat6 Ethernet cables.
- POWER-OVER-ETHERNET (PoE): Includes 4 PoE+ ports with a 63W total power budget, plus dynamic PoE allocation that redistributes unused power to support more connected devices.
- PLUG-AND-PLAY UNMANAGED NETWORK SWITCH: Simple plug-and-play setup with no software to install or configuration required.
- FLEXIBLE MOUNTING OPTIONS: Compact metal design supports desktop or wall-mount placement for versatile installation.
- SILENT & ENERGY-EFFICIENT OPERATION: Fanless design ensures silent performance, while IEEE 802.3az Energy Efficient Ethernet reduces power consumption without compromising high-speed network performance.
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