Power over Ethernet

In this configuration, an Ethernet connection includes Power over Ethernet (PoE) (gray cable looping below), and a PoE splitter provides a separate data cable (gray, looping above) and power cable (black, also looping above) for a wireless access point (WAP). The splitter is the silver and black box in the middle between the wiring junction box (left) and the access point (right). The PoE connection eliminates the need for a nearby power outlet. In another common configuration, the access point or other connected device includes internal PoE splitting and the external splitter is not necessary.

Power over Ethernet (PoE) describes any of several standards or ad hoc systems that pass electric power along with data on twisted-pair Ethernet cabling. This allows a single cable to provide both a data connection and enough electricity to power networked devices such as wireless access points (WAPs), IP cameras and VoIP phones.