Power over Ethernet, or PoE for short, is a different way to deliver power to devices. Instead of using traditional power adapters and outlets, PoE uses Ethernet cabling. It lets you place devices throughout your home without worrying about distance from power outlets.
Does eero support PoE?
While not all eero models support PoE, we have specific products designed to work with PoE. The eero PoE 6, eero PoE 7, eero Outdoor 7, and eero PoE Gateway are fully compatible with PoE.
The eero PoE 6 can be powered by any PSE that supports PoE (802.3af), while the eero PoE 7 requires PSE compatible with PoE+ (802.3at). Additionally, eero power adapters are compatible with the eero PoE 6 and PoE 7, and they may be purchased separately in select regions. Visit here to purchase the correct adapter for your eero.
The eero Outdoor 7 can be powered via PSE that supports at least PoE+. Alternatively, the eero Outdoor 7 can be purchased in a bundle with a weatherproof PoE-to-AC adapter.
Note: The eero PoE Gateway has 8 PoE ports, but must itself use its 140W USB-C power adapter to function.
What are the different PoE standards?
PoE has different standards that specify how much power can be delivered to connected devices:
- PoE (802.3af) delivers up to 12.95 W
- PoE+ (802.3at) delivers up to 25.5 W
- PoE++ (802.3bt) delivers up to 51 W (Type 3) or 71.3 W (Type 4)
How does PoE work?
Any Cat5e or newer Ethernet cable can be used for PoE. To power a device using PoE, you'll first need to make sure it actually supports PoE. You'll then need power sourcing equipment (PSE) to supply the power necessary for your device to turn on using an Ethernet cable. PSE can be divided into two types:
PoE injector: A PoE injector adds power to an Ethernet cable. It converts the data-only connection from a router or non-PoE network switch by "injecting" power into the cable.
PoE switch: A PoE switch has multiple ports that, unlike regular network switches, each provide both power and data to connected devices.
When choosing PSE for your devices, check two things: how much power each port can supply and the total power budget (the total power the PSE can provide). If you exceed your PSE's power budget, the devices connected to it won't receive enough power to turn on.
What are the advantages of PoE?
PoE setups offer advantages for networking:
- Reduces the amount of cabling needed
- Can remain active during power outages
- Maintains data transmission rates comparable to traditional power—you won't need to worry about slower performance