Is PoE more efficient than plugging in adapters for each network device?

And at what scale does it start to matter?

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From my perspective; I’m going for a 3 node mesh router, plus 2 switches, and was considering if in 5 years time the electricity difference would be less than the extra upfront cost. The absolute max length of cable would probably be around 30m

  • ChaoticNeutralCzech@feddit.de
    1·
    9 months ago

    Depends on the voltage.

    Most IT devices’ key components run at 3-5 V nowadays and the voltage needs to be converted down if the PoE voltage is higher. This introduces losses, especially if a linear regulator is used as opposed to a buck converter. On the other hand, one powerful PSU is slightly more efficient than a lot of smaller ones.

    I don’t think there is a huge difference. If you run a lot of tiny devices (too small/cheap to use a buck converter) off a significantly higher voltage like 24 V or 48 V and/or the cabling is very long, PoE will be less efficient. If the PoE voltage matches the devices’ adapters’ voltage and the cables are reasonably short (<30 m) with few connectors, PoE may be more efficient.