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Power over Ethernet (PoE) basics and beyond

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257 points voxadam | 4 comments | 16 Oct 25 14:09 UTC | HN request time: 0.613s | source
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stego-tech ◴[22 Oct 25 01:41 UTC] No.45664020[source]▶
PoE is a godsend that should really be in more consumer devices and households, alongside structured wiring. An AppleTV, Chromecast, or NVIDIA Shield can easily fit within the envelope of PoE+, as can many enterprise-grade switches and WAPs (see UniFi as an example). Converting AC to DC once at the switch is more efficient (in resources and often, but not always, power) than including bulky PSUs for every device, while simplifying the ease of setup for end users (in theory).

Whenever possible, I opt for PoE. It’s a damn shame it’s limited to a niche userbase given its myriad advantages.

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1. Gibbon1 ◴[22 Oct 25 07:02 UTC] No.45665740[source]▶
I have a mild obsession with the idea that there should be a PoE lighting standard. There is a two wire automotive ethernet standard that can deliver 50-100W. Which is enough to run a couple of LED or fluorescent lights.
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2. beala ◴[22 Oct 25 13:50 UTC] No.45669145[source]▶
I remember when USB first came out and there was a ton of novelty in powering all sorts of random stuff out of your computer’s USB port like fans and mug warmers. This has me wondering what sort of whacky stuff I could do with a PoE extractor/splitter. An ethernet desk lamp would be fun. I have 24 PoE ports on my switch and I’m only using three of them for PoE. Time to get creative.
3. wolrah ◴[22 Oct 25 16:31 UTC] No.45671622[source]▶
> I have a mild obsession with the idea that there should be a PoE lighting standard.

Ubiquiti did this for a while, the product line was called UniFi LED and IIRC it didn't get much further than a few panel lights intended for drop ceilings and a wall mount dimmer switch.

IIRC the justification was that because it was low voltage it could be installed by anyone instead of potentially requiring an electrician and you then also got the ability to dynamically adjust grouping, switch behaviors, etc. if for example your floorplan changed.

4. priceofmemory ◴[22 Oct 25 17:28 UTC] No.45672361[source]▶
My entire basement is currently lit by Poe++. Poe ethernet cable to metal utility box. Metal utility box contains Poe++ to 12v adapter. 12v adapter output wires screwed into utility light socket base. 12v led lightbulb screwed in to led lightbulb socket.