How to choose POE Switch，passive or active ?

What is the difference between a standard PoE switch and a non-standard PoE switch?

As can be seen from previous articles, the difference between standard PoE switch and non-standard PoE switch is mainly reflected in the internal structure (whether there is PoE control chip) and working mode. In addition, there are also differences in the power supply mode, Ethernet application, cost and other aspects.

The difference between standard PoE switch is different

The PoE switch has three power supply modes: Mode A (End-Span end jumper), Mode B (Mid-Span middle jumper), and 4-pair. In the following figure, in mode A, the PoE switch transmits data by 1,2,3, and 6; in mode B, the PoE switch supplies power by 4,5,7, and 8 pins; and in 4-pair mode, the PoE switch supplies power by all pins (1,2,3,4,5,6,7, and 8). The standard PoE switch can support these three modes for power supply, but the non-standard PoE switch can only support mode B for power supply.

Ethernet differences between standard PoE switches and non-standard PoE switches differ Ethernet applications

The standard PoE switch can generally support 10 / 100 / 1000Mbps transmission rate, can connect to Cat5 / 5e / 6 network jumpers with a maximum transmission distance of 100 m. Therefore, the standard PoE switch can be used for traditional 10 / 100 BASE-T Ethernet or 1000 BASE-T Ethernet; the non-standard PoE switch is only for 10 / 100 BASE-T Ethernet.

The cost difference between standard PoE switches and non-standard PoE switches is different

All standard PoE switches are equipped with PoE control chip to detect and classify receiving devices (PD); non-standard PoE switches do not have this configuration and no detection classification function. Therefore, therefore, the price of standard PoE switches is generally higher than that of non-standard PoE switches.

In conclusion, the difference between the standard PoE switch and the non-standard PoE switch is mainly reflected in the following aspects:

How to choose between the standard PoE switch and the non-standard PoE switch?

In conclusion, for security reasons, the standard PoE switch is the preferred power supply device for IP-based terminal devices such as IP phone, IP camera, wireless access point (AP); however, if your budget is limited, the non-standard PoE switch can be considered, but when purchasing a non-standard PoE switch, it is necessary to choose a non-standard PoE switch consistent with the power supply specifications of the connected devices, otherwise it will burn your receiving device. Besides, do not connect the computer and other non-PoE devices to the non-standard PoE switch.