Power over Ethernet is a standard that allows electrical power to be carried over a standard ethernet network cable alongside data. For security cameras, this means a single cable run provides both the network connection and the operating power a camera needs to function, without a separate electrical connection at each camera location.
The installation implications are practical:
- Cameras can be mounted in locations where running a dedicated power line would be difficult or cost-prohibitive
- A single cable type handles the full installation, reducing material and labor requirements
- Power for all PoE-connected cameras flows through the network switch, which can be connected to a single backup power source to provide continuity across the entire camera network during an outage
The main technical constraint is distance. PoE delivers power effectively up to approximately 100 meters of cable length; beyond that, voltage drops to a level that may affect device performance. Installations requiring longer cable runs typically address this with PoE extenders, fiber optic alternatives, or wireless cameras where appropriate.
