As Wi-Fi growth and popularity continues to climb, not everyone understands the risks that come with connecting to public Wi-Fi or even offering Wi-Fi to employees, visitors and guests. Download the resource kit to make sure your safe wherever business takes you!
Do we need a POE switch in order to support wake on lan on our server and PCs?
Our company has PCs (as well as a server) that have the Wake on LAN ability and I know there will be some configuration required on the PC side as well as the router (for port forwarding). I did notice that Cisco sells POE enabled switches and I wanted to know: Do we need a POE enabled switch for wake on lan to work properly?
Who is Participating?
POE stands for Power Over Ethernet. POE switches are useful for powering small devices over ethernet wiring. An example might be ethernet-based cameras. There are many applications, but essentially the technology allows you to power devices over an ethernet cable instead of a wall outlet.
If you have devices that can be powered by PoE, the advantage is less cabling, ability to reset the device via the switch, and all PoE devices can be powered by a single switch and backed up by a UPS connected to the switch. This is a great feature for IP Phones as a power outage doesn't necessarily take down all the phones.
If you have no PoE devices to be powered up... there is no advantage, unless the PoE model switch happens to come with additional features that aren't PoE related.
If you have no PoE devices to be powered up... there is no advantage, unless the PoE model switch happens to come with additional features that aren't PoE related.
So, if I'm correct, that means we could just use a POE enabled switch to power POE devices rather than buying separate POE adapters for each device?
That is correct. Those adapters are sometimes referred to as "PoE Injectors." If you buy more than a few, they don't save you any money.
Correct.
One thing to consider is the number of data ports you need versus the number of PoE devices you have. For example, if you need a 48 port switch, but only have 3 PoE devices such as a few AP's, it is likely to be more cost-effective to purchase a few inline power injectors (not power bricks with the round connectors that plug directly in to the phone) and locate them in the switch closet. You'll get all the benefits except remote power up/down. Now in the same 48 port scenario, but with 20 PoE devices, definitely go with the PoE switch.
One thing to consider is the number of data ports you need versus the number of PoE devices you have. For example, if you need a 48 port switch, but only have 3 PoE devices such as a few AP's, it is likely to be more cost-effective to purchase a few inline power injectors (not power bricks with the round connectors that plug directly in to the phone) and locate them in the switch closet. You'll get all the benefits except remote power up/down. Now in the same 48 port scenario, but with 20 PoE devices, definitely go with the PoE switch.
...I always find it amusing when two of us write a response simultaneously with pretty much the exact same answers.
Question has a verified solution.
Are you are experiencing a similar issue? Get a personalized answer when you ask a related question.
Have a better answer? Share it in a comment.
All Courses
From novice to tech pro — start learning today.
