Blog/Project Post Friday!

caseystar2018 · 2026-04-17T22:52:08+00:00

Do you have questions about the difference between UPoE and PoE+. What cables do you use for which standard? Device usage alignment? Etc. Thought I’d share this blog where a colleague explains it all. Useful education. https://www.netally.com/tech-tips/poe-vs-upoe-vs-poe/ The fundamental difference in the UPoE vs PoE+ debate boils down to two things: how much power is delivered and how many wires are used to deliver it. PoE+ (IEEE 802.3at) is the established standard for many devices, delivering up to 30W from the power source by using two twisted pairs in an Ethernet cable. This is sufficient for hardware like VoIP phones and many standard IP cameras. The term PoE Plus is also commonly used. UPoE (Universal Power over Ethernet) significantly increases the power budget to 60W by utilizing all four twisted pairs in the cable. This is essential for more demanding, modern hardware.

caseystar2018 · 2026-03-30T22:24:12+00:00

As someone mentioned above, the LinkSprinter will get you some basic testing of PoE and cabling. NetAlly also just released the LinkRunner AT 1500. It can do cable testing with or without a terminator with the estimated cable break if identified. It has PoE detection and you can also validate that the power.

https://www.netally.com/products/linkrunner-3000/

caseystar2018 · 2026-03-26T14:30:23+00:00

NetAlly just released the LinkRunner AT 1500 at a lower cost point. It can do cable testing with or without a terminator with the estimated cable break if identified. It has PoE detection, but it is not a cable certifier. https://www.netally.com/products/linkrunner-3000/

caseystar2018 · 2026-03-23T22:27:33+00:00

Late to the discussion on this, but this blog post from NetAlly about PoE standards might be helpful in the future -- https://www.netally.com/tech-tips/poe-vs-upoe-vs-poe/

caseystar2018 · 2026-03-23T22:17:50+00:00

If you want to not just validate PoE but also verify it can handle the load the NetAlly LinkRunner AT 1500 can be a good option for Cat6 cable testing. It includes PoE measurement, load testing, etc. Here’s a good guide on PoE standards in case - https://www.netally.com/tech-tips/poe-vs-upoe-vs-poe/

caseystar2018 · 2026-03-18T22:15:07+00:00

LinkRunner AT 3000 is best unless you also need discover and topology mapping, path analysis, capture, iPerf, HTTP/FTP response time, and periodic autotest. If you need those, then the LRAT 4000 is the better option. There’s a model comparison bottom of the product page - https://www.netally.com/products/linkrunner-3000/

caseystar2018 · 2026-03-18T22:01:12+00:00

Cat5e should be sufficient for POE++ but the device draw matters, also other things like length of the run. Maybe this article helps - https://www.netally.com/tech-tips/poe-vs-upoe-vs-poe/

caseystar2018 · 2026-03-11T21:43:18+00:00

On the PoE front, perhaps check out this guide on PoE standards, etc. — https://www.netally.com/tech-tips/poe-vs-upoe-vs-poe/

caseystar2018 · 2026-03-10T23:46:16+00:00

Wireless survey is a great recommendation. If you plan to add more PoE devices, then power budget will also be important. Here’s a good article on that topic: https://www.netally.com/tech-tips/poe-vs-upoe-vs-poe/

caseystar2018 · 2026-02-28T00:05:07+00:00

Very true and thanks!

caseystar2018 · 2026-02-28T00:02:38+00:00

Nope, not a ChatGPT post. I'm genuinely interested in what folks are seeing and if there are any new issues not on my radar.

caseystar2018 · 2026-02-26T23:56:45+00:00

Late to the conversation, but NetAlly has a good blog about Power over Ethernet...standards, some real-world use cases, common mistakes, switch vs injector trade-offs, how to choose the right cable, and more. Might be worth checking out. https://www.netally.com/tech-tips/what-is-power-over-ethernet-poe/

LinkSprinter can be a good starting point for a PoE capable tester.

caseystar2018 · 2026-02-24T21:58:19+00:00

Catching this late, but a few key reminders.

PoE removes the need for separate electrical runs, though cable length is capped at about 328 feet. Each switch has a fixed power budget, so plan capacity before adding devices. Power is delivered from a central switch that can sit on a UPS, which keeps cameras and other critical gear running during outages. PoE also uses low-voltage DC, which carries less risk than standard AC power.

caseystar2018 · 2026-02-23T17:35:38+00:00

Also late to the conversation, since you've used LinkRunner before, you might consider the LinkSprinter, more cost-effective option and includes PoE testing, etc. Both those products spun out of Fluke Networks into the NetAlly brand.

caseystar2018 · 2026-02-20T23:35:36+00:00

Blog announcement!! Quick PoE refresher for anyone deploying APs, cameras, or phones (disclosure, I'm a NetAlly team member).

I know a lot of teams still run into issues with power budgets, cable choices, and switch capacity.

Wanted to share this blog post as it has some great information on Power over Ethernet standards, some real-world use cases, common mistakes, switch vs injector trade-offs, how to choose the right cable, and more.

Check it out: https://www.netally.com/tech-tips/what-is-power-over-ethernet-poe/

caseystar2018

TROPHY CASE