A Guide on PoE Switches and How to Enable PoE on a Cisco 2960 Switch

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With the advancement in Cisco switch configuration technology, the number and diversity of components for an effective and efficient telecommunication network are also changing dramatically. One component that is crucial to ensuring the smooth operation of any network is the network switch.

In the context of connectivity, you can categorize Cisco switch configuration network switches into two groups: a regular network switch and a PoE switch.

What is PoE?

PoE is an acronym for Power over Ethernet. Traditionally, when a device is connected to the network, you need a power cord and a network cable. However, PoE technology allows an Ethernet cable to carry electrical power.

Thus, using a PoE switch means you don’t have to use power cords separately, as an Ethernet cable will also carry power. This way, the number of cables required for creating a network is reduced by half and the cost also gets lower. Besides, it also helps keep your workspace more organized and less cluttered.

To establish a network connection with devices with a PoE cable, you need either a PoE switch or a normal switch and an additional device such as a PoE injector or splitter.

One of the most common examples of PoE switches is Cisco’s 2960 switches.

The cisco switch configuration techniques for power transmission over Ethernet cables are standardized by the IEEE 802.3 Ethernet Working Group. These PoE standards have four categories, and each category has a different power budget for devices to meet that standard type.

Which devices can use PoE?

The number of devices controlled remotely and requiring data transmission is increasing exponentially, especially now because more companies are also taking advantage of IoT. This exponential growth in the number of network-connected devices is only going to increase the importance of PoE technology.

While PoE can be applied in various ways, the most common applications of PoE are IP cameras, VoIP Phones, and wireless access points (WAP).

What are the pros and cons of using PoE switches?

• • PoE reduces infrastructure costs by eliminating the need for additional power cables, outlets, and electrical installations.
  • You can easily relocate PoE-powered devices, even to areas with limited power outlets.
  • PoE switches automatically detect power needs and provide only the required amount of power to connected devices.
  • They future-proof your network infrastructure as IoT demand will continue to grow.

  Cons of PoE Switches

  • PoE switches have a 100-meter data transmission limit, which may not suffice for large networks. Using a PoE extender can extend the range up to 4,000 feet.
  • Non-PoE devices require injectors or splitters to connect with PoE switches.
  • Devices with high power demands may exceed the switch’s power budget. However, modern PoE technology supports larger devices like computers and televisions.

  Enabling PoE on a Cisco 2960 Switch

  Cisco 2960 switches, popular for network connectivity, offer Fast Ethernet with PoE up to 15.4W per port. These switches also support Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) for data connections. To ensure proper functionality, the connected PoE device must follow the same standard as the switch.

  Steps to Configure PoE on Cisco 2960 Switches

  1. Click Start and type cmd in the search field.
  2. Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
  3. Type telnet aaa.bb.c.d (replace with the switch’s IP address) and press Enter.
  4. Enter the telnet password when prompted.
  5. Type enable and press Enter.
  6. Provide the Privileged Exec password when asked.
  7. Type configuration terminal and press Enter.
  8. Enter interface fastethernet1/2 (replace with the target interface) and hit Enter.
  9. Repeat the above step for each interface that requires PoE.
  10. Type end and press Enter.

  Configuring Power Management Mode on a PoE Port

  In most cases, the auto mode works well. However, you can adjust power management to prioritize data or set power limits for each port:

  1. Enter configure terminal to access global configuration mode.
  2. Type interface interface-id (replace with the port name) and press Enter.
  3. Use the command:
     power inline {auto [max max-wattage] | never | static [max max-wattage]}


     Replace max-wattage with a value between 4000 and 15400 mW to limit power usage on the port.

  4. Avoid using the power inline command with Cisco-powered devices to prevent false link-ups.
  5. Type end and press Enter.

Do you need PoE switches such as Cisco Catalyst 2960 Series Switches for your business or home?