What: Power over Ethernet
Why you should care: The technology to allow power distribution over Ethernet, cabling, supported by the IEEE 802.3af standard, has been around for a while. But, the new 802.3at standard, which will support higher power output up to 30 watts, is due to be released sometime next year. Some companies also have begun to wrap PoE in a green embrace, saying it helps reduce the electrical energy expended by telecom networks and services.
Who's using it: Several Ethernet equipment companies and power supply companies are preparing for the new standard with product announcements.
For more:
- Extreme Networks and Avaya just announced a PoE-based VoIP offering
- Microsemi demonstrated PoE capabilities at Interop Berlin last week