Power Over Ethernet

Twisted-pair copper data cables are being challenged by fiber optic cable as interconnection speeds within data centers increase. The ability of twisted-pair copper data cables to provide speeds equivalent to fiber optic cable over distances of up to 100m (> 99% of the connections found in data centers are ≤ 100m), makes more robust and easier-to install copper cables the connection medium of choice.

Copper data cables can carry more electrical power than fiber optic cables to drive devices such as cameras, security sensors and small computers that are otherwise impossible or impractical to power with conventional utility power. ICA-supported research proved conclusively that powers of up to 30W and, in some cases, up to 100W, can be safely transported over data cables, even when the cables are gathered in large bundles. Refinements to cable specifications and agreement on standards to support the higher speed interfaces provides data center and network designers confidence that copper data cable will remain a cost effective and high performance solution for years to come.