When you plug in a Power over Ethernet, a technology that sends both electrical power and data over a standard Ethernet cable. Also known as PoE, it eliminates the need for separate power adapters and wall outlets for devices like VoIP phones, security cameras, and wireless access points. This isn’t just convenience—it’s a game-changer for offices, call centers, and remote work setups where cluttered cords and dead outlets slow things down.
Most modern VoIP phones rely on Power over Ethernet because they’re designed to run on low voltage, making them perfect candidates for PoE. You don’t need an electrician to install a new phone—you just plug it into your network switch. That same switch can also power your wireless access point, your IP camera, or even a digital signage display. It’s all handled by the same cable. And if your network switch has backup power, your phones stay online during outages. That’s reliability you can’t get with traditional power bricks.
Not all PoE is the same. There’s 802.3af, which gives up to 15.4 watts—enough for basic VoIP phones. Then there’s 802.3at (PoE+), delivering up to 30 watts, which handles higher-end phones with color screens or built-in Bluetooth. And if you’ve got newer gear, 802.3bt (PoE++) can push over 60 watts, powering even smart displays or small access points. Your network switch needs to match your devices. Plug a PoE+ phone into an old 802.3af switch? It’ll work, but only at half power. Plug a high-end device into a weak switch? It might not turn on at all.
That’s why so many businesses switch to PoE when upgrading their phone systems. It cuts wiring costs, reduces installation time, and makes scaling easier. Want to add five new phones to your sales team? Just run Ethernet cables. No electrical outlets needed. No extension cords. No tripping hazards. And because everything runs through your network, you can manage power remotely—turn off a phone after hours, reboot it with a click, or prioritize power during outages. It’s not magic. It’s smart infrastructure.
But PoE isn’t just for phones. It’s part of a bigger shift: building unified networks where voice, data, and power flow together. That’s why you’ll see it in posts about SIP trunking, VoIP auto-provisioning, and even Cisco phone compatibility. If a device can run on Ethernet, it’s likely designed to run on PoE too. And if you’re setting up a VoIP system in 2025, you’re probably already using it—whether you realize it or not.
Below, you’ll find real-world guides on how PoE fits into VoIP setups, what switches to pick, how to avoid common mistakes, and why some phones work better than others when power comes through the cable. No fluff. Just what works.
VoIP phones need electricity to run, while landlines work during power outages because they draw power from phone lines. Learn why this difference matters for your business and how to stay connected during outages.
