Concept for a high-power PoE network switch with 3000W capacity
Concept for a high-power PoE network switch with 3000W capacity
The PoE++ standard limits power delivery to 90W per port since that’s the maximum safely supported by the entire 4-pair setup (all 8 conductors) of a Cat6a cable designed for those specs. Going over this limit would risk damage or performance issues. While a more powerful cable could theoretically handle higher outputs, Ethernet solutions need adaptability across different scenarios. In theory, a 48-port switch with PoE++ on every port could deliver up to 4320W. Still, aiming for 3kW in a compact 1U space remains feasible. Note: The reasoning behind the 90/100W cap often considers how individual cables manage heat when bundled, not just isolated runs.
You're correct in your assessment. I estimated that a 23AWG wire could support 4 amps across two solid-core conductors, though those are just theoretical limits. In practice, we'll likely use standard two-wire cables with RS-485 or similar protocols because they're more cost-effective and allow higher current capacity per cable. RJ45 and PoE options seem promising since the cables are affordable and common, but reducing output power to match PoE++ Type 4 would require significantly more output nodes, which could be expensive. A 24 or 48-port switch supporting 100W PoE++ on each port might be worth considering, though it would put us in direct competition with larger companies. Overall, your input was valuable.