POE to a non-POE switch
POE to a non-POE switch
Our dorm uses a POE Access Point, but the coverage in the large hallway isn’t strong enough. Connectivity drops often—YouTube works, but gaming isn’t reliable. We considered adding a gigabit switch close to the LAN box, which has only one output for the AP. From that switch, we’d link the LAN to our PC and connect the AP to a non-POE switch using a POE injector or adapter. The main concern is whether the POE signal from the LAN box reaches the non-POE switch without damaging it. Are there alternative solutions we could try? The AP model we have is a Cisco AIR-CAP2702I-A-K9 Aironet 2702i. A networking expert could help clarify this setup.
It works well together. 802.3af/at handles the negotiation automatically. It supplies power only when devices ask for it. You might want PoE passthrough switches, which allow power to flow from the switch to another device. These switches accept an 802.3af/at input for power and include a port to route it elsewhere, eliminating the need for separate power cables on the switch or access point.
It relies heavily on the school's network configuration and whether multiple devices can connect to that port. You should also inquire about their security measures, such as 802.1x, to restrict unauthorized access. Furthermore, ask how they manage the Aux port setup—possibly running a cable to a switch could work. On APs from the 2700 and 1700 series, the Aux port typically functions as a passthrough port, allowing you to connect a regular switch on the opposite side. However, this depends on their specific port configuration.
Could you find a more affordable option? The ones you've seen seem quite expensive.
Make sure it supports 802.3af, but watch out for active POE connections since they can cause issues. I’ve misplaced two cable testers because of that.
Look for basic or entry-level PoE switches suitable for short-term use, like the TP-Link TL-SG100 or similar budget models.