Conformance Testing of Non-PoE Devices in a PoE Enabled Network

Ethernet for Data transfer in Computer Networks is ubiquitous. However some recent advancements in DC Powering have enabled transporting power and data simultaneously, over the same Ethernet cables. This technique is known as Power over Ethernet (PoE). However there are few challenges though, the first and the foremost being that of operational safety of the devices which are not PoE compliant. It needs to be noted that IEEE 802.3af standard specifies a 15W of PoE power at 48Volts DC which if connected to an incompatible device, may end up damaging it, permanently. Hence it is important that a PoE Equipment is tested and confirmed that it allows for safe and reliable operation of non-compliant devices. Failure to confirm this may have a catastrophic impact on the network that could range from a network crash to an imminent fire hazard. This paper discusses important tests which need be performed to ascertain that the PoE equipment being connected in the network will allow for safe and reliable operation of incompatible or legacy network devices. A LTSPICE simulated PoE network has been considered to carry out these various tests as well as for the verification of the safety features incorporated in the PSE-PD combination and its compliance to IEEE 802.3af standard. The observations and results are tabulated and conclusions are drawn. Citation: Chodankar Deepak Pandurang, Goa College Of Engieering, Goa. "Conformance Testing of Non-PoE Devices in a PoE Enabled Network ." Global Research and Development Journal For Engineering 26 2017: 64 - 71.