Configuring Power Over Ethernet
December 2005 © Foundry Networks, Inc. 6 - 3
Figure 6.1 POE Endspan Delivery Method
Midspan
The POE Midspan solution uses an intermediate device, usually a powered device, to inject power into the
network. The intermediate device is positioned between the switch and the powered device and delivers power
over the network using the spare pairs of wires (Alternative B). The intermediate device has multiple channels
(typically 6 to 24), and each of the channels has data input and a data plus power RJ-45 output connector.
The Midspan method is illustrated in Figure 6.2.
Figure 6.2 POE Midspan Delivery Method
Switch with Power over Ethernet ports
POE Endspan Delivery Method
IP phone
Power and data signals travel
along the same pairs of wires at
different frequencies.
CONSOLE
POWER
PS1
PS2
ACT
LINK
49F 50F
FastIron Edge 4802 POE
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484138 39 40 42 4743 44 45 4637
49C
50C
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362926 27 28 30 3531 32 33 3425
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1252 3 4 6 117 8 9 101
Switch
POE Midspan Delivery Method
IP phone
Power travels on unused spare
pairs while data travels on other
wire pairs.
Intermediate device
CONSOLE
POWER
PS1
PS2
ACT
LINK
49F 50F
FastIron Edge 4802 POE
37
38
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484138 39 40 42 4743 44 45 4637
49C
50C
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362926 27 28 30 3531 32 33 3425
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1252 3 4 6 117 8 9 101