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How does Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) work with Alarm.com video devices?

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Power-over-Ethernet devices can provide and receive power through an Ethernet cable's free wires. Video devices capable of using Power-over-Ethernet only require one cable for power and data.

Alarm.com Power-over-Ethernet video devices use the IEEE 802.3af standard, which is an active Power-over-Ethernet standard.

Power-over-Ethernet standards

Standard Description

Active:

  • IEEE 802.3af (recommended for Alarm.com video devices)
  • IEEE 802.3at
  • IEEE 802.3bt

The devices providing and receiving power can share their power requirements with each other. The providing device (e.g., a Power-over-Ethernet router, switch, or injector) verifies that its output matches the power requirements of the video device before supplying power.

Passive:

  • Non-standard

The device provides power whether or not the voltage is correct. This could potentially damage the video device if the amount of power supplied is incorrect.

Note: The maximum distance that PoE can provide power is typically 100 meters (328 feet) when the system meets the IEEE 802.3af standard. For more information, see What is the maximum distance of Power-over-Ethernet (POE)?.

For more information about pin configuration and general Ethernet compatibility and standards, see Video device Ethernet cable compatibility.

Power-over-Ethernet compatible video devices

The following devices can receive power directly through their Ethernet ports. For devices not on this list, consider using a Power-over-Ethernet splitter. For more information about the Power-over-Ethernet splitter, see Power-over-Ethernet hardware.

*Important: Unlike other Alarm.com PoE cameras, the ADC-VC729P requires a PoE++ compatible switch or injector to receive sufficient power. Standard PoE and PoE+ rated power supplies cannot provide the required 48W needed for the ADC-VC729P and the camera will not function while connected to a PoE power supply of that rating. 

Alarm.com sells a compatible PoE++ injector (TL-PoE170S), as well as a bundled ADC-VC729P and TL-PoE170S together (ADC-VC729P-BNDL).

Power-over-Ethernet hardware

Power-over-Ethernet hardware can help provide power to most devices. Hardware that uses active Power-over-Ethernet is recommended to avoid damage to the video device.

Options include:
  • Power-over-Ethernet router or switch
    • Use a Power-over-Ethernet router or switch to provide a compatible video device with power directly over an Ethernet cable.
       
      Note: A Power-over-Ethernet router or switch may not power all of its Ethernet ports. Look for Ethernet ports labeled PoE.
       
    • Power-over-Ethernet splitter
      • Use a Power-over-Ethernet splitter when the video device requires a separate power cable (i.e., the video device is not compatible with Power-over-Ethernet).
    • Power-over-Ethernet injector
      • Use a Power-over-Ethernet injector when the router or switch cannot power its Ethernet ports.

    For more information about connecting video devices using these and other devices, see Connect a video device using Power-Over-Ethernet (PoE).

     

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