PoE switches (Type 1) comply with the IEEE 802. 3af standard, which specifies the maximum power delivered over Ethernet cables. PoE switches offer an efficient and cost-effective means of transmitting both power and data over one Ethernet cable; this guide will outline everything there is to know about them as well as their benefits, applications and how you can select the ideal switch for your needs. What Is PoE (Power. Network switches form the backbone of any Local Area Network, or "LAN" (pronounced "lan") for short. On this page you will learn what differentiates a PoE enabled switch from a regular LAN switch, when you should use a PoE switch versus a PoE injector and, what exactly is PoE (Power over Ethernet). When designing or upgrading a network, one important decision is choosing between a PoE switch and a normal (non-PoE) switch. Power over Ethernet (PoE) is a newer way to provide DC power while also accommodating data through an Ethernet cable. This eliminates the need for separate power adapters, reducing cable clutter and. Due to the power and data transfer benefits of PoE switches, they have gained increasing attention as a popular solution for enterprises looking to provide power and data to their devices over a single connection.