What type of cabling is needed for PoE support?

Power over Ethernet (PoE) allows electrical power and data to be transmitted over the same Ethernet cabling. For PoE support, the cabling needs to be capable of carrying the required power levels as well as high-speed data.

Cabling rated at Cat 5 and above is actually sufficient for most PoE applications, but using Cat 6 or higher is often recommended because it supports greater bandwidth (up to 10 Gbps at shorter distances) and enhanced performance, particularly over longer runs. Cat 6 cables have better shielding and reduced crosstalk compared to lower categories, which can contribute to more stable connections in environments where PoE is utilized.

While Cat 4 cabling is not commonly used today due to its limitations in terms of bandwidth and distance, fiber optic cabling can be thought of for longer distances and higher data rates, but it does not directly support PoE as it is not an electrical medium. Therefore, the best practice is to utilize at least Cat 6 cabling to ensure optimal performance and compatibility within PoE networks. This makes selecting Cat 6 or above the more prudent choice when setting up a system that utilizes Power over Ethernet.