Info

Active vs Passive PoE Switch: What’s the Difference?

Active vs Passive PoE Switch: What’s the Difference?
Photo by User_Pascal / Unsplash

If you’ve ever looked into networking gear, you’ve probably seen something called a PoE switch. PoE stands for Power over Ethernet — meaning the switch can send both data and electrical power through a single Ethernet cable. This is super handy for devices like Wi-Fi access points, IP phones, and security cameras.

But here’s the catch: not all PoE switches are the same. You’ll often come across active PoE and passive PoE. Let’s break down the difference in plain language.

🔌 Active PoE Switch

An active PoE switch follows international standards, like IEEE 802.3af, 802.3at, or 802.3bt.

  • It automatically detects if the connected device supports PoE.
  • If yes, it delivers the right amount of power (usually 48 volts).
  • If not, it won’t send any power at all — keeping your device safe.

This makes active PoE the smart and worry-free choice. Most enterprise and business networks rely on it because it’s reliable and safe for sensitive equipment.

⚡ Passive PoE Switch

A passive PoE switch works differently.

  • It doesn’t check whether your device supports PoE.
  • It simply pushes power into the Ethernet cable, often at 24 volts.
  • If your device isn’t designed for it, you could damage the hardware.

The upside? Passive PoE switches are cheaper and simpler, often used in small setups or budget-friendly networks.

✅ Which One Should You Choose?

  • Go with Active PoE if you want safety, compatibility, and peace of mind. It’s best for professional setups with IP cameras, VoIP phones, and Wi-Fi access points.
  • Choose Passive PoE only if you know your devices support it and you’re aiming for a more affordable solution.

Read next