Frequently Asked Questions
Two POE devices on One Ethernet Cable via a Y splitter
Is it possible to run two PoE devices at the same time off of 1 ethernet cable from a PSE? Assuming that the ethernet cable is run through some sort of custom splitter connector to both PoE Devices.
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edited Aug 16, 2019 at 17:21
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The POE specification does not allow for Y-splitters. Y-splitters do not follow the ethernet specifications either, and are a hack, it degrades your signal on the data lines.
If you used a Y-spliiter the PSE can't determine what class of load it has, and you also run the risk of overloading the rated current in the cable with two devices.
Don't use Y-splitters.
However it is perfectly legal (in spec) to power two or more devices from your PSE. The PSE reflects the output Class to the source quite correctly. Things to note:
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asked Aug 16, 2019 at 15:28
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- Will both use the ethernet cable for data? Is this "proper" PoE or just some proprietary pseudo-PoE PSE? – Marcus Müller
Aug 16, 2019 at 15:58 <svg></svg>
The POE specification does not allow for Y-splitters. Y-splitters do not follow the ethernet specifications either, and are a hack, it degrades your signal on the data lines.
If you used a Y-spliiter the PSE can't determine what class of load it has, and you also run the risk of overloading the rated current in the cable with two devices.
Don't use Y-splitters.
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Don't split the Ethernet cable as already answered. Ethernet is a point to point connection and does not support Y-connectors under any circumstance.<svg></svg>
However it is perfectly legal (in spec) to power two or more devices from your PSE. The PSE reflects the output Class to the source quite correctly. Things to note:
- The ground for the PSE may not be the ground for the POE source (typically you may see a bridge rectifier on the POE receiver
- It is more challenging to ensure overload protection for each of your endpoint devices.
- Without per port over-current protections fault in one device may impact operation in the other. This may occur if you unplug/re-plug a device due to the input capacitor.
Last updated 05/12/2023 3:33 am
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