1. Differences in power supply modes of wireless AP
Wireless AP (Wireless Access Point) in different scenarios are different in form and deployment mode, so there are different requirements for power supply mode.
Wireless AP is mainly used to provide wireless network access, and is a typical application of wireless LAN. Based on the different use scenarios, different AP power supply forms may be selected. For example, conventional AP uses independent power supply, while wall-mounted AP can use PoE power supply.
2 Common wireless AP power supply modes
There are three common wireless AP power supply modes: independent power supply, PoE power supply and Passive PoE power supply.
2.1 Independent power supply
Independent power supply means that there is an independent power port on the AP to supply power to the AP equipment through the external power adapter.
2.2 PoE power supply
PoE (Power over Ethernet) is an Ethernet power supply technology, which can supply power to terminal equipment through network cable. A complete PoE system includes PSE (Power Sourcing Equipment) and PD (Powered Device).
As the receiving end, AP equipment can use PoE for power supply after meeting relevant PoE power supply standards.
As mentioned above, a complete PoE system consists of two parts: the power supply end and the power receiving end. The AP is the power receiving end, and the power supply end needs to support PoE switches powered by PoE. PoE switch supplies power to AP equipment through network cable and transmits Ethernet data at the same time.
2.3 Passive PoE power supply
Passive PoE refers to the non-standard PoE power supply mode. It also supplies power through the network cable, but does not meet any PoE industry power supply standards. Passive PoE is usually a weak version of PoE standard, and its power and transmission distance are weaker than PoE. Because Passive PoE is not a standard protocol, the power receiving device will generally be attached with a power supply module and power adapter.
Passive PoE is similar to PoE in terms of deployment. Because it does not meet the PoE standard, the PoE power supply module of the original PoE switch needs to be replaced with the power supply module of the corresponding passive PoE. It still provides data transmission and power supply services for the AP equipment through the network cable. (If the AP manufacturer has a switch that supports the passive PoE standard, deploy the similar PoE power supply AP deployment diagram, and replace the PoE switch with the passive PoE switch.).
3. Comparison of advantages and disadvantages of power supply modes
● Independent power supply mode: it only needs conventional adapter power supply, and does not need external special module support, which can save money on material cost. However, this power supply method requires a suitable power socket near the AP, otherwise it will be difficult to lay additional circuits, and it will be difficult to move the position later.
● PoE power supply mode: only one network cable is needed to provide power supply service and data transmission service for the AP to facilitate the deployment of the AP. PoE standard is common in the industry and can be compatible with other PoE power supply devices on the market. However, PoE-related modules are relatively expensive, which is an additional cost burden in actual deployment.
● Passive PoE power supply mode: it can provide the effect similar to PoE power supply, but because it does not meet the general industry standards and is only customized by manufacturers, it is relatively poor in compatibility, and the power supply voltage and transmission distance are often weak. Although the function is weaker than PoE, the cost of power supply module is lower than PoE, which is a compromise between independent power supply and PoE power supply.
