14
Network / Power over Ethernet (PoE) Testing
Power over Ethernet or PoE describes a specification which allows pass-
ing of electrical power along with data on Ethernet cabling.
There are two standardized specifications the IEEE 802.3af, and IEEE
802.3at also known as PoE+. The first provides a maximum 12.95
Watts, and the second provides a maximum of 25.5 W.
PoE also has two modes A and B. Mode A uses pins 1 and 2 for the posi-
tive voltage and pins 3 and 6 for the negative voltage. Mode B uses pins
4 and 5 for the positive voltage and pins 7 and 8 for the negative voltage.
The Cable Prowler tests to see if either PoE or PoE+ is present. If it is
detected, it tests the voltage under minimum and maximum current
load, and displays the result. The Cable Prowler will also display which
PoE mode is found.
The Cable Prowler also establishes a Link with the switch and displays
the Link Status and Link Capability.
▪
Power on the Cable Prowler.
▪
Connect the Cable Prowler to a switch or active network jack.
▪
Use the left or right arrow buttons to select the Network/PoE icon
and press the enter button or press the Network/POE soft key.
▪
The Cable Prowler will automatically detect and display link capabil-
ity, connection speed, PoE class, and PoE Min/Max voltages.
▪
To perform a Network Test only, press the PoE soft key.
▪
To save the PoE data, press the Save soft key.
▪
Use the arrow buttons and the enter button to name the PoE file.
▪
Press the Save soft key to save the PoE file.