ELI5: What is PoE switch and how it works?

A PoE switch is like a special power strip that also sends internet to devices like security cameras or phones using the same wire.

Imagine you have a toy that needs both batteries (power) and instructions (internet). Normally, you'd need two separate wires: one for the batteries and one for the instructions. A PoE switch is like a magical power strip that puts the batteries and the instructions onto the same wire!

Think of it this way:

• Normally, your regular internet cable (like the one connecting your computer to your internet box) only carries internet signals. This is like a regular road just for cars.
• A PoE switch takes that internet cable and adds electricity to it. Now, the cable carries both internet signals and electricity. This is like adding a bike lane to the car road, allowing both cars and bikes to use it.

• You plug the PoE switch into a power outlet, just like a regular power strip.
• You connect the switch to your internet router or modem.
• Then, you plug a device that supports PoE (like a security camera) into the PoE switch.
• The PoE switch sends both internet and power through that single cable to the security camera. Now the camera can get online and turn on, all with just one wire!