Actual Usable Distance of POE Cables and How to Compensate for Power Loss

Power over Ethernet (POE) technology enables simultaneous transmission of power and data through a single network cable. It’s widely used for IP cameras, wireless access points, VoIP phones, LED panels, and more. However, as the cable length increases, so does power loss—especially in high-output POE++ environments. In this article, we explore the real-world distance limits of POE and practical methods to compensate for power loss.     1. POE Standards and Maximum Rated Distance According to IEEE standards, the maximum theoretical distance for POE transmission is: IEEE 802.3af (POE): Up to 15.4W, usable up to 100m IEEE 802.3at (POE+): Up to 30W, usable up to 100m IEEE 802.3bt (POE++): Up to 60~100W, recommended 60–90m in practice The 100-meter limit refers to the total cable length , including both patch and horizontal cabling. 2. Distance Differences by Cable Type Even within the same POE standard, actual usable distance can vary depend...