Unlock high power potential: Why BT PoE (802.3bt) is the right choice for your network?

Tom Yao
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What is BT PoE

BT PoE, also known as IEEE 802.3bt or PoE++, is the latest generation Power over Ethernet standard that significantly extends the capabilities of earlier PoE technologies. Compared to traditional PoE (802.3af) and PoE+ (802.3at), BT PoE delivers much higher power levels, making it ideal for powering high-consumption devices.

To manage different power levels efficiently, the IEEE 802.3 standard defines multiple Power Classes, ranging from Class 1 (4W) to Class 8 (90W). BT PoE specifically covers Class 5 to Class 8, allowing power delivered to the device (PD) to reach up to 71.3W. This advancement enables reliable power delivery for applications such as PTZ cameras, large digital signage displays, PoE lighting systems, access control, and more.


A key feature of BT PoE is its use of all four twisted pairs in the Ethernet cable for power delivery (4-Pair Powering). This design not only increases the total available power but also reduces cable power loss (heat dissipation), improving overall system efficiency. Furthermore, BT PoE is fully backward compatible with IEEE 802.3af (PoE) and IEEE 802.3at (PoE+) standards, allowing seamless integration with existing devices and network infrastructure.

As the demand for high-power networked devices continues to grow in smart buildings, industrial automation, and smart city applications, BT PoE has become a critical technology for modern network deployments.

Advantages of BT PoE

  • Higher Power Output for Demanding Devices
BT PoE delivers up to 90 watts of power at the source (PSE), enabling it to reliably support a wide range of high-consumption devices such as PTZ cameras, PoE lighting systems, digital signage, and industrial controllers — far beyond the capabilities of traditional PoE standards.

  • Longer Power Transmission Distance
BT PoE excels in powering devices over extended distances—not by altering the Ethernet standard’s 100-meter limit, but by leveraging its higher power capacity to make long-range setups practical. With up to 90 W available at the Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE), BT PoE effectively compensates for power loss along the cable, ensuring that even remote devices receive adequate power.

Crucially, this increased power budget allows for the use of PoE extenders or passthrough PoE switches. These devices regenerate both power and data beyond the standard 100-meter range. When powered by a BT PoE source—ideally with a 54 V input—these extenders can deliver 30 W, 60 W, or more to end devices, supporting reliable operation well beyond 100 meters. This capability is especially valuable in large or challenging environments, such as parking facilities, agricultural areas, and perimeter security systems.


  • Reduced Cabling Costs with Passthrough PoE Switches
Passthrough PoE switches allow multiple IEEE 802.3af/at devices to be powered via a single network cable, significantly reducing the number of long cable runs required. This setup lowers installation complexity and cabling expenses while maintaining reliable power and data delivery.

  • 4-Pair Design Minimizes Cable Heat and Improves Power Efficiency
By utilizing all four twisted pairs in the Ethernet cable for power delivery, BT PoE reduces current load per pair, which decreases heat generation and power loss. This 4-pair powering approach improves overall system efficiency and reliability.

  • Backward Compatibility with Existing Standards
BT PoE is designed with flexibility and safety in mind, offering full backward compatibility with IEEE 802.3af (PoE), 802.3at (PoE+), as well as non-PoE devices. It follows the standardized PoE startup sequence — PD Detection → Classification → Start-Up → Power ON — ensuring that every device connected is properly identified and powered safely.

This intelligent power negotiation process prevents any damage to legacy or non-PoE equipment, allowing seamless integration of a diverse range of devices within the same network. Whether deploying older PoE devices or the latest high-power PoE++ equipment, BT PoE enables a mixed environment with simplified installation and future-proof scalability.


  • Flexibility and Scalability:
BT PoE offers great flexibility for deployments in remote or power-constrained environments. Its compatibility with extenders and passthrough switches allows for scalable network designs that maintain stable power output—such as 30W or 60W—even at extended distances, supporting growing and evolving smart building, industrial, and outdoor network applications.

Typical application scenarios of BT PoE

  1. High-Power PTZ Cameras and Security Systems
BT 90W PoE delivers stable and sufficient power for PTZ cameras that require motors and lighting, making it ideal for outdoor and large-scale surveillance installations.
  1. PoE Lighting Systems
Smart LED lighting and building automation systems use BT 90W PoE for centralized power and remote control, reducing wiring costs and improving energy efficiency in offices, factories, and smart cities.
  1. Digital Signage and Interactive Displays
Large digital signs and interactive kiosks demand high power and data bandwidth. BT 90W PoE supports these needs with reliable long-distance power delivery in malls, airports, and public spaces.
  1. Wireless Access Points (Wi-Fi 6/7)
Next-generation high-performance Wi-Fi 6/7 access points require more power. BT 90W PoE ensures stable, high-speed wireless coverage with ample power supply.
  1. Multi-Device Connectivity with Passthrough PoE Switches
When combined with passthrough PoE switches, BT 90W PoE can power multiple devices through a single Ethernet cable, simplifying network wiring and reducing installation costs.