The PoE switch is powered

A PoE switch is powered by an internal or external power supply that provides DC electricity to the switch itself, which it then distributes to connected PoE-enabled devices over Ethernet cables.Powering the Switch ItselfA PoE switch requires its own electrical power to operate, just like any standard network switch. This power typically comes from:Internal AC-to-DC power supply: Most PoE switches have built-in power supplies that plug into a standard electrical outlet, converting AC mains power to the DC voltage needed for the switch's circuitry and PoE output .External power source: Some smaller or specialized PoE switches may rely on external power adapters or injectors to supply the necessary DC power .UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply): For critical applications, a PoE switch can be connected to a UPS to maintain operation during power outages, ensuring connected devices like cameras or access points remain powered .Delivering Power to Connected DevicesOnce the switch itself is powered, it can provide electricity to PoE-enabled devices (PDs) over the same Ethernet cables used for data transmission. This is achieved through:Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE): The switch acts as a PSE, injecting DC power into the Ethernet cable according to IEEE standards (802.3af, 802.3at, or 802.3bt) depending on the device's power requirements .PoE Standards: Original PoE (802.3af) delivers up to 15.4 W per port, PoE+ (802.3at) up to 30 W, and PoE++ (802.3bt) can provide up to 100 W per port for high-power devices .PoE Passthrough: Some switches can receive power from an upstream PoE source and pass it along to other devices, using a portion of the power for their own operation and the remainder for connected devices .SummaryIn essence, a PoE switch is powered like a regular network switch via an internal or external power supply. It then distributes power to connected PoE devices over Ethernet cables, combining data and electrical power in a single connection. This setup simplifies installations, reduces cabling, and allows devices to be placed where traditional power outlets may not be available .