Is PoE more efficient than plugging in adapters for each network device?

And at what scale does it start to matter?

From my perspective; I’m going for a 3 node mesh router, plus 2 switches, and was considering if in 5 years time the electricity difference would be less than the extra upfront cost. The absolute max length of cable would probably be around 30m

  • antlion@lemmy.dbzer0.com
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    1 year ago

    Considering the PoE switch is also powered by an adapter, I’d say no. Your have the same efficiency from the AC-DC conversion plus line losses.

      • JustEnoughDucks@feddit.nl
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        1 year ago

        Really depends. If you have 1 device that uses 10W with 90% efficiency, you lose 1 W. If you have 10, 1W devices with 90% efficiency, you lose 1 watt.

        It is less efficient if X device has lower efficiency or if you have DC/DC converters in series (which is likely with PoE), but likely it is negligable difference.