Digital Signage Installs Made Simple with PoE
Digital signage starts with a plan. You thoughtfully select high-impact locations for your screens—only to realize you're too far from the nearest power outlet. Suddenly, a simple installation becomes a logistical challenge. Electrical work can be costly, and running permanent extension cords introduces safety risks that won’t pass fire code inspections. Should your strategy be limited by wiring issues? Not necessarily. Power over Ethernet (PoE) offers a smart, streamlined solution—simplifying cable management while eliminating the need for separate power runs. It’s one of the biggest PoE benefits for signage professionals and integrators today.
What is Power over Ethernet?
For those unfamiliar, PoE digital signage simply allows your network switch to supply power and network connectivity over a single cable. By choosing a PoE-enabled network switch, a single device can supply power and network connectivity to several screens over a typical distance of 300 feet, replacing the need for individual power supplies. This makes PoE screen installation especially attractive in modern environments where flexibility is key.
Bluefin digital signage has led the charge on network-powered signage integrated with PoE since 2017, and it has become an increasingly popular option. Here are some of the advantages that have spurred greater interest from integration experts and end-users.
Effortless Installation: One cable means quick setup, minimal disruption, and more flexibility in your PoE screen installation.
Safety and Cost: PoE systems are low voltage, avoiding electrical hazards and costs associated with locating electrical outlets. Ideal for digital signage installation in high-traffic or compliance-sensitive environments.
Device Monitoring: Robust PoE switches can offer control of individual ports and allow you to remotely monitor your total power use. One of the most practical PoE benefits for signage managers.
Design Freedom: Locate your PoE displays in open and hard-to-reach areas with support for up to 300ft of Cat5e cable.
Get Started with PoE
Bluefin’s PoE displays work right out of the box, no setup required! All you need to get started is a network switch that supports the right level of PoE per the screen's specifications. Thankfully, IEEE has a clear set of standards that PoE network switches list to make this easy.
PoE+ (IEEE 802.3at) distributes up to 30W of power to each device. This is adequate to power Bluefin digital signage screens as large as 15.6’’ for up to 300ft of Cat5e ethernet cable.
PoE++ (IEEE 802.3bt) distributes up to 60W of power to each device, enough to handle screens as large as 21.5" for 300ft of Cat5e cable. PoE++ can even power high-bright and outdoor digital signage, or screens with Intel CPUs running power-hungry applications. PoE++ switches are also backwards compatible with PoE+, so you only need one network switch to run both categories across your PoE digital signage network.
Today, data switches with PoE, as well as single-port PoE injectors, can be readily found on the market in both standards. As higher standards of PoE become more affordable, we may see even larger PoE screens in the future!
As retail and commercial environments pursue high-impact screen placements and reliable connectivity, PoE stands out as the smart choice for digital signage. Don’t let outdated cabling hold you back or add unnecessary costs. Explore how Bluefin’s PoE screens can transform your signage experience—reach out today to harness the versatility of Power over Ethernet for your next project!