POE (Power over Ethernet) is a technology that allows electrical power to be transmitted over Ethernet cables. This means that devices such as phones, cameras, and access points can be powered through the same cables that are used to transmit data.
POE has a number of advantages over traditional power delivery methods. For example, it allows devices to be powered remotely, which can be convenient in situations where it is difficult or expensive to run separate power cables. It also allows devices to be powered through a network switch, which can simplify the wiring and power distribution in a network.
There are two main standards for POE: IEEE 802.3af and IEEE 802.3at. The 802.3af standard is designed for lower-power devices, and it can deliver up to 15.4 watts of power. The 802.3at standard, also known as POE+ or POE Plus, is designed for higher-power devices and can deliver up to 25.5 watts of power.
POE is commonly used to power devices such as VoIP phones, wireless access points, and security cameras, but it can be used to power a wide variety of devices that require low to moderate amounts of power.
More information on POE standards can be found on this Wikipedia page. I tried to get the link for the actual IEEE page, but it’s behind a paywall.