IEEE has defined three standards that cover PoE, with the most recent (802. 3bt) splitting into two types. In this configuration, an Ethernet connection includes Power over Ethernet (PoE) (gray cable looping below), and a PoE splitter provides a separate data cable (gray, looping above) and power cable (black, also looping above) for a wireless access point. The splitter is the silver and black box in. When working with your network devices, it's important to understand each device's power requirements and the types of Power over Ethernet (PoE) they support. This guide provides insights into PoE modes, power consumption, and device compatibility. Power to Device Refer to. Power over Ethernet (PoE) is a feature that lets a network device such as a VoIP phone, access point, or IP camera receive its electrical power over the same Ethernet cable that connects it to the network.