Ethernet Alliance Opens New PoE Program to Public

BEAVERTON, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Ethernet Alliance, a global consortium dedicated to the continued success and advancement of Ethernet technologies, today made its new Power over Ethernet (PoE) certification program available to the public. With rising numbers of both standards- and non-standards-based PoE solutions entering the market, introducing a simple method for determining products capable of seamless interoperability is essential. The organization’s PoE certification program serves as not only a clear identifier for today's interoperable, standardized PoE products, but also a solid foundation for the next generation of IEEE 802.3 PoE standards.

Launched for members in May 2017, the Ethernet Alliance PoE certification program is now open to the general industry. Backed by a resource library designed to help streamline the path to certification, it aims to minimize market confusion and elevate the end user experience. Within the program, power sourcing equipment (PSE) and powered devices (PD) manufacturers can submit PoE-enabled products for testing and validation against the Ethernet Alliance’s industry-defined test plan. Tests may be performed at the University of New Hampshire InterOperability Laboratory (UNH-IOL), or vendors can self-test using approved equipment. Upon successful test completion, vendors will be authorized to use the Ethernet Alliance’s official certification logo and be added to a first-of-its-kind public registry of certified PoE products.

“Ethernet is disrupting every part of the technology landscape, from the enterprise, to consumer, to emerging markets such as automotive and industrial applications. With PoE solutions popping up across the ecosystem, users are seeking the robust interoperability that standards-based products promise. Our certification program is aiding the industry in making good on that promise,” said John D’Ambrosia, chairman, Ethernet Alliance; and senior principal engineer, Huawei. “The timing of our certification program is critical, as the next generation of IEEE 802.3 PoE standards heads toward the finish line. The question we ultimately want the market to ask itself is, ‘Is your PoE Ethernet Alliance-certified?’ If your answer is ‘No’, then you should be asking yourself, ‘Why not?’”

UNH-IOL will host its first text event in support of the Ethernet Alliance’s PoE Certification Program on October 2-6, 2017, in Durham, N.H. Event registration remains open to members and the general industry alike. For event information, please visit http://bit.ly/EAPoE-Certification; to register, please visit http://bit.ly/UNHIOL-PoERegistration.