Welcome to the Triton Rundown, where we give you a snapshot overview of products & features to improve your network

UPOE is a Cisco standard for Universal Power Over Ethernet. If you’ve used regular PoE (Power over Ethernet) before, you know it’s great because it lets your Ethernet cable carry both data and electricity to devices like access points, IP cameras, or VoIP phones—no need to run extra power lines. UPOE takes that convenience and cranks it up to 60 watts per port. Compare that to older PoE standards, which top out at 15-30 watts.

So, why should you care?

1. Power-Hungry Devices Love It

Need to power something beefier than a basic camera or phone? Things like multi-radio Wi-Fi 6/6E/7 access points (which can have serious power demands), video conferencing systems with motorized cameras, thin clients or small form-factor computers, or even LED lighting systems that run over Ethernet. With UPOE, you’re covered — without needing to plug them into a separate AC outlet.

2. Cleaner Installs for a Happier Life

Ever tried to install a device on the ceiling and then realized there’s no power outlet up there, or you’d have to call an electrician to add one? UPOE lets you ditch that hassle: one Ethernet cable does it all. Your installs look cleaner, you save on labor, and it’s easier to move devices later.

3. Future-Proofing

Networks are evolving fast. Devices you don’t even know you’ll want in a couple years might need more power than old PoE can deliver. By getting a switch with UPOE now, you’re ready for whatever gadget you throw onto your network — no switch swap needed.

4. Simplified Cabling and Reduced Costs

Think about what it costs to run new power lines through ceilings or walls, especially if your building is old or has weird construction. Then remember you can avoid all of that by just running Cat5e or Cat6 cables. That’s real money saved.

5. Better Support for IoT and Smart Buildings

Smart buildings are filled with sensors, controllers, and gadgets — all of which need power. UPOE lets you keep these devices online reliably, even those that need a bit more juice than previous iterations of PoE could provide. Bonus: it’s easier to centralize backup power (vis a vis an uninterruptible power supply) for your network when you don’t have scattered AC adapters everywhere.

UPOE makes your life easier, your installations cleaner, and your network future-proof. If you’re building out a new office, upgrading your Wi-Fi, or just want fewer headaches down the line, a switch with UPOE is absolutely worth considering.

You can browse our collection of UPOE switches here.