The Freetronics 4-Channel PoE Midspan Injector accepts an input voltage between 7V and 24V, either AC or DC. It then rectifies it to DC before injecting it onto the spare pairs in the network cable that are not used by 10/100base-T Ethernet.

Power-over-Ethernet uses your LAN to send power via the network cable to whatever device you have connected at the other end. Thus saving you the hassle of plugging the device into both the network and to power. PoE lets you centralize your power supply.

Home-brew PoE typically involves trimming back part of a LAN cable, separating out the relevant pairs of cable, cutting them, and soldering on a power socket so you can connect a plug-pack. That works fine, but it's ugly, fiddly, and takes time. This 4-Channel Power-over-Ethernet Midspan Injector is the solution! Just unplug your LAN cables from your switch, plug them into the "device" ports on the injector, run short LAN cables from your switch to the "switch" ports on the injector, and plug-in whatever plug pack power supply you have handy. Done! No soldering required.

Note: this module does not provide proper, standards-compliant 802.3af PoE support. But it's a whole lot cheaper and works with just about any home-brew PoE system.

This Freetronics 4-Channel PoE Midspan Injector works great with Freetronics Ethernet Shield with PoE support.  Connect a 12V power source and fit the jumpers directly on the shield at the other end. Or connect a 16V or 24V power source and combine it with Freetronics Power-over-Ethernet Regulator 14-24V.