What Is Power over Ethernet and Why It’s a Game-Changer for Simulated Avionics
- ccowley
- Jan 8
- 3 min read
Power over Ethernet (PoE) is exactly what it sounds like: a way to deliver DC power and Ethernet data over the same standard network cable.
Instead of running an Ethernet cable and a separate power cable (plus an outlet or power supply), PoE lets you install and operate compatible devices using one cable from a PoE switch or injector.
In the world of flight simulation hardware, that simplicity translates into something
every integrator and prime cares about: faster builds, cleaner wiring, easier maintenance, and better uptime.
The PoE Basics (Without the Networking Headache)
A PoE system has two key players:
PSE (Power Sourcing Equipment): the device that provides power—typically a PoE network switch (endspan) or a PoE injector (midspan).
PD (Powered Device): the device that receives power—your panel, controller, display interface, sensor module, etc.
PoE is designed to be safe and intentional: the PSE only provides power once it detects a compliant PD, and power is managed based on negotiated requirements.
The Different PoE Standards (How Much Power Are We Talking?)
PoE isn’t “one” standard—there are multiple levels depending on how much power you need:
IEEE 802.3af (PoE): up to 15.4 W at the source (PSE).
IEEE 802.3at (PoE+): up to 30 W at the source; commonly referenced as 25.5 W available at the device by standard.
IEEE 802.3bt (PoE++ / 4-pair PoE): higher power for more demanding devices—often summarized as 60 W (Type 3) and 90 W (Type 4) at the source.
802.3bt commonly uses all four twisted pairs in the Ethernet cable to deliver more power headroom.
Why PoE Is Such a Big Deal in Simulators
Simulators don’t just need “hardware.” They need hardware that’s fast to integrate, easy to troubleshoot, and easy to sustain. PoE helps because it enables:
1) Cleaner wiring and simpler installs
One cable per device means fewer power supplies, fewer outlets, fewer harness branches, and fewer “mystery” wiring issues.
2) Better maintainability and faster swap-outs
A PoE-driven module can often be replaced quickly (disconnect one cable, reconnect, verify link). Less downtime, less invasive troubleshooting.
3) Centralized power control
PoE makes it easier to manage power distribution from the network side—especially valuable when you need controlled resets, remote bring-up, or a clean maintenance workflow. (Your PoE switch becomes a smart distribution hub.)
4) Scalability for modern, networked cockpit architectures
As training devices evolve, Ethernet-based architectures keep expanding. PoE fits naturally into that direction.
How Simtek Leads with PoE in Simulated Avionics Hardware
At Simtek, we’ve embraced PoE because it aligns with what our customers demand: high-fidelity simulated avionics that integrate faster, sustain easier, and keep devices training-ready.
Where PoE shows up in our approach:
PoE-ready design from day one: power budgeting, thermal considerations, and compliance-driven hardware choices that match the right PoE class for the job.
Smarter modularity: PoE supports distributed architectures—meaning it’s easier to build modular avionics components and panels that scale across devices and programs.
Cleaner integration for primes and integrators: fewer wiring dependencies and simpler installation patterns help reduce integration risk and speed up acceptance.
Sustainment-first thinking: the easier it is to diagnose and swap a module, the easier it is to keep training online—especially when schedules are tight and downtime is expensive.
Bottom line: PoE helps us deliver “less wiring, more capability,” and Simtek has built a reputation for executing that approach in a way that’s practical, robust, and built for simulator duty cycles.
Is PoE Right for Your Simulator Hardware?
PoE is a great fit when you want:
faster cockpit integration
simpler sustainment and line-replaceable modules
centralized power management
scalable Ethernet-based architectures
If you’re planning a new build, an upgrade, or a retrofit and want to explore a PoE-based approach, Simtek can help you pick the right standard, define the power budget, and design hardware that installs cleanly and holds up in training environments.
