CompTIA Network+ Practice Test

Which devices can typically utilize Power over Ethernet?

1. Desktops and laptops

2. Network printers

3. Phones and wireless access points

4. Routers and switches

The correct answer is: Phones and wireless access points

Power over Ethernet (PoE) is a technology that allows Ethernet cables to carry electrical power alongside data. This enables devices to receive both power and data through a single cable, simplifying installations and reducing the need for additional power outlets. Phones, specifically Voice over IP (VoIP) phones, and wireless access points are two primary examples of devices that typically utilize Power over Ethernet. The ability to power these devices via the same cable that connects them to the network makes installation easier in various environments, especially where installing separate power sources can be challenging or costly. Wireless access points benefit from this technology as it allows for flexible placement throughout a network to provide optimal coverage without being limited by the proximity to power outlets. While network printers can utilize PoE in some instances, especially in commercial environments where installation simplicity is desired, they are not as commonly associated with PoE as phones and access points. Desktops and laptops usually require dedicated power sources and often do not support PoE. Routers and switches may sometimes use PoE for specific models that act as remote devices, but typically, these devices are not the primary focus of PoE applications. Thus, the inclusion of phones and wireless access points as typical PoE devices highlights the technology's role in enhancing network