A CDE Definition

Providing an AC or DC power source through the same cable as the data travels. It allows phones and network devices to be placed in locations that are not near AC outlets. Most standard telephones use inline power, although cordless base stations need to be plugged into an electrical outlet in order to obtain enough power to transmit to the cordless handset. See 802.3af.

An IEEE standard for powering network devices via Ethernet cable. Also known as "Power-over-Ethernet," it provides 48 volts over 4-wire or 8-wire twisted pair. The 8-wire cable uses one twisted pair for the power, while the 4-wire transmits the power over the same pair as the data, but uses different frequencies. Designed with IP phones and wireless access points in mind, it allows devices such as these to be placed in locations that have no electrical outlets. Only the Ethernet cable needs to be connected to the device. See inline power.