BSRIA expects fast growth in Power over Ethernet applications
![]() |
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
A newly-published market briefing from BSRIA on Power over Ethernet (PoE) global trends shows that worldwide PoE shipments are expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 11-13% until 2023, exceeding 180 million ports sold yearly by the end of the period.
[edit] A common infrastructure
PoE growth is being driven mainly by the convergence of several technology and socio-political trends, including smarter buildings, higher levels of energy efficiency, greater mobility, the upsurge of IoT, energy and building regulations, the so-called Industry 4.0 and the massive adoption of LEDs.File:R8PWGr TD9F62DC8 W456
Power over Ethernet has the potential to address all the challenges that the above-mentioned trends pose, as it provides a common infrastructure which can power, control and converge most building systems (lighting, CCTV cameras, wireless access points, VoIP phones, access control, fire detection systems, intruder alarm systems, audio and video, lifts…), all within a common network.
PoE is a low-voltage direct-current platform, able to power each device with native power, eliminating the need for inverters and transformers for each device, while drastically reducing the risk of fire and electric shocks.
Among many other advantages, PoE is also brand-agnostic, is compatible with a vast and growing array of devices, uses one universal connector (RJ45), and simplifies installations (as only one low-voltage cable is required per device).
[edit] Lighting
The commercial building lighting control market is experiencing a period of rapid transformation.
The shift from fluorescent to LED lights in the commercial market is triggering the replacement of analogue lighting controls by more scalable and reliable digital lighting controls that can operate over a wired or wireless infrastructure. The rising efficiency levels of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) together with the increasing power delivered by PoE switches (90W) has broadened the spectrum of PoE applications, making it possible to power and control the entire lighting system of (almost) all types of premises.
There is growing interest in IP-based lighting systems, and awareness of PoE lighting systems is on the rise. Adoption rates are expected to double on an annual basis over the coming years (although from a very low base), due to the wide range of advantages that PoE-based systems bring for new built and large-scale refurbishment projects.
According to Martin Chiesa (BSRIA Senior Consultant): “PoE is at the core of the concept of Smart Buildings and Digital Ceilings, where a number of current and future IoT devices (wireless access points, CCTV cameras, sensors of all sorts, lighting, fans, heat recovery units etc.) are powered, controlled and converged based on a common infrastructure, using low voltage DC native power, increasing energy efficiency, reducing fire and health hazards and generating valuable data about energy consumption, building and assets utilisation.”
To find out more about this study, call BSRIA on 01344 465 540 or e-mail bsria.co.uk wmi@bsria.co.uk
- EMEA sales enquiries: BSRIA UK: bsria.co.uk wmi@bsria.co.uk ¦ +44 (0) 1344 465 540 www.bsria.com/uk
- America sales enquiries: BSRIA USA: bsria.com sales@bsria.com ¦ +1 312 753 6800 www.bsria.com/us
- China sales enquiries: BSRIA China: [mailto:bsria@bsria.com.cn bsria@bsria.com.cn] ¦ +86 10 6465 7707 www.bsria.com.cn
[edit] Contact Worldwide Market Intelligence
File:NzqVJr TF72CEA56 W248 H248 CP1For more information contact our main UK office on : t: +44 (0) 1344 465540 or e: wmi@bsria.co.uk
[edit] About this article
This article was written by BSRIA and previously appeared on its website in January 2020. It can be accessed HERE.
Other articles by BSRIA on Designing Buildings Wiki can be accessed HERE.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- All-Internet Protocol.
- Bluetooth.
- Building information modelling.
- CAT5.
- Common data environment.
- Computer aided design.
- Computer aided manufacturing.
- Computers in building design.
- Extranet
- Global Unique IDs (GUIDs).
- ICT and Automation (ICTA) Scoping Study Report.
- In-building wireless.
- Information and communications technology.
- Internet of things.
- Local area network.
- Power over ethernet.
- Project extranet.
- Smart buildings.
- Smart cities.
- Wi-Fi.
- WiredScore.
--BSRIA
Featured articles and news
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation which closes 11 June 2025.
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
CIOB Construction Manager of the Year 2025
Just one of the winners at the CIOB Awards 2025.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.
Construction Products Reform Green Paper and Consultation
Still time to respond as consultation closes on 21 May 2025.
Resilient façade systems for smog reduction in Shanghai
A technical approach using computer simulation and analysis of solar radiation, wind patterns, and ventilation.