IHTB - Hax0r your own P.O.E (Power over Ethernet)
By: magikh0e - h0e AT IHTB d0t org
November 22, 2008
Yay, time for another IHTB howto.. This time instead of creating some sweet lcd panels for the computer.
We are going to hack up our own Power over Ethernet solution.
The reasoning for this time was for something I had actual practical use for.. ;D I have just moved into a
new place, but in the basement where I keep all the servers etc there is not many power outlets. I hate using
wireless, so power outlets for switches where I sit at is a must..
So at first I had thought about just wiring in some new power jacks. Though using this method I would still end
up with a wire jungle just for my switch(s), once you include power supply cord, ethernet cables..
I can see the mess and *hear the wife complaining now* (=..
So I decided it was time to come up with a better solution, that is when P.O.E came into mind. But then I would
need to get a POE capable switch and a few new devices which are P.O.E capable..
These devices can be a bit pricey along with see the * above... ;D
My Solution
After a bit of brainstorming during running some more CAT5 cable, it came to me that CAT5 for 10/100 networks
only actually use 2 pairs of the 4 in the cable for data communication. Thus leaving 2 stranded pairs for a
phone or in my case power!
DISCLAIMER
The information I provide below is provided on a 'it worked for me' basis.. It may/may not work for you.
This information is provided as-is. Use at your own risk. It will help to have basic electrical knowledge.
It will also help to have a soldering iron and a multi-meter handy.
Failing to pay attention to details here could result in you frying your device. You can email me for help
if you get stuck on something, but if you email me complaing your device was fried, I will laugh at you.. (=
*** CAT5 has a MAX voltage rating of: 48volts. and a Current of: 350ma (500ma MAX) ***
*** I would be very cautious on anything over 12V, I am far from a certified electrician. ***
*** It is technically 'illegal' to wire anything electrical in your own home. ***
Part's Needed/Used
* CAT5 cable - (I used CAT5e)
** I wired brand new cable, this *could* be done using a pre-made cable if you splice it right.
** I suggest doing it from scratch, less room for error and frying a device (;
* Hub/Switch/Router & Power adapter for it
** I tested this using a Netgear DS104 Switch & Linksys WRT54g
* Electrical Tape
* Wiring Caps - (optional)
Tool's
* Wire Strippers
* Wire Cutters
* CAT5 Crimper
* Multi Meter (optional)
** This really depends on the distance you are going, to make sure there enough voltage and amps at the other end.
** 9v-12v devices *should* be good up to around 300ft(100m), though I have no tested this.
Ok so enough rambeling, lets get on to wiring all of this up.. Pictures to follow shortly.
I wired up mine using the 568-B standard. See below for diagram.
 |
|
Pin 1 <-> data (Orange-White)
Pin 2 <-> data (Orange)
Pin 3 <-> data (Green-White)
Pin 4 <-> DC +Positive Wire 1 (Blue)
Pin 5 <-> DC +Positive Wire 2 (Blue-White)
Pin 6 <-> data (Green)
Pin 7 <-> DC -Negative Wire 1 (Brown-White)
Pin 8 <-> DC -Negative Wire 2 (Brown)
|
Ok so now you know which wires need to be hooked up, assuming your wire is already ran to where you want it to end up.
Wire up both ends using the above method. I stripped my CAT5 about 6" back I then cut down wires 1,2,3 & 6 to a smaller
length. Try and not to leave any bare wire going into the CAT5 connector, except wires 4,5 and 7,8.
Once you have your cable crimped, test out network connectivity using the cable. In the event it does not work, re-check
that the wires are inserted in the proper pins. If that all looks good, try re-crimping your end connector. They tend
to sometimes not get a good contact the first go with some crimps/connectors. If this still fails, try again with
further attention to the small details. If you have never wired a CAT5 this can be a huge pain in the ass...
It was for me, and I used to wire alot of CAT5 ;D Have fun with it..
Ok so now you have a working cable! YAY...
Let's move onto wiring in the power adapter. On each end of the CAT5, strip the insulation back from wires 4,5 and 7,8.
Once this is done, you can twist wires 4,5 together and then 7,8 together. Make sure that 4,5 do not come in contact with 7,8.
Now we will take the power adapter we are using and cut the cable about 10" back from the plug that goes into your device.
We will be wiring this piece to the end of the CAT5 where your device will eventually end up.
Most wires are marked for postive and negative. Usually the positive wire will have some sort of striped or ridges along the
cable. Split these cables down the middle for about 4-5". Take the brown pairs of wire from the CAT5 and wrap them around the
power adapter wire with stripes/ridges on it. Take the remaining wire from the power adapter and wrap the blue wires from the
CAT5 around this wire. Once you have one end hookedup, you can now wrap some electrical tape around each wire ensuring they
do not touch. You might also wish to solder there wires to ensure a strong contact. I just used tape..
Now onto the other end of the CAT5 cable. Again make 100% SURE that the brown wire is wired up the striped/ridged wire from
the power adapter. Failing to do so could end up in you FRYING your device, dont cry to me if you do this.. I warned you ;D
For the other end of the cable, just wire it the same as above.MAKE SURE both ends of the cat 5 are hooked into the same wires
on the power adapter on both ends. Use the multi meter to verify the voltage/amps etc...
I will post some pictures of my work soon!
Have phun! dont fry anything...