Owner's manual

Chapter 4 Basic Network Designs 25
Connecting AirPort Base Stations Using
Power Over Ethernet (PoE)
You can connect multiple base stations that support PoE to 802.3af-compliant Power
Sourcing Equipment (PSE), and send power and a network or Internet connection over
Ethernet cables. Receiving power over the Ethernet connection eliminates extra cables
and the need to locate the base station near a power outlet.
The following illustration is an example of an AirPort network in a business or school
with multiple rooms or buildings. Plenum-rated Ethernet cables connect to the
Ethernet WAN ports (<) on the base stations and to an 802.3af-compliant PSE. The
base stations are mounted in the ceiling air-handling space, and are secure and out
of sight.
When the base stations receive power and a network connection over the WAN port,
the USB port is disabled. You can connect the Ethernet LAN port to a computer or
other Ethernet device, but only data signals and power travel to the Ethernet LAN port.
Important: Do not connect an external antenna to a base station mounted in an air-
handling space above a suspended ceiling unless it is plenum-rated and conforms to
UL Standard 2043.