Power-over-Ethernet market sees growth

And a wave of suppliers are entering the fray. Akros Silicon Inc. recently entered the market in an effort to compete against Linear, Maxim and others.

PoE provides power and data connectivity over existing Ethernet cables. ''With PoE, IP telephones can plug into a RJ45 Ethernet jack, which provides power for the phone as well as two-way data communication with the Ethernet host,'' said Steve Ohr, an analyst at Gartner Inc., in a report.

''Modifications to the IEEE 802.3af/at specification have enabled even-higher-powered devices (PDs) to derive their power from the Ethernet port -- motorized surveillance cameras, wireless access points (WAPs), thin-client terminals (such as netbooks) and WiMAX CPEs,'' he said.

Gartner said the number of PoE power sourcing equipment (PSE) ports will grow from 57.9 million ports in 2008 to 116.2 million in 2013, a 21 percent growth rate. Revenue will grow from $60 million in 2008 to $97 million in 2013, a 14.9 percent growth rate, according to the firm.

Revenues for AC-DC converters in the PoE arena are expected to grow from $773 million in 2009 to almost $1.1 billion in 2013, according to the firm.