The idea
Power over Ethernet (PoE) is incredibly useful — it simplifies cabling and enables remote powering of devices like phones, badge readers, cameras, and access points. But it comes with an often-overlooked side effect: PoE ports draw power even when their connected devices are barely used or idle.
Now imagine this happening across hundreds of ports across your network — in low-traffic areas, unused meeting rooms, or remote offices. The result is a steady trickle of unnecessary energy consumption that no one’s tracking.
Why it matters
Many organizations leave PoE ports always on by default, assuming the devices they serve are “essential.” But the reality is that many of these devices:
- Are barely active
- Only serve time-limited functions (e.g., 9–5 phone usage)
- Or aren’t even in use at all anymore
And yet, the switch continues to feed them power 24/7.
These small, continuous power draws can add up quickly, especially across hundreds of ports. Over time, they inflate your energy bill and carbon footprint — all without adding real value.
What you can do
- Conduct a PoE usage audit across your switches.
- Look for ports with:
- Minimal or erratic power draw
- Low or no traffic
- Devices active only during business hours
- Use management tools to create rules for disabling or scheduling PoE ports intelligently.
- Classify ports by function and criticality to avoid false positives
Bonus tip
Leverage existing naming conventions, VLANs, or port groups to manage PoE behavior at scale. For example:
- Ports labeled for “Lobby Cameras” or “Hot Desk Phones” can be grouped and managed together.
- Segmented VLANs can help enforce time-based policies or prioritize power-off schedules in low-use zones.
This saves time and ensures consistent application across similar device types.
How ZeroNet helps
ZeroNet continuously analyzes energy behavior at the port level. It detects low-usage PoE ports by tracking both power consumption and actual traffic, helping you distinguish between necessary and wasteful power use. Instead of relying on manual audits, ZeroNet flags inefficient ports and suggests shutdowns or scheduling opportunities — giving you targeted, confident action without guesswork.