Which class of PD has the highest minimum power requirement at PSE?

Class 6 Power over Ethernet (PoE) devices have the highest minimum power requirement at the Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE). This classification is part of the IEEE 802.3af/at/bt standards, which define the power levels that can be delivered through Ethernet cables to powered devices (PD).

Specifically, Class 6 can require a minimum power output of 60 watts, which is necessary to support more demanding applications. This includes devices such as high-performance wireless access points and video conferencing systems, which need more power to operate effectively.

In contrast, the other classes have lower minimum power requirements in comparison. For instance, Class 3 typically demands around 15.4 watts, Classes 4 and 5 require power levels that are intermediate but still below that of Class 6. Understanding these classifications helps in proper deployment and ensures that sufficient power is provided for the intended application, allowing devices to function optimally.