What generally contributes to the higher cost of a PoE switch compared to a standard power supply?

The higher cost of a Power over Ethernet (PoE) switch compared to a standard power supply is primarily due to its advanced features and integration capabilities. PoE switches are designed to provide both data and power over the same Ethernet cable, which necessitates additional engineering and components to ensure that they can efficiently deliver the required power levels while also managing the data transmission.

These advanced features include network management capabilities, such as Quality of Service (QoS) for prioritizing data traffic, power management to ensure devices receive sufficient power without overheating, and sometimes even built-in security features to protect against attacks. Additionally, PoE switches often support various specifications and standards (like IEEE 802.3af, 802.3at, and 802.3bt) that allow them to deliver power to a wider range of devices, such as IP cameras, VoIP phones, and wireless access points.

In contrast, a standard power supply typically only needs to convert AC to DC power without the need for such integrated networking features. This focus on multiple functionalities in PoE switches naturally contributes to their higher manufacturing costs and complexity, making them more expensive than conventional power supplies.