FabianThe new Hue Bridge Pro has been leaked to the public, and the first technical data has already appeared. I have noticed numerous questions about PoE on social media and here in the comments. Power over Ethernet, or the power supply of a device via the network cable.
Currently, it does not look as if the new Hue Bridge Pro will also offer Power over Ethernet, but I do not want to completely rule out the possibility of PoE at this stage. Personally, however, I consider USB-C to be the much better solution, at least for the general public.
Even if a rather bulky power supply unit is included again, USB-C offers all kinds of possibilities. Using your own short or long cable should not be a problem. And thanks to Wi-Fi integration, you have all kinds of options when it comes to placement. I don’t expect data transmission via Wi-Fi to cause any problems. The Sync Box has always communicated with the Hue Bridge via Wi-Fi, and everything here is designed for delay-free transmission. Even if it takes a few milliseconds longer to control the “normal” Hue lamps, it should hardly be noticeable.
Hue Bridge Pro
$98.99 / €89.99
Hue Bridge Pro should work with PoE adapters
But back to the topic of Power over Ethernet. If you absolutely want to establish a power supply via PoE, this should be possible with a suitable adapter. One possible option I see is the Gigabit Type C PoE splitter, which is available in Germany on Amazon for a good 13 euros. However, we will still have to find out whether this really works.
It is currently still unclear when exactly the Hue Bridge Pro will be available and how much it will cost. The normal Hue Bridge has a list price of 59.99 euros. Based on this, I expect the Hue Bridge Pro to cost at least 119.99 euros.
Plenty of PoE /USB-C splitters out there too
I wonder if the limit of 10 entertainment devices has also been increased.
@ Fabian: One thing to consider, in favor for PoE, is that supplying power to a device via a network cable, compared to via an USB cable, allows the power delivering device – USB power adapter or PoE PSE (power sending equipment, e.g. PoE switch or injector) – being placed considerably further away from the PRE (power receiving equipment), and thus providing for greater flexibility.
Never the less, a consumer device of today must – of course – also be able to be USB-C powered (in addition to PoE, for a device labeled “Pro”.)
The only important question is device limit.
Well and the amount of memory, for animations, and complex settings (if button is pressed 8 times” or “if button pressed after sunset and user @ home”. Then a good range is helpful, strong repeaters would also help. My current bridges are at capacity on a number of fronts.
If they want to call it pro, PoE should be there. I don’t like more devices on my Wi-Fi than needed, since I have a PoE switch I already have a PoE line to my current bridge, but I have to use a wall wart or a PoE to Ethernet+ barrel splitter. I works, but would look away cleaner with on l without the splitter.