The 3Com Switch 8800 PoE Entry Module allows DC power cables from the 3Com Switch 8800 External PoE Power Rack to be connected to the front of the Switch 8800 chassis. External cable connections terminate at the PoE Entry Module, which then conducts power through to the backplane of the chassis.

With the addition of the PoE Entry Module, along with the External PoE Power Rack and one or more PoE Power Supply Units, any 3Com Switch 8800 can be easily transformed to be fully PoE-capable, able to provide industry-standard PoE to up to 576 ports in the Switch 8800. The PoE power system for the Switch 8800 is designed to provide an easy migration to Power over Ethernet for both new and existing systems for the highest levels of investment protection.

Providing both electrical power and network connectivity to devices such as IP phones and wireless LAN access points, PoE simplifies network deployment and reduces installation and maintenance costs by eliminating the need for separate data and power cabling infrastructures.