Meshtastic – Power-over-Ethernet (PoE)

A Practical Guide for WisBlock Users

Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) is a great way to simplify your WisBlock projects. With PoE, a single Ethernet cable delivers both network connection and power, which reduces wiring and makes installations much cleaner. If you want to add PoE support to a WisBlock device, the RAK19018 PoE Module paired with the RAK13800 Ethernet Module is the official solution.

What the RAK19018 Does

The RAK19018 is a small PoE power converter designed specifically for WisBlock.
On its own, it cannot connect to Ethernet or accept an Ethernet cable. Instead:

• The RAK13800 handles the Ethernet connection.
• The RAK19018 plugs into the RAK13800 and draws power through it.

Inside the RAK19018 is a Silvertel Ag9905MT converter, which handles PoE negotiation and converts the high-voltage PoE power down to a safe, regulated 5V output for your WisBlock system.

Key Features (Explained Simply)

• PoE Standard: IEEE 802.3af compliant
  Works with most PoE switches and injectors.
• Input Voltage: 36–57V from the Ethernet cable
  This is the normal voltage for 802.3af.
• Output: Regulated 5V power (up to about 9W)
• Protections: Short-circuit protection and over-temperature protection
  Helps prevent damage to your WisBlock or the PoE source.
• Size: 32 mm × 25 mm
  Small enough to fit neatly in most WisBlock builds.

What You Need Before You Begin

To use PoE with WisBlock, you will need:

1. RAK13800 Ethernet Module
   This is mandatory—the RAK19018 does not have an Ethernet jack.
2. RAK19018 PoE Module
   Mounts onto the RAK13800.
3. PoE switch or PoE injector
   This is the device that sends power over the Ethernet cable.
4. CAT5 or CAT6 Ethernet cable

If you have these four things, you’re ready to use PoE

How the Two Modules Work Together

Here’s what happens behind the scenes:

1. You connect a PoE-enabled Ethernet cable to the RAK13800.
2. The RAK19018 identifies itself to the PoE source using a “Class 0” signature—a standard PoE requirement.
3. Once the PoE equipment confirms it’s safe, it sends power down the cable.
4. The RAK19018 converts that 36–57V power into a clean, regulated 5V supply.
5. The WisBlock base and modules run off this 5V output.

Essentially, the RAK13800 handles communication, while the RAK19018 handles power.

Why Use PoE for WisBlock Projects?

• Clean installations — One cable for both network and power.
• Better for remote mounting — Perfect for ceiling nodes, outdoor boxes, and smart hubs.
• Reliable — Regulated 5V power improves stability over long cable runs.
• No extra power adapters needed — Reduces clutter and failure points.

If you’re building an IoT gateway, sensor hub, or anything mounted far from a wall outlet, PoE is a great choice.

Common Pitfalls & Tips

1. Low Power Draw Issues

Some WisBlock builds don’t consume much power.
When the load is too low:

• Some PoE switches may think “nothing is connected”
• They shut off power, causing the device to reset or not turn on

Fix: Add a small extra load (fan, LED strip, or another WisBlock module) so the PoE source stays active.

2. Use a Proper PoE Source

Make sure your switch or injector explicitly supports:

• IEEE 802.3af PoE

Non-standard “passive PoE” adapters should NOT be used.

3. Cable Quality Matters

Use CAT5 or CAT6 cables in good condition to avoid power drop or unstable PoE negotiation.

Typical Setup Example

A standard PoE-powered WisBlock project will include:

• WisBlock Base Board
• WisBlock Core (e.g., RAK4631 or RAK11722)
• RAK13800 Ethernet Interface Module
• RAK19018 PoE Module
• Ethernet cable connected to a PoE switch/injector

Once everything is connected, your WisBlock will power on automatically as soon as the PoE source supplies power.

Summary

The RAK19018 makes it easy to add Power-over-Ethernet to your WisBlock project. When paired with the RAK13800 Ethernet Module, it lets your device get both network and power from a single cable. It’s simple, clean, and ideal for remote or hard-to-reach installations.

Just remember:

• You must use it with the RAK13800
• Use a standard 802.3af PoE source
• Low-power builds may need a small extra load

With these points in mind, adding PoE to your WisBlock project becomes straightforward and reliable.

https://docs.rakwireless.com/product-categories/wisblock/rak19018/overview