Which of the following is used for powering small, Ethernet devices over standard Category cabling?

Power over Ethernet (PoE) is a technology that enables electrical power to be transmitted along with data over standard Ethernet cabling, specifically using Category cables like Cat5e or Cat6. This is particularly useful for powering small devices such as IP cameras, wireless access points, and VoIP phones without the need for a separate power supply. It simplifies installation by allowing a single cable to handle both power and data, thus reducing clutter and costs associated with additional wiring.

In contrast, Powerline Networking allows data transmission over existing electrical wiring but does not provide power to devices. USB Power Delivery is a protocol that delivers power via USB connections but is not applicable to Ethernet cabling. Wireless Power Transfer involves delivering power via electromagnetic fields but is not relevant in the context of conventional wired networking.

Understanding the capabilities of PoE allows for more efficient designs in networks where power accessibility might be challenging, making it a vital aspect of modern AV installation practices.