How to Solve the Four Most Common Problems with PoE++ Devices (Julio Petrovitch)

In 2018, the IEEE 802.3bt (PoE++) standard for Power Over Ethernet was approved. It offered more power, allowing devices like high-powered security cameras to be run on PoE. Which is great – until the installer uses the wrong cable to connect a camera and can’t figure out why it won’t power on.

Having multiple standards makes troubleshooting PoE issues more complicated. For example, many field technicians or network engineers don’t realize that upgrading to new pan-tilt-zoom cameras or to Wi-Fi 7 access points with multiple radios will require a PoE upgrade as well. As offices and warehouses deploy more smart devices that need PoE++, testing becomes more important. This article will explain the PoE++ standard, best practices in PoE deployment and testing, and how to solve several common problems.

What is the PoE++ Standard?

ATM Jackpot for Hackers: Inside the $3.6M Bitcoin Depot Breach

The recent breach of Bitcoin Depot highlights yet another reminder that in the world of cryptocurrency, the weakest link often isn’t the blockchain—it’s everything around it. According to the report, attackers infiltrated the company’s internal IT systems on March 23, 2026, and managed to steal over 50 Bitcoin, valued at roughly $3.6 million. U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filings revealed the hackers gained access to sensitive credentials tied to digital asset settlement accounts, allowing them to transfer funds before the breach was contained. (BleepingComputer)

Switch Reporting Mystery Solved

For those of you who have read my past articles, I have said countless times that you should "Know your tools". Over the years, I find a lot of examples of this simple statement.  Funny thing is how many times people just shrug their shoulders and say "oh well"...  

A few weeks ago, while troubleshooting, I noticed something odd. There were multiple mac/ip entries for individual switch ports. 

🧠 DHCP Logs Decoded: The Tiny Tool That Packs a Networking Punch

 When it comes to digging through messy Windows DHCP logs, DHCP Log Viewer from NirSoft is one of those hidden gems that quietly makes your life a whole lot easier. This lightweight, no-install utility takes the chaos of raw DHCP audit logs and turns it into something you can actually read—without needing PowerShell wizardry or endless scrolling through text files. If you’ve ever tried troubleshooting IP conflicts or lease issues using default Windows tools, you’ll instantly appreciate what this tool brings to the table. https://www.nirsoft.net/utils/dhcp_log_view.html

Certification vs. Qualification vs. Bit Rate Testing: What’s the Difference?

 

Picture this: You plug in a cable. The link light on the switch turns green. You ping the device, and it replies. You walk away thinking, "Job done."

 

But a week later, the camera goes offline intermittently, or the access point drops clients when traffic spikes. Why? Because a simple link light only tells you there is electrical continuity. It doesn't tell you if the cable can actually handle sustained data load.