You Can Run IP Loudspeakers on Your Existing Network Cable

If your building is already wired for data and VoIP, you can run IP loudspeakers over the same Cat5e or Cat6 cabling. The two things that make it possible are Power over Ethernet (PoE) and IP audio. Here is how it actually works, what you need, and when it is still smarter to use traditional 70V distributed audio.

What PoE gives you

PoE delivers both power and data over a single Ethernet cable. For audio, that means no parallel electrical runs, no separate amplifier closets per zone, and no step-down transformers at every speaker. The IP loudspeaker gets its power and its audio signal from the same cable that already lives above your ceiling tiles.

Two PoE standards matter for commercial audio:

• PoE+ (IEEE 802.3at): Delivers up to 30W per port, with about 25W usable at the device (source). Fine for standard IP ceiling and IP horn loudspeakers used for paging, music, and announcements.
• PoE++ (IEEE 802.3bt): Delivers up to 60W (Type 3) or 90W (Type 4) per port, with about 51W or 71W at the device (source). This opens the door to higher-output IP loudspeakers and IP endpoints that need more headroom.

Important Switch Considerations: Most PoE+ and PoE++ switches cannot deliver the full rated PoE power to all ports simultaneously. Verify the switch’s total available PoE power budget to determine the maximum number of PoE loudspeakers and other PoE devices it can support. Form example, a PoE+ switch with a 370-watt power supply can support 12 ports each with 30 watts of power simultaneously.

Cable requirements are modest. Cat5e works for most PoE+ installations, and Cat6 is preferred for 802.3bt and longer runs because 802.3bt uses all four pairs for power delivery.

What you can actually install

For most commercial buildings, the practical options are:

• IP ceiling and surface-mount loudspeakers for lobbies, offices, hallways, and classrooms.
• IP horn loudspeakers for warehouses, loading docks, and outdoor areas.
• IP visual displays and strobes that pair with the audio layer for emergency notification.
• IP intercom and talkback stations for two-way communication.

The AtlasIED IPX Series covers all four categories on a PoE+-powered IP network. A single Cat5e or Cat6 run to each endpoint delivers power, audio, and bidirectional control.

Where PoE audio shines

PoE audio is the right call when you want to:

• Add zones without pulling new power or speaker wire.
• Use your existing IT team and network infrastructure instead of standing up a separate low-voltage system.
• Scale incrementally. One IP endpoint, one cable, one switch port.
• Integrate paging and emergency alerts with your existing mass notification software. The IPX Series pairs natively with Singlewire InformaCast for this.
• Get notified when IP loudspeakers go offline.
• Simplify moves, adds, and changes. Repurposing a floor rarely requires rework beyond the switch config.

When 70V still makes sense

PoE audio is not a replacement for every system. Traditional 70V distributed audio is still the better fit when:

• You need a lot of loudspeakers per zone and the cost per endpoint matters more than cable savings.
• The runs are longer than your switches can comfortably power.
• The design calls for very high SPL in large open areas where high-wattage transformer speakers are more efficient.

Many modern buildings end up with a mix. PoE audio handles IP paging, emergency notification, and distributed office zones, while 70V handles large back-of-house areas or legacy spaces that already have wire in place.

For a design that balances both, AtlasIED Design Assistance can map the right split based on your switch inventory, cabling, and project goals.

FAQ

Can IP loudspeakers run on the same network cable as data and phones?

Yes. With PoE+ (802.3at) or PoE++ (802.3bt), a single Cat5e or Cat6 cable can deliver power, audio, and control to each IP loudspeaker.

What PoE standard do IP loudspeakers need?

Most IP ceiling and horn loudspeakers work on PoE+ (up to 30W per port). Higher-output devices may need PoE++ (up to 60W or 90W per port).

When should I use 70V instead of PoE audio?

70V is often better for zones with many loudspeakers, runs beyond switch power limits, or large open areas needing very high SPL.