POE on WAN interface
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I currently run an SG-4860 on a conventional cable ISP terminal adapter (Suddenlink). I've been parallel testing Starlink at my home and am about to start integrating Starlink into my pfSense environment, probably as the primary WAN and using my Suddenlink connection in a failover group. Is there any issue with using the Starlink router connection, which has POE, into the SG-4860?
Thanks,
Rick -
@ramosel
So I presume you're using a PoE injector. An injector provides the power output only on one of its ports, this one has to face towards the Starlink. On the other port there is no power, so there should be no issue. -
@viragomann Thanks... but No, the Starlink power/interface brick runs POE to the physical dish AND to their own router. Their router has no other power input other than the RJ45 cable with POE. So the POE is there by default but I'm not sure if it is "on request" or "always on". I plugged in an old Linksys router and the Starlink interface supplies a connection but the power light above the "white connector" on the Starlink power brick/interface does not illuminate so I'm assuming (dangerous, I know) there is no POE being committed to the port if it's not their device (router).
At this time there are absolutely no admin controls of either the Starlink power brick/interface or their router.
So, If I'm wrong and the POE is always on, I just want to make sure it will or will not affect the SG-4860 WAN port (igb1)
Others are running the powerbrick/interface output (white side) connector directly to a pfSense WAN port and it's working. I just haven't seen or heard of it being done with a Negate device yet. They are a bit pricey to fry.
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POE is a standard that is based on voltage difference between select copperpairs and is only used if the Client uses POE to power itself.
If it does, the initial part of the connection negotiates the actual powerdelivery.
If it does not, no power is used and the link is for all intents and purposes a regular Nonpowered Ethernet link.So there is No harm in uplinking your pfSense box to a POE capable port on another device.
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@keyser Again, Thanks, really!
I do know how POE works but I was asking a different question. SpaceX/Starlink is playing a bit with the standard (high wattage) on the dish side (enough to melt snow), unsure on the router side. I have tested with two non-Netgate devices and have seen no POE present. But I was hoping someone on the Netgate side could deliver a definitive answer.Guess I'll give it a try and hope for the best.
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Yeah, there is a standard for PoE but not everything uses it. There are plenty of 'passive' PoE devices out there using whatever random voltage to get the job done that don't play nicely with other stuff. We have seen ports toasted by such equipment.
Does it claim to be standard compliant?
You could put it though a switch. Even through the switch on the other router as long as it's other functions are disabled.
Steve
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@stephenw10 Thanks for the response... so far I've not been able to get anything from them on what they are doing. So I've done exactly what you recommended and ran the connection through a non-POE switch to be sure I strip anything that might be there.
I have a new device coming to detect POE and its power if present.Sorry for the delayed response, wasn't ignoring your input. I thought I had responded but it must have ended up in the bit bucket somehow.
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No worries. Let us know how Starlink works out for you.
Steve
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If it's passive PoE, you can use one "gigabit passive poe injector" to isolate..... ;)
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Just as an FYI, I did order some tools from POE-Texas and the Starlink Box that powers the dish and their router puts out 24v DC passive on the router side. When I plug that line into my SG-4860, there is NO POE voltage to the WAN port.
So apparently they are only pushing high wattage to the dish when it is in "snow melt" mode. I've read on various places people are measuring ~140watts on that line... which is certainly non-standard.
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Mmm, that does seem non-standard. I would be reluctant to connect that to anything but the expected equipment TBH.
