I Built the World's Only PoE Powered Gate

Automating a farm gate using Power over Ethernet (PoE) requires a centralized power distribution system that converts a single incoming Ethernet connection into separate voltage outputs for the motor, batteries, and network hardware, all routed through buried conduit for protection.

• Trenching infrastructure — A 300-foot underground path was excavated to house conduit, shielding Ethernet cabling from potential physical damage while preventing interference with existing utility lines [06:46].
• Power distribution — A 90-watt PoE injector splits power into two paths:
  • A 36V DC output manages the gate motor and maintains battery levels.
  • A 24V DC output operates the intercom, camera, and gate hub [30:04].
• Mechanical installation — Concrete anchors required reinforcement with epoxy due to the physical stress applied by the gate’s opening and closing mechanism [29:00].
• Cable deployment — A vacuum suction method was used to thread a guide string through the conduit, which allowed for the installation of the Ethernet cable over the distance [09:54].
• Control automation — The gate uses a license plate recognition camera to identify incoming vehicles and trigger the automated opening sequence without user input [29:35].

How does the power distribution architecture differentiate between the power needs of the motor and the network hardware?

What mechanism does the gate use to trigger the opening sequence for authorized vehicles?