Smarter, Sustainable Computing
The way we power technology is evolving. For decades, computers and monitors have depended on AC power — plugs, wall sockets, tangled cords, and bulky power bricks. But in today’s world, where efficiency, sustainability, and flexibility are essential, Power over Ethernet (PoE) offers a smarter alternative.
With Thinlabs’ industry-leading PoE solutions, a single network cable delivers both power and data. No wall sockets. No rewiring. No clutter. Just one clean, reliable connection that makes technology simpler to deploy, more efficient to operate, and easier to scale.
PoE is transforming infrastructure across hospitals, clinics, schools, and workplaces with computing that is scalable, sustainable, and future-ready.
What is Power over Ethernet?
Power over Ethernet is a proven networking technology that allows low-voltage DC power to be transmitted alongside data through a standard Cat6 Ethernet cable. Originally designed for phones, Wi-Fi access points, and security cameras, PoE has now been engineered to support fully featured PCs.
Thinlabs has pioneered this next step: delivering complete All-in-One computers and digital signage powered entirely by PoE. By eliminating traditional AC plugs and bricks, we create a smarter, greener, and safer foundation for modern IT infrastructure.
How PoE Computing Works in Practice
A PoE-enabled network switch or injector delivers both power and connectivity to each device. Thinlabs All-in-Ones are designed to draw ultra-low power — typically under 25 W — so they can operate reliably on PoE+ and PoE++ standards (up to 90 W).
That means:
- No electrical rewiring or new outlets required
- No mandatory test & tag compliance costs
- No bulky towers, bricks, or trailing cables
- Just plug a Cat6 cable into a PoE switch and the workstation is ready to use
Technical Advantages of Thinlabs PoE Computing
Unlike competitors who simply retrofit AC-powered desktops with converters, Thinlabs designs its devices from the ground up for true PoE. This purpose-built approach delivers a range of technical advantages:
- Supports PoE+, PoE++ (up to 90 W) – More than enough capacity to run high-performance All-in-Ones.
- Ultra-low power design – Typical draw <25 W versus 60–100 W for desktops.
- Integrated display & computer – No external tower, PSU, or cords.
- Gigabit Ethernet – Power and data over a single high-speed cable.
- Scalability – Seamlessly integrates with PoE infrastructure already used for phones, cameras, and Wi-Fi.
- Sustainability – Lower energy, less e-waste, longer lifecycles.
- Reliability – Simplified design with fewer failure points, backed by up to 5-year warranties.
Comparison Snapshot:
- PoE (up to 90 W) vs AC power setups – PoE delivers everything over one cable; AC requires power sockets, power bricks, and additional wiring.
- Thinlabs AIO vs traditional desktops – 25 W typical draw vs 60–100 W; one cable vs multiple cords; compact integrated design vs bulky towers.
- Thinlabs AIO vs competitors – Energy savings, longer warranty, and true PoE computing rather than AC-to-DC conversions with inverters that waste energy.
Why Workplaces Should Adopt PoE
Energy Efficiency
Thinlabs devices consume up to 60% less electricity than traditional desktops (under 25 W vs 60–100 W). Lower consumption means reduced operating costs, less heat, and lighter cooling loads.
Flexibility & Scalability
Any network port can become a workstation. Need to expand into a new ward, classroom, or office? Simply add devices to existing PoE infrastructure and scale quickly without disruption.
Reliability
With fewer components and fewer failure points, Thinlabs PoE devices are built for 24/7 use and supported by warranties of up to 5 years.
Sustainability & ESG Alignment
Every device deployed reduces Scope 1 onsite energy use, Scope 2 grid electricity consumption, and Scope 3 embodied carbon from excess parts and e-waste. For organisations pursuing Net Zero or Green ICT goals, PoE is a direct enabler.
Energy Use & Environmental Impact
Each Thinlabs workstation consumes up to 60% less power than a traditional desktop. Across a hospital with hundreds of devices or a university campus with thousands of PCs, this translates into major savings on electricity bills and a measurable reduction in carbon emissions.
Lower power use also means less heat output, which reduces the load on air-conditioning systems. This not only cuts additional energy costs but also extends the lifespan of IT equipment in busy environments.
From a sustainability perspective, Thinlabs solutions support organisations in reducing emissions across all three categories defined by the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting (NGER) Scheme.
Scope 1
Reduced onsite energy use and cooling requirements.
Scope 2
Lower purchased grid electricity consumption.
Scope 3
Less cabling, fewer external components, and longer product life cycles mean reduced upstream and downstream carbon impact.
Globally, organisations adopting ultra-low-power devices like Thinlabs report measurable contributions to Net Zero strategies.
A Closer Look: PoE in Healthcare
Here’s how PoE delivers measurable benefits for every stakeholder:
Government & ESG Leaders
Thinlabs helps health systems meet sustainability goals by cutting energy use by up to 60% per device. With reduced onsite power, lower purchased electricity, and less e-waste, our solutions directly support Scope 1, 2, and 3 emission targets.
IT Teams
Simpler infrastructure means fewer call-outs, faster deployments, and less downtime. With single-cable PoE installations and fewer failure points, IT teams can focus on strategy instead of constant support tickets.
Clinicians
Thinlabs technology is designed to keep clinicians focused on patients, not devices. Reliable, clutter-free workstations and mobile carts with Epicus batteries give them more time for care and less time wrestling with IT interruptions.
Patients
With smoother check-in, faster workflows, and fewer delays, patients experience more efficient care and reduced waiting times. Thinlabs technology helps hospitals feel modern, responsive, and patient-first.
Hospital Administrators
Thinlabs delivers measurable ROI through energy savings, reduced maintenance, and long warranties. By equipping staff with innovative, future-proof tools, administrators can lift productivity, improve staff satisfaction, and demonstrate investment in world-class care.
PoE Frequently Asked Questions
What is Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) computing?
PoE computing delivers both power and data through a single Ethernet cable. With Thinlabs, this means your PC can run without bulky power cords or wall sockets — just one clean cable connection.
How is a Thinlabs All-in-One PC different from a traditional desktop?
Thinlabs integrates the computer directly into the monitor and runs on PoE. That means fewer cables, no power bricks, lower energy use, and a compact, reliable design compared to bulky towers and high-wattage desktops.
Does PoE provide enough power to run a full PC?
Yes. Thinlabs All-in-Ones are designed to operate on ultra-low power, typically under 25 W. With PoE+ and PoE++ (up to 90 W), there is more than enough capacity to run the device reliably and efficiently.
What savings can I expect from PoE computing?
Each Thinlabs All-in-One typically uses up to 60% less power than a traditional desktop. Across a hospital, school, or enterprise rollout, this can mean thousands of dollars saved in energy costs, reduced cooling loads, and measurable reductions in carbon emissions.
Do I need to upgrade my network to use PoE PCs?
Many organisations already use PoE for phones, Wi-Fi, or cameras. If you have PoE+ or PoE++ switches, you’re ready to go. If not, upgrading switches is straightforward and often more cost-effective than installing new electrical outlets.
Where are Thinlabs All-in-One PCs most commonly used?
They are widely deployed in healthcare (nurse stations, patient check-in, carts), education (classrooms, computer labs), government offices, retail kiosks, and digital signage.
What is the environmental impact compared to traditional PCs?
Thinlabs devices consume less energy, generate less heat, and eliminate external power supplies and cabling. This reduces Scope 1 onsite energy use, Scope 2 purchased electricity, and Scope 3 embodied emissions from extra parts and e-waste.
Are Thinlabs devices reliable enough for critical environments like healthcare?
Yes. Thinlabs All-in-Ones are designed for 24/7 use, built with fewer failure points, and backed by warranties of up to 5 years when paired with Epicus batteries.
Can PoE computing scale across a large organisation?
Absolutely. PoE PCs can be rolled out gradually — starting with a single ward, classroom, or department — and scaled to thousands of devices as part of a long-term IT strategy.
Will lower power mean lower performance?
No. Thinlabs devices use modern, industrial grade efficient processors designed to deliver strong performance while keeping energy use low. They run the same applications and workloads as traditional desktops, without compromise.
What if my IT team prefers traditional desktops?
Thinlabs All-in-Ones reduce the workload for IT teams by cutting down on cabling, power supplies, and points of failure. They’re easier to deploy, easier to manage, and integrate seamlessly with existing networks.
What happens if my network goes down?
Thinlabs PCs operate like any other PC — if the network is down, locally installed applications still work. If power goes down, you'll gain the benefit of the UPS within the switch room coupled with the generator that powers the UPS in the event the UPS runs flat. Therefore, the likelihood of you continuing to run in a power outage is greater by using POE computing.
How do I justify the upfront investment?
Thinlabs solutions typically pay back through lower energy bills, reduced cooling needs, and simpler infrastructure. Combined with longer warranty periods and reduced maintenance, the total cost of ownership is significantly lower than legacy desktops.
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