Although it became standard only in 2003, IEEE 802.3af Power over Ethernet has been widely adopted. It is used to power Voice over IP phones, wireless access points and many other network-connected products. The main barrier to even wider adoption has been its limitation to 12.95W for each powered device (PD).

Devices such as videophones and dual-band wireless access points require more than 12.95W. Network connected surveillance cameras limited to 12.95W can photograph a fixed scene, but more power is required to pan, tilt or zoom. The IEEE quickly recognized the need to extend the standard and launched the 802.3at, Power over Ethernet Plus Task Force late in 2004.

The primary goal of the 802.3at Task Force is to develop a standard capable of delivering a minimum of 30W per PD and, if possible, more than 30W. Meeting the 30W goal will allow 802.3at to support videophones and dual-band access points. It will also enable support for devices such as RFID readers, industrial sensors and outdoor access points.