A pair of new networking peripherals allows for an iPad or iPhone with Lightning to not only get wired network access through the port, but power as well.
Announced on Tuesday, Redpark's Gigabit + PoE Adapter connects an iPad or iPhone to Gigabit Ethernet and uses power over ethernet (PoE) to charge the device through a single ethernet cable when connected to a compatible network switch or power injector. The Gigabit + Power Adapter also connects an iPhone or iPad to a wired Ethernet network and uses an external AC power adapter to provide power to the device, eliminating the need for a PoE network switch.
Power and data are carried from either adapter to the device by a replaceable Lightning to micro USB cable.
Specific use cases for such a device are generally related to fixed installations like libraries or point-of-sale. Alternatively, either can be used for live streaming video from an iPhone where wireless networks might be congested, or latency is high.
Both adapters retail for $99. The Gigabit + PoE Adapter is available now, with the Gigabit + Power Adapter shipping in September.
Cabling is sold separately, and starts at $25 for a 16-inch cable, and $29 for 10 feet. Redpark's cabling is not required, with any MFi-certified micro USB to Lightning offering compatible with either device.