Deciding what type of network clock you need, whether it be Wi-Fi or PoE (Power Over Ethernet), all depends on the connection to the internet in your facility. Some buildings may have more accessibility than others, so it's really up to you when purchasing your clock system. Here are some tips for determining what will work best for you.
If you are currently running Ethernet cables into various locations in your office or school, you can plug in an Ethernet clock with any Cat 5 cable for simple, synchronized time. PoE (power over Ethernet) works great if you are close to an established Ethernet outlet or you can make that quick connection to your Ethernet switch.
You may be near an electrical outlet, but don’t want the hassle of running additional cables. In this case, if your building has a strong Wi-Fi connection, it’s extremely easy to establish synchronized time with electric Wi-Fi clocks. If you don’t have a strong Wi-Fi connection or you are unsure, don’t worry, it is still very easy to set up an access point. If you can establish a Wi-Fi connection for your mobile devices, you can get synchronized time with Wi-Fi clock.
Another option for you (as you can see there are many), is a battery powered Wi-Fi clock. You just need to connect the battery pack on the back of the clock, and you will have synchronized time for up to five years. This is a great option if you have a clock that needs to be in a space that is nowhere near an electrical outlet.
Network clocks can tell you the time, but some can deliver much more. Let me explain: We have LED displays that give you more information aside from synchronized time like weather, the date, scheduled messages, as well as emergency alerts and updates. Network clocks have the capability to do this because of their direct connection to the internet. So, they not only keep your employees or students up-to-date on information at your facility, they give them an even higher level of security in emergency circumstances.
As you can see, there are plenty of options. It just depends on where you want to hang your clocks and what you want to use them for. Take your time (no pun intended) and choose the right Wi-Fi or PoE clock for you and your facility.