[kbaker]

I could hope for a future PoE-over-Data Line (PoDL) version using an 18 AWG twisted pair that would work for this, providing something like 48V @ 3 or 4 A, and 10BASE-T1L for data. Hopefully a standard way to do this gains traction.

The existing limitation is with the 2x23 AWG (or 4x23 AWG) of Cat5e/6/6a not providing a lot of current-carrying capability at a safe voltage.

[grumpy-de-sre]

Big concern IMO with 10BASE-T1 and PoDL for long runs / in wall installations etc is the lack of galvanic isolation. Maybe I'm just paranoid but there's a ton of advantages to not having to worry about things like ground loops and common mode voltages etc.

What I wouldn't mind would be a beefier 100BASE-TX 2-pair cable spec, and some extended PoE profiles. You'd need high current magnetics or something but surely that's possible.