Today’s enterprise infrastructure is data-driven. It requires endpoints to collect data, connectivity to transmit it, computing power to use it, and technology to secure it. Traditional infrastructures may lack the flexibility needed to place endpoints where data is collected. Network configurations may not support edge computing or have the capacity to send data for real-time processing. Protecting mission-critical capabilities becomes more challenging in hybrid environments.
Incorporating power over Ethernet (PoE) technology into new or existing networks can increase data collection, improve connectivity, and minimize system failures. PoE technology enables transmitting power and data through a single Ethernet cable. This integration eliminates the need for a separate power source, simplifies installation, and enhances safety.
With the latest Institute of Electronics and Electrical Engineering (IEEE) PoE standards, PoE technology can support devices requiring up to 100 watts of power over Cat 5e, 6, and 6A Ethernet cables. With PoE extenders, cable runs can exceed the standard delivery distance of 329 feet or 100 meters. These advances allow enterprises to connect more powerful devices such as kiosks, sensors, cameras, and alarms.
Building a PoE Infrastructure with PoE-Powered Devices
Endpoints act as the sensory inputs of data-driven infrastructures. They collect data to improve customer experiences and increase operational efficiency. PoE-powered devices like those highlighted below can also help secure facilities and decrease energy consumption.
LED Lighting
PoE exterior lighting facilitates data exchange between low-voltage LEDs and the IT network, ensuring safer facility access in low-light environments. Running cables to remote locations on college campuses or industrial complexes eliminates the need for additional and costly electrical wiring. PoE-powered devices can alert security systems when unexpected activity occurs, and when coupled with an uninterruptible power supply (UPS), they can continue normal operations even during power outages.
With PoE technology, installing lights in rarely used locations becomes more cost-effective. Occupancy sensor data tells the integrated monitoring system to activate lighting when people are present and to deactivate it when no longer needed, saving energy and lowering operating costs.
Kiosks
People view kiosks as information-delivering rather than information-gathering devices. Yet, kiosks provide essential information on human behavior. Way-finding kiosks collect data on where people go in buildings. In medical facilities, patients can use kiosks to check in upon arrival, and employees can even use them as time cards.
This information can identify scheduling conflicts and prevent delays. In hybrid work environments, kiosks could track which employees are in the office in case of emergencies. The flexibility of PoE devices allows IT departments to move devices quickly.
Surveillance Cameras
Feature-rich surveillance cameras require more power and higher transmission speeds for real-time data processing. High-quality video requires faster transmission speeds than wireless to deliver clear footage. Some PoE cameras use compression technology for more efficient storage and longer recording times.
The latest PoE cameras provide improved data quality and pan, tilt, and zoom (PTZ) capabilities. Newer technologies improve image quality in low-light environments, and integrated systems allow remote management of camera systems to support remote placement.
Access Control
PoE technology supports access control systems that allow employees and visitors to enter remote facilities. Large hospitals or industrial complexes have facilities spread over acres of land, some of which may be remote and rarely accessed. PoE devices can connect to a building’s local area network (LAN), and data can be sent over an enterprise’s wide area network (WAN) back to a central monitoring system.
The information collected at these endpoints allows an enterprise to make data-based security decisions. These technologies minimize energy consumption and ensure reliable access control with a UPS for highly secure facilities.
Wireless Access Points (WAPs)
Every enterprise requires wireless connectivity. However, providing adequate coverage to meet organizational needs can be difficult for some. Power may be unavailable in remote or hard-to-reach locations. Dead zones frustrate employees and visitors alike.
PoE-powered WAPs can eliminate dead zones and extend signal strength to the edge of an enterprise. They enable edge computing for improved data collection and processing. When added to an organization’s infrastructure, PoE WAPs can deliver equitable network services across an enterprise.
Creating an Enterprise Infrastructure with PoE Power Sourcing Equipment
PoE-powered devices need power-sourcing equipment (PSE) to deliver power and data. The following table outlines the relationship between power and data according to the IEEE PoE standards:
PoE Standard
PoE Power
PoE Data
IEEE 802.3af
15W
10/100/1000 Mbps
IEEE 802.3at
30W
10/100/1000 Mbps
IEEE 802.3bt Type 3
60W
2.5Gbps, 5Gbps, 10Gbps
IEEE 802.3bt Type 4
100W
2.5Gbps, 5Gbps, 10Gbps
The category of Ethernet cable depends on the distance from the power source and the desired data transfer rate. For example,
- Cat 6. 250MHz provides up to 10 Gbps over short distances (180 feet).
- Cat 6a. 500 MHz provides up to 10 Gbps over longer distances (328 feet).
- Cat 8. 2000 MHz provides up to 40 Gbps with a max distance of 98 feet.
Cat 5e cables operate at 100MHz with the same data transmission rates as Cat 6.
PoE switches can support some or all of the power and data ranges. Fortunately, PoE standards are backward compatible, so new switches can support older devices. Switches detect the power requirements of connected devices automatically and adjust power distribution as needed.
Versa’s 8-Port Managed GbE UPoE Switch
Versa Technology’s VX-GPU2610 is a versatile PoE switch offering the following connectivity:
- 4 UPOE ports supporting 802.3bt/at/af standards and 240 W of power.
- 4 10/10/100TX ports.
- 2 Combo 100/1000X SFP TX ports.
- RJ45 Console port.
These capabilities can help accelerate the integration of Ethernet-based control systems and operational technologies, such as lighting and HVAC, with IT-managed devices for a robust Enterprise infrastructure. The Versa VX-GPU2610 switch delivers advanced features for improved device management, including:
- Layer 2 managed features with Layer 3 static routing.
- Embedded device management system to simplify installation, configuration, and monitoring.
- Dual hot-swappable 1440W power supply for continuous operation.
- Universal Power over Ethernet (UPOE) with port configuration and scheduling options.
- IEEE 802.3az EEE Energy Efficient Ethernet standard for lower power consumption.
Versa Technology is a leader in PoE solutions. Their enterprise products provide the power and data speeds the most robust networks need. Explore their website for more information on building a PoE infrastructure.
