Large business networks nowadays span hundreds of kilometers in terms of geographical distance, mainly owing to globalization, wherein an organization has multiple offices across countries and cities. Such networks need to be robust with large bandwidth and the right connected devices. Usually, this is a mesh of dissimilar networks connected through PoE switches, media converters, and so on. The increased span of networks can be mainly attributed to fiber optics. To expand and upgrade existing legacy networks, fiber optics is now widely used by businesses to blend with the current network. This helps increase the transmission distance, security, bandwidth, signal strength, and so on. Fiber optic network switches, PoE and PoE+ switches, and media converters play an important role in achieving a robust blended network capable of bulky data transfer at high speeds. However, like most other technologies users may face certain issues with using PoE switches.
So, what is Power over Ethernet or PoE and what are the common issues faced by users. This post discusses the same.
What is a PoE Technology and its Power Transmission Process?
Power over Ethernet or PoE is a technology that enables PoE devices such as switches to supply power over a copper or fiber cable simultaneously and parallel to data transmission. In a network, this has been especially useful when cables pass through remote areas that have power and connectivity issues. With this, there is no need to connect these devices to the local electric supply as they can be powered through PoE. This saves on additional electric supplies and reduces wiring as well. While this is the core concept of PoE, like any other technology, its newer versions have been developed. This is a continual process. So, the new version is PoE+ switches which have some advanced features and functionalities than the former. Likewise, there is PoE++ as well. Primarily, PoE comprises the following components.
- Powered Device (PD): This is a receiving device which receives the power supplied from the sourcing equipment such as a switch. There may be multiple PDs in a single network.
- Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE): A network switch works as PSE as it supplies power to the powered device. Depending on the length of the network, there may be additional power supply required in between before the power is supplied to PD. This is called mid span transmission. The other way is end span transmission, wherein, the power is supplied from source to destination, without any additional power supply in between.
- Cable: This is a medium of bidirectional power transfer between PSE and PD. This may be fiber optic or an Ethernet cable.
What is a PoE Switch?
A PoE switch supplies power as well as data over a single cable through different strands of wire. If the network cables pass through an area which is off the grid or not very well connected, power switches can be used there to power the connected devices on the network. The PoE junction on these switches controls and manages data as well as power transmission over a cable. As mentioned, a PoE switch acts as the power sourcing equipment or PSE for the powered devices. Most Ethernet as well as fiber optic network switches have the PoE feature. A switch may have multiple ports of various types such as RJ45 for copper cables and SFP modules for fiber optic cables. PoE switches are usually managed ones with multiple connector slots and 10/100/1000 mbps data rate. In most models, the number of RJ45 connectors are more than SFP ports. Most switches have a simple plug-n-play operation which makes them user friendly. In spite of all these features, at times users may face problems with their PoE functionality. The next section of this post focuses on the same.
Possible Issues Users May Face When Using PoE Switches
By reading this, you may know the basics of PoE technology and switches; however, there may be some challenges when actually using them. There are many devices such as IP phones, surveillance cameras, and so on which receive power from PoE switches on the network. However, if you are a new user, you need to become aware of the probable issues in spite of the many advantages PoE offers. Here are some of the common issues.
- Slow speed: With increasing network sizes and complexities and multiple devices drawing power from a PoE switch, the speed of data transfer may decrease, especially in case there are bulky audio and video files transferred along with power. The issue can be addressed using a high capacity switch.
- Network size and environment: While PoE has proven to be efficient for low- to mid-level networks, there may be issues when using the same for large networks. These include midway interruptions due to long distance transmission or line losses. In this case, the power supplies need to be boosted. Also, you can use AC instead of DC current. Here, it is recommended to seek technical assistance.
- Power capacity: When selecting the switch, its adapter needs to be just as powerful and have a high wattage depending upon the requirement. This ensures power supply to all the designated PDs.
- Compatibility: Any device you add onto the network needs to be compatible with the existing devices, else it will not function. When selecting a PoE switch ensure it is compatible with all types of networks and their devices. In case of non-compliance with any devices, you may require extra tools to make it work which will increase the cost as well as complexity.
- Weather conditions: Heavy rain, lightning, and so on may affect the power line, and the power supply may shut down in between. A wiser option here is to transmit the power using a fiber cable as it is resistant to such environmental parameters and is laid underground.
If you are looking to upgrade your network or looking exclusively for PoE switches or fiber optic network switches, ensure you get the correct network devices sourced from an experienced and reliable supplier. Also, ensure their compatibility with the existing devices and connectors. Look for a well-known and certified manufacturer and supplier who deals in PoE switches compatible with copper as well as fiber networks. To get the right output, it is crucial that you share your application requirements with the manufacturer.
Relix Networks provides excellent value Industrial PoE Switches with stable POE output.
Relix Networks makes more reliable, easy to use, and effective Products.
IP Cameras: An Advancement in Technology IP Cameras are the largest technological advancement since cameras have been produced.
There are basically two types of video surveillance systems, CCTV (closed-circuit television), also known as analog, and IP cameras, also known as network cameras.
Both CCTV systems and IP systems transmit video to the desired destination.
However, that is rapidly changing as IP cameras and storage devices have shown a continued decline in pricing.
In fact, many studies show that Burglar Alarm the total cost of ownership of a CCTV system is actually higher when compared over the life of the system.
CCTV uses coax and a power cable while an IP camera uses standard network (Cat 5e or Cat 6) cabling Home Security System India.
