The Significance of Industrial PoE Switches Breaking Power Limits

PoE technology standards have evolved and currently have three main types: IEEE 802.3 af, IEEE 802.3 at, and IEEE 802.3 bt standards. Each standard specification has different requirements for parameters such as power requirements at the receiving end, power at the supply end, voltage range at the supply end, and voltage range at the receiving end.

To meet the demand for higher power in PD devices, the new IEEE 802.3bt (also known as PoE++) was released in 2018, and the new standard revised the previous PoE and PoE+ specifications to extend the power level to 90W. Moreover, 802.3bt is backward compatible with 802.3at and 802.3af. A lower power 802.3at or 802.3af PD device can be connected to a higher power 802.3bt PSE and can provide up to 90W power output through four or more pairs of CAT5E cables.

Breaking through the power limit of industrial PoE switches has the following important implications for industrial networks:

1. Provide greater power supply capacity: Traditional PoE standards (such as IEEE 802.3af and IEEE 802.3at) specify the maximum power supply for PoE, typically 15.4W or 30W. However, certain industrial devices such as high-power cameras, wireless access points, and industrial sensors may require higher power supply capabilities. By breaking through power limitations, industrial PoE switches can provide greater power supply capacity to meet the needs of these devices, ensure their correct operation, and avoid power shortages.

2. Simplify installation and maintenance: PoE technology allows for data and power transmission through Ethernet cables, avoiding additional power lines and sockets, and simplifying the installation and maintenance of network devices. By breaking through power limitations, industrial PoE switches can power more types of devices, thereby reducing the number of required power lines and simplifying the wiring and maintenance of the entire network system.

3. Promote remote device deployment: In industrial environments, many devices need to be deployed in distant locations, such as distributed surveillance cameras, remote sensors, etc. By using PoE power supply, industrial PoE switches can provide long-distance power supply capabilities, extending power transmission distances to several hundred meters, enabling more flexible equipment layout and remote deployment, reducing restrictions near power sources.

4. Improve system reliability: By breaking through power limitations, industrial PoE switches can provide more power reserves for industrial equipment. In industrial environments, power stability and reliability are crucial for the normal operation of systems. By providing greater power supply capacity, industrial PoE switches can ensure that equipment continues to operate in the event of power fluctuations or power failures, improving system reliability and stability.

Due to breaking through power limitations, the application scenarios of industrial PoE switches have been greatly expanded. Industrial PoE switches have been extended from traditional WLAN, Network monitoring, IP phone and other application scenarios to smart buildings, smart retail, IoT (Industrial internet of things), Skynet project and other scenarios, reflecting the characteristics of low cost, convenient construction, stable power supply, high operation and maintenance efficiency. Among them, the application of industrial PoE switches in the field of intelligent buildings is more anticipated.

A large number of information systems and high-power IP devices in intelligent buildings, such as LED lighting, wireless APs, routers, PCs, security systems (access control, IP cameras, PTZ cameras), sensors, etc., can all be powered by PoE. In addition to providing higher power and low standby power consumption for high-power PoE devices, it also helps to save energy, quickly start devices, and meet the needs of emergency lighting and other application scenarios. PoE technology makes the entire building system more intelligent, efficient, flexible, and easy to manage.