Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology has made significant advances in the last 20 years. PoE is no longer limited to 15W of power over 100 meters/ 330 feet of cable. It can now support 100W of power over 300, 800, 1000 meters, and more when supported by a PoE extender. Additionally, data rates continue to climb with 10Gbps, introduced in 2002, outpacing Internet speeds of 2Gbps in 2023. Continuous improvement of power and data delivery standards over PoE is one reason the Internet of Things (IoT) market is projected to reach almost $2 billion by the end of 2023.
What Does PoE Look Like in the 21st Century?
PoE technology transmits power and data over a single Ethernet cable. Its original design used four of the eight wires in an Ethernet cable. Today’s high-speed, high-power technology uses all eight wires in four twisted pairs. The Institute of Electrical and Engineering (IEEE) oversees the technical standards that govern how the technology should be deployed.
The IEEE published its 802.3af standard in 2003, also known as Type 1. In 2009, the 802.3at standard (Type 2) increased the power capacity to 30W. In 2018, the IEEE 802.3bt standard boosted the power capabilities up to 60W for Type 3 devices such as video conferencing equipment, high-performance wireless access points, and PTZ cameras. The 802.3bt standard was later amended to support Type 4 devices, such as laptops and flat screens, which require up to 100W of power. The standard also reduced the in-cable power loss, making the technology more energy efficient.
However, the need for faster transmission speeds came with demands for more power. Original Ethernet capabilities offered 10/100 megabits per second (Mbps), but IoT growth increased the demand for higher data speeds. As organizations deployed more IoT devices, data collection at the network edge grew, requiring faster data transmission.
Today’s PoE technology is powering entire smart buildings and college campuses. The technology appears in thousands of remote devices that comprise an enterprise-wide network. We’re even seeing indications now that PoE technology can be used in vehicles, especially as the demand for more computing power increases.
What PoE Devices Can Be Deployed Outside?
Common outdoor PoE uses include:
- WiFi access points.
- IP surveillance cameras.
- Smart lighting.
- Signage.
- Sensors.
- Card readers.
- Display screens.
Although many implementations still use the Type 2 standard with 30W of power, newer applications are taking advantage of the latest PoE standards to allow organizations to deploy more feature-rich devices.
With more power, outdoor WiFi access points can deliver stronger signals with more built-in intelligence. For example, the hospitality industry can place access points to meet guest expectations without worrying about power or signal quality.
PoE technology plays a pivotal role in creating smart buildings and factories. Companies use PoE to deliver smart lighting to outdoor spaces. PoE devices can keep remote locations secure with hardened card readers. Because of the faster speeds and increased power, PoE-enabled IP surveillance cameras can deliver high-speed, high-definition video and images. Centralized monitoring stations have better camera control as the technology can provide the power needed to support the added functionality.
Digital signage is a growing trend in an ever-increasing number of settings including in-store by retail marketers. It engages customers in ways that a traditional sign couldn’t. With today’s PoE technology, digital signage can be deployed without running electrical wires. Deployment is faster, costs are lower, and the latest PoE standards can easily support power and data requirements.
As more organizations deploy IoT devices, network engineers should establish a topology that outlines each device’s power and data requirements. They will also need to consider adding extenders in areas where the distance exceeds the range of coverage.
In What Environments Can an Outdoor PoE Installation Occur?
Standard electronic devices are not designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions. This is due to performance stress aggravated by exposure to dust, moisture, sunlight, or extreme temperatures. However, there are ways to mitigate the impact on PoE devices, including using shielded Ethernet cables to protect against electrostatic interference.
Dust
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) established an Ingress Protection Rating in its standard 60529. The rating indicates the device’s resistance to solid contaminants such as dust, sand, and ash, as well as to liquids. The two-numerical rating uses the first number for solid and the second for liquid resistance. A value of 69 is the highest rating a device can receive.
Temperatures
Smartphones turn off if left in the sun. Automated devices stop working in extreme cold. Look for devices that can withstand temperatures as low as -40F. In hot climates, the device should operate in temperatures up to 131F.
Sunlight
Outdoor devices should have a UV rating of at least 60950-22. The Underwriters Laboratory (UL) rating also indicates the devices resist UV exposure.
Fire
Outdoor devices should also carry a UL rating for flame-retardant plastics. PoE outdoor devices require a 5VB rating.
Power Disruption
Power surges can result from fluctuations in the power grid, faulty wiring, and Mother Nature. The best way to protect against surges that can damage a device or the network is to use surge protectors and an uninterruptible power supply (UPS). Surge protectors can help with minor changes in power, while a UPS can power a network for hours.
Using a Hardened or Industrial Casing or Enclosure
Depending on the location, a PoE device may need a NEMA-rated enclosure. The US National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) rates an enclosure’s ability to protect against corrosion. A 4X rating means the device has received the highest rating.
Versa Technology
Versa Technology, Inc. is an industry leader in Power over Ethernet (PoE) solutions. We are committed to delivering the latest PoE solutions for outdoor PoE installation.
Sources:
www.electronicdesign.com/markets/automation/article/21808752/onsemi-11-myths-about-poe
www.statista.com/outlook/tmo/internet-of-things/worldwide
