Power over Ethernet: A Smart Way to Power Wireless LAN, Video, and Voice Devices

Power over Ethernet uses Category 5 and 5e wiring to deliver low-voltage electrical power inline to end devices on 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet LANs. 3Com, an early participant in the development of the IEEE 802.3af Power over Ethernet standard (PoE), offers innovative PoE devices including Wi-Fi certified access points and unique in-the-wall switches that deliver exceptionally flexible and cost-effective networking solutions.

Ideal for converged networks and wireless LANs, PoE offers three major benefits:

• High availability
  With a centralized PoE source, IT staff can manage network power consumption. Network administrators can use an SNMP management platform to monitor draws, budget and prioritize power availability, restrict the power delivered by specific ports, and prevent power overloads and unauthorized use of devices. The 3Com SuperStack® 3 Switch 4400 PWR and 3Com Baseline Switch 2226-PWR Plus also let administrators remotely turn off a network and lock it down, or turn it back on to reboot devices. Some schools use their 3Com PoE solution to turn off phones after hours. PoE can also reduce the number of wires—and the corresponding risk of damage and unintentional or intentional disconnection—and its low-voltage DC power protects devices against power spikes and surges.
  
  
• Cost savings
  An enterprise can use PoE to extend power across its network without incurring the capital expenses and labor costs for installing conduits, outlets, and local power cords, as well as pulling electrical wire. The corresponding costs of business delays and disruption are also avoided. All these cost savings are multiplied by in-the-wall 3Com IntelliJack™ switches, which quickly expand manageable network device ports and forward inline power to other PoE devices.
  
  
• Configuration flexibility
  Independence from electrical outlets means IP phones and wireless access points can be located—and relocated—nearly anywhere. 3Com IP phones can be added in difficult-to-wire locations, such as buildings with asbestos or limited electrical outlets. 3Com Wireless LAN Access Points can be placed where RF coverage is strongest.

Easy to deploy, adding PoE to a Cat 5/5e network is as simple as placing power source equipment (PSE) in the core, plugging the device wires into its ports, and configuring it. PSE comes in two flavors: end-span and mid-span. End-span (e.g., 3Com SuperStack 3 Switch 4400 PWR or 3Com Baseline Switch 2226-PWR Plus) is an Ethernet switch with embedded PoE; it delivers power and data over the same wiring pairs (pins 1/2 and 3/6). PoE signal detection lets standard, nonstandard, and unpowered devices connect to the same switch. Mid-span (e.g., 3Com Power over Ethernet Multiport Midspan Solution) is placed between legacy switches and powered devices; it carries power over the wiring pairs unused by data (pins 4/5 and 7/8), which limits its management capabilities.

To find out more about Power over Ethernet solutions, use online Contact Us tools or call us at 1-800-638-3266.