What’s Included in a Sustainable IT Network
Power over Ethernet (PoE) is a convenient way of delivering power and wired networking in a single package. It enables one network cable to provide power and data to other devices, eliminating the need for separate power cables for every device. PoE infrastructure has been a game-changing and cost-effective networking technology for connecting and powering the IoT.
In this article, we look at what it takes to deploy a PoE network infrastructure and its benefits.
What Is a PoE-Powered Device?
A PoE-powered device (PD) is a device that receives power via an Ethernet cable. These devices include IP cameras, LED lighting, wireless access points, VoIP phones, and flat-screen displays.
What Is an Example of a PSE?
Power Sourcing Equipment, or PSE for short, supplies power to PoE devices. The type of PSE needed in a network depends on the number of PoE devices connected and the existing infrastructure.
Examples include:
PoE Switch
A PoE switch supplies power to network devices over the ethernet cables. The switch serves as both a power source and a switch, with multiple ethernet ports to connect different powered devices. PoE switches can power devices like wireless access points, IP phones, and security cameras.
PoE Injector
A PoE injector adds power to ethernet cables for PDs in a network. The device is used when a network has no PoE functionality but requires support for PDs. A PoE injector makes a regular non-PoE LAN port to work with PoE devices. It connects to a power source and delivers power to the PDs through ethernet cables.
PoE Extender or PoE Repeater
PoE technology is subject to the limitations of ethernet networking, which means PSE devices can only transfer data and power to PDs for a maximum of 100 meters. A PoE extender or repeater is used to establish a long-range connection for devices further away from the PSE. These devices double the distance between the PSE or PoE injector and the PD since each side of the link can be 100 meters.
PoE Media Converter
PoE media converters offer copper-to-fiber connectivity while providing data and power to PDs. The devices create an Ethernet-fiber link and act as PSE to power your network over either copper or fiber. PoE media converters break the length limitation of Ethernet cables, which allows long-distance data connections.
What Are the Basic Components of a Network?
A computer network includes multiple interconnected computer systems that share resources on a network. Devices in a network communicate with one another or other networks, such as the Internet. Each device performs a different function in the network to ensure seamless communication.
Here are some of the essential components of a network:
Client
A client is a device that requests access to services or resources from a serving device on the network. Serving devices provide clients access to shared resources such as network printers, shared storage, and network folders, and can either be on the premise or in the cloud. A client can also be considered an endpoint, including desktop PCs, laptops, smartphones, or tablets.
Server
A server is a computer that handles the requests and calls from client devices. It can exist as a physical computer on the premises or in the cloud to share network resources and services when requested. Servers are set up for different functions within the network. For example, an application server provides users access to computer applications like word processors, while a file server enables users to share files, storage, and printing services.
Switch
A switch connects all the network-capable devices and allows them to communicate with each other and other networks. These devices include clients, servers, access points routers, printers, and other switches. Switches come in different models and sizes, with various ports on the front face that accept cable media with a Registered Jack 45 (RJ-45) connector. The primary role of a switch is to receive incoming data from one of its network ports and switch it to the network port belonging to the destination device.
Transmission Media
Transmission media refers to channels, links, or lines used to interconnect devices in a network, such as twisted-pair wires, coaxial cables, and optical fiber cables. Network cables have both ends crimped to a connector, one end plugged into a network port on the switch while the other plugs into the network device.
Router
A router is a device used to connect multiple networks and allows data transmission between them. A router is at a network’s edge and bridges communication between an internal and external network like the Internet or other remote sites.
How Does PoE Factor In?
Power Sourcing Equipment must ensure that power supplied to PDs is sufficient and will not cause damage. Additionally, some network devices cannot receive power through ethernet cables and can get damaged when plugged into a PSE. PoE incorporates auto-negotiation, an IEEE-standardized mechanism to meet these requirements. Auto-negotiation initiates a handshake protocol that determines the power a PD or a connected device needs. This prevents the PSE from supplying power to non-PoE devices, which could otherwise potentially cause damage to the device or the Ethernet port.
Why Is PoE a More Cost-Effective Solution?
Using Power over Ethernet during network installation provides several advantages. Here is why PoE is a more cost-effective solution:
- PoE reduces the expense and time of having power cabling installed. The reduction in power outlets needed for each device saves money.
- A PoE infrastructure allows smart power delivery to devices by intelligently protecting them from overload, incorrect installation, or underpowering.
- PoE ensures power is readily available on the network, meaning installing network connections is easy and effective.
- With PoE technology, devices are not tethered to power outlets, making them easy to position in ideal locations or move around the network.
Ease of Installation
PoE makes the network installation process straightforward since the environment is less cluttered. The technology also future-proofs the network by allowing it to accommodate additional devices without requiring extensive electrical work or rewiring. Besides, your technology provider will provide you with easy instructions for components like managed switches.
Greater Security in Power Over Ethernet Infrastructure
PoE technology allows better network security to protect the networking infrastructure from unauthorized access. PoE enables networks to combine multiple layers of defense through devices like managed switches, firewalls, and intrusion prevention systems. With PoE, enterprises can create a secure infrastructure for network devices, users, and applications to work securely.
Key Takeaway
PoE solutions are now a critical powering strategy that allows network installers and managers to use structured cabling to transmit data and power to many network devices. This enables you to transform and expand your network more effectively.
