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In the realm of network management, telemetry and SNMP play crucial roles, yet they cater to different needs and handle distinct data types. Understanding their disparities can aid in selecting the appropriate tool for your monitoring and management requirements.

What Is Telemetry and SNMP in Networking?

Telemetry represents the next-generation network monitoring technology utilized for remotely gathering data from devices at rapid speeds. Devices periodically transmit device information to collectors, enabling real-time, high-speed, and precise network monitoring. Specifically, telemetry organizes data according to YANG models, encodes data in Google Protocol Buffers (GPB) format, and transmits it via the Google Remote Procedure Call (gRPC) protocol. This enhances data collection efficiency and fosters intelligent connectivity.On the other hand, the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) serves as an Internet standard utilized for monitoring and managing IP-connected network devices such as routers, switches, firewalls, servers, and more. It retrieves and transmits data from these devices, facilitating network monitoring and fault detection, thereby ensuring seamless communication between monitored devices and the monitoring systems.

The Advantages of Telemetry and SNMP

Telemetry

1. Fine-Grained Monitoring: Telemetry excels in collecting high-precision data types, offering a comprehensive reflection of the network’s status.
2. Rapid Fault Localization: In complex networks, telemetry enables users to swiftly pinpoint faults within seconds or even sub-seconds.
3. Proactive Data Reporting: With telemetry, a single subscription suffices for devices to continuously report data, reducing the burden of processing query requests on devices.

SNMP

1. Efficient Network Management: Network administrators can leverage the SNMP platform to perform tasks such as information querying, modification, and troubleshooting at any point on the network, thus enhancing efficiency.
2. Device Compatibility: SNMP shields physical differences among various devices, enabling automated management of products from different manufacturers.

How Does Telemetry and SNMP Work?

Telemetry operates as a closed-loop automated operations system, often referred to as an intelligent operations system. It encompasses components such as network devices, collectors, analyzers, and controllers. The implementation of a telemetry system typically involves five stages:

1. Subscription to Data Collection: Subscription to device data collection and pending data collection is initiated.
2. Data Pushing: Devices transmit collected data to the collector based on the subscribed data method. The collector receives and stores this data.
3. Data Reading: The analyzer reads the collected data stored within the collector.
4. Data Analysis: The analyzer processes the collected data and forwards the analysis results to the controller for network configuration, management, and optimization.
5. Network Parameter Adjustment: The controller deploys the adjusted network configuration to the devices. Once these configurations take effect, the devices report newly collected data to the collector. The analyzer evaluates whether the network optimization results meet expectations. Upon completion of the optimization process, the service concludes.

SNMP functions by transmitting Protocol Data Units (PDUs) to network devices configured to respond to SNMP requests. All communication is closely monitored, and network monitoring tools utilize GET requests to fetch data via SNMP. Traffic enters the network from diverse sources, and the Simple Network Management Protocol interacts with the entire network and its devices.SNMP comes pre-configured on devices and, once activated, stores performance statistics. Each network server hosts multiple Management Information Base (MIB) files. Monitoring data is accessed by querying the device’s MIB files, and SNMP’s operation revolves around its components, contributing significantly to resource management.

Telemetry vs. SNMP

	Telemetry	SNMP
HOW IT WORKS	Push model continuously sends device operational data to management system	Polling mechanism collects device performance data and returns data to management platform
PROTOCOLS USED	User Datagram Protocol or TCP	User Datagram Protocol
USE CASES	Collecting high-resolution performance data, such as high-speed network interface statistics	Retrieving static data, such as inventory or neighbouring devices
BENEFITS	Sends data at higher rate; more efficient and practical	Simple protocol and easy to perform ad hoc data collection; widely supported by network devices and monitoring platforms
CHALLENGES	Telemetry that relies on TCP connections can use large amounts of memory	Management system repeatedly creates and sends data requests to each device

Conclusion

Telemetry and SNMP are integral tools for effective network monitoring and management. While Telemetry is more versatile and ideal for diverse applications, SNMP remains reliable for network-specific tasks. The right tool selection depends on the specific requirements and objectives of your network management and monitoring needs.FS provides cost-effective switches with SNMP support for efficient network management, suitable for various scenarios, such as S3400-48T6SP, S3400-24T4FP, S3260-16T4FP, S5500-48T6SP-R, etc. You can select and purchase FS switches based on your requirements.

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In today’s ever-evolving digital landscape, where the Internet of Things (IoT) is reshaping industries and everyday life, keeping pace with the forefront of technology is essential. One technology making a significant impact on IoT is Power over Ethernet (PoE). In this article, we’ll delve into a comprehensive understanding of PoE, explore its current applications, and unveil the pivotal technological trends shaping its role in the dynamic world of IoT.

Understanding PoE Technology

At the core of many IoT devices and applications lies Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology. But what exactly is PoE, and why is it pivotal in the IoT landscape?

Simplified PoE

Power over Ethernet, or PoE, is a technology enabling both power and data transmission over standard Ethernet cables. In the context of IoT, this means that IoT devices can be powered and connected to the network using a single cable. This technology streamlines installations and reduces the necessity for additional power sources, making it an ideal solution for a wide range of applications.

Key Components of PoE

To gain a thorough understanding of PoE, let’s break it down:

• PoE Switches: These are network switches equipped with built-in PoE capabilities. They can provide power to PoE-enabled devices such as security cameras, access points, and sensors.
• Injectors and Midspan Devices: These are standalone devices capable of adding PoE functionality to an existing network. They are valuable when upgrading a non-PoE network to support PoE devices.
• PoE Devices: These are the IoT devices that can be powered and connected via PoE, eliminating the requirement for separate power sources.

Current Applications of PoE in IoT

PoE technology has found numerous applications in the world of IoT. Some of the most common applications include:

1. IoT Security Cameras:

PoE simplifies the installation of security cameras. With a single cable providing both power and data, cameras can be placed in more locations, enhancing security.

2. IoT Access Points:

Access points in wireless networks benefit from PoE, as it reduces the complexity of adding or relocating access points.

3. IoT Sensors:

Sensors used in various IoT applications can be powered and connected using PoE, streamlining their integration into the network.

Emerging Trends in PoE Technology

As technology continues to advance, PoE is not standing still. Several compelling trends are propelling the integration of PoE technology into cutting-edge IoT solutions, encompassing:

1. The rise of high-power PoE:

The introduction of the IEEE 802.3bt standard, often referred to as PoE++, has brought forth a groundbreaking power class capable of delivering a remarkable 90W through a single Ethernet cable. This breakthrough broadens the horizons for powering a diverse array of IoT devices, including high-power consumers such as smart displays, digital signage, and industrial sensors.

2. The development of PoE over long distances:

While conventional PoE systems can typically convey power over distances of up to 100 metres, contemporary PoE solutions extend this reach to several hundred metres, and in some cases, even kilometres. This advancement paves the way for the deployment of PoE in remote or hard-to-access locales, facilitating applications like outdoor security cameras and traffic monitoring systems.

3. The emergence of intelligent PoE systems:

PoE systems are evolving into increasingly sophisticated and intelligent ecosystems. This evolution opens the door to more streamlined power management and control. For instance, advanced PoE systems empower remote activation and deactivation of devices. Additionally, they enable dynamic adjustments in device power consumption based on real-time demand, resulting in heightened energy efficiency.

Future Prospects for PoE in IoT

The future of PoE in IoT looks promising. As 5G networks roll out and artificial intelligence (AI) continues to advance, PoE is poised to assume a more significant role. Consider these prospects:

• 1. 5G and PoE in IoT
• The expansion of 5G networks will propel the IoT’s growth, with PoE being essential in supporting the infrastructure required for high-speed, low-latency connectivity.
• 2. AI Integration in PoE
• AI-driven devices and applications stand to benefit from PoE’s capacity to simplify installations and offer centralized power and data management.

Challenges and Solutions

Despite its numerous benefits for IoT, PoE encounters challenges such as compatibility issues and power limitations. Fortunately, solutions exist to mitigate these challenges. For instance, employing midspan devices can adapt non-PoE networks, while opting for higher power PoE solutions can cater to devices with greater energy demands.

Conclusion

PoE emerges as a pivotal technology in facilitating the next generation of smart devices and services. Versatile, efficient, and cost-effective, PoE is well-suited for diverse IoT applications. As the IoT market expands, PoE is anticipated to assume an increasingly crucial role in enabling the next wave of smart devices and services.

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In the current digital era, monitoring systems are crucial for overseeing and protecting resources and equipment. Security camera failures can lead to lost surveillance footage, potentially causing network problems. To tackle these issues, network switch manufacturers have introduced the watchdog function. It’s both a tech innovation and a vital tool for system stability.

What Is Watchdog in PoE Network?

The PoE watchdog feature on a PoE network switch serves as an automated “self-repair” mechanism, designed to oversee the condition of connected PoE-affiliated devices and furnish a solution to reboot them should they exhibit unresponsiveness or malfunctions. Should a PoE-connected device, or Powered Device (PD), fail to communicate or send inaccurate responses within a certain period, the switch shall autonomously reinstate the device by discontinuing and then reinstating power. This protocol is aimed at averting network interruptions and guaranteeing the uninterrupted functioning of attached devices.This PoE watchdog capability proves invaluable in settings where the connected devices are pivotal to network functionality, such as within surveillance frameworks. It aids in boosting network stability and dependability. Fundamentally, the watchdog capability serves as a custodian for network devices, safeguarding their unbroken operation. In scenarios where continual network service is paramount, like in monitoring systems, the watchdog feature is especially critical as it prevents service interruptions and upholds system dependability.

Why is PoE Watchdog Used?

Improving Device Reliability and Network Stability

A watchdog feature ensures the reliability of network devices, such as cameras or servers, by monitoring their status and automatically resetting them if they become unresponsive or malfunction. This proactive approach reduces the risk of prolonged downtime and helps maintain uninterrupted network service, particularly in critical environments like surveillance setups or industrial operations.

Automating Troubleshooting for Operational Efficiency

In the absence of a watchdog, IT staff may need to manually diagnose and reboot devices upon failure, consuming valuable time and effort. The automation provided by the watchdog reduces the need for continuous manual oversight, thus streamlining troubleshooting processes and conserving resources.

Enhancing System Availability and Network Performance

The implementation of a watchdog feature significantly boosts system availability by mitigating the impact of device malfunctions, ensuring continuous operation in environments where uptime is essential. Additionally, by actively monitoring and rectifying device discrepancies, the watchdog function enhances network reliability, preventing sequential failures and sustaining uniform network performance.

How PoE Watchdog Works in Security Surveillance?

Health Status Monitoring and Verification

The watchdog function periodically sends signals or queries to network cameras to confirm their proper operation, typically at intervals of a few seconds. These signals, which can be heartbeat signals or specific requests, aim to verify whether the cameras are responsive and functioning as expected.

Issue Detection and Abnormal State Identification

By setting a timeout threshold, the watchdog function determines that network cameras must respond within a specified time frame. If a camera fails to provide the correct response or does not respond within this timeframe, the watchdog function identifies it as being in an abnormal state, signaling a potential issue.

Automatic Restart Mechanism for Fault Resolution

Upon detecting an abnormal state, the watchdog function triggers an automatic restart process for the network camera. This typically involves sending a command to the camera or activating a restart switch to initiate a reboot. Following the restart attempt, the camera undergoes necessary actions such as hardware reinitialization or software rebooting to restore normal operation.

Continuous Monitoring and Stability Assurance

After a successful restart, the watchdog function continues to monitor the health status of the network camera. It ensures that all systems are functioning correctly and stable, providing ongoing monitoring to maintain the camera’s operational reliability.

PoE Watchdog-Supported Switches for Network Reliability

FS offers PoE switches with watchdog functionality, such as the S3250 series. These switches are designed to enhance network reliability and stability, ensuring that your network devices remain operational and Minimising potential downtime.

Switch Model	S3250-16TF-U	S3250-24TF-U
Description	16-Port Gigabit Ethernet L2+ PoE+ Switch, 16 x PoE+ Ports @230W, with 2 x 1GbRJ45, 2x1GbSFP Uplink	24-Port Gigabit Ethernet L2+ PoE+ Switch, 24 x PoE+ Ports @370W, with 2 x 1GbRJ45, 2x1GbSFP Uplinks
RJ45 Ports	18x 10/100/1000BASE-T RJ45	26x 10/100/1000BASE-T RJ45
Fibre Ports	2x 1G SFP	2x 1G SFP
Switch chip	Marvell 98DX225SA1	Marvell 98DX225SA1
Switching capacity	56 Gbps	56 Gbps
Forwarding rate	29.76 Mpps	41.7 Mpps
Total Number of IPv4 Routes	16	16
RAM	2 Gbit	2 Gbit
Flash memory	128 Mb	128 Mb
Latency	Max: 4.28us; Min: 3.29us	Max: 4.28us; Min: 3.29us
Packet buffer	12 Mbit	12 Mbit
Power supply	1	1
Fan number	1	2
Airflow	Left-to-Right	Left-to-Right
Max. power consumption	365W	420W
PoE standard	IEEE802.3af/ IEEE802.3at/IEEE802.3bt	IEEE802.3af/ IEEE802.3at/IEEE802.3bt
PoE power budget	Port 1-2 ≤ 90W, Port 3-16 ≤ 30W, total ≤ 230W	Port 1-2 ≤ 90W, Port 3-24 ≤ 30W, total ≤ 370W

Conclusion

The PoE watchdog function is an essential tool for guaranteeing network reliability and stability, playing a vital role in both network devices and security surveillance. In the constantly evolving and digitalised networking landscape, deploying switches and devices equipped with the watchdog feature has become the preferred choice for safeguarding network stability. In addition to the aforementioned distinctive technologies, FS also provides smart PoE support, fanless designs, and high-power managed PoE switches, catering to various deployment scenarios in enterprises.

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What Is QoS？

Quality of Service (QoS) is a network-based mechanism designed to manage and prioritise the transmission of various data types across a network. It ensures different types of data, like voice, video, and data, receive suitable service levels. Key goals include prioritizing traffic, allocating bandwidth, managing jitter, and minimizing latency. Crucial for business apps, WANs, and service providers. Typical services that require the use of QoS include the following.

How Does QoS Work?

Quality of Service (QoS) networking technology operates by marking packets to identify service types and configuring routers to establish separate virtual queues for each application, prioritizing them accordingly. Upon entering the system via the ingress interface, packets undergo classification and marking. During this process, policing mechanisms may discard some packets. Subsequently, packets are reclassified based on their markings. Congestion management and avoidance mechanisms allocate different priorities to various packet types, enabling packets with higher priorities to traverse gateways ahead of others during network congestion. Ultimately, the system transmits the processed packets through the egress interface using the QoS mechanism.

Quality of Service in Networking

In the past, conventional business networks segregated telephones and telephone conferences onto one network, while laptops, desktop computers, servers, and other devices were linked to a separate network. Interaction between these networks was limited, and prioritizing speed was not paramount as the network predominantly handled data. However, in today’s context, interactive applications that convey audio and video content demand swift transmission speeds, devoid of packet loss or fluctuations in transmission speed. For any organization seeking to ensure optimal performance for critical applications and services, Quality of Service (QoS) is indispensable.

Improved Network Performance with QoS

QoS not only ensures that mission-critical applications within businesses consistently receive priority and the requisite resources for high performance but also enables better resource management. Administrators can efficiently manage an organization’s internet resources, reducing costs and investment requirements for link expansion.

Enhanced User Experience and Traffic Management

By prioritizing critical applications, QoS aims to enhance the user experience, allowing employees to achieve high performance with high-bandwidth applications. This can significantly boost productivity and expedite task completion. Additionally, point-to-point traffic management ensures seamless delivery of customer packets across the Internet, minimizing packet loss and optimizing network performance.

Preventing Packet Loss and Reducing Latency

Packet loss, often caused by network congestion or equipment malfunctions, can disrupt communication and degrade performance. QoS mitigates this risk by allocating higher bandwidth to high-performance applications, thus preventing packet loss. Furthermore, by prioritizing critical applications, QoS reduces latency and speeds up network requests, enhancing overall efficiency.

The Application Scenarios for QoS

Take the enterprise office as an example. In addition to the basic web browsing and email services, services such as Telnet-based device login, remote video conferences, real-time voice calls, FTP file upload and download, and video playback must also have their network quality guaranteed during busy hours. If services have varying network quality requirements, you can configure corresponding QoS functions or enable QoS only for some services to meet the requirements.

Network Protocols and Management Protocols (OSPF and Telnet)

These types of services require low latency and a low packet loss rate but do not have high bandwidth demands. Therefore, through QoS’s priority mapping feature, packets of this type can be marked with a higher service level, allowing network devices to prioritize the forwarding of these packets.

Real-time Applications (Video Conferencing and VoIP)

Video conferencing requires considerable bandwidth, alongside low latency and jitter. Here, QoS’s traffic shaping ensures sufficient bandwidth for video packets, while priority mapping elevates their priority appropriately. VoIP, entailing real-time voice over IP networks, similarly demands minimal packet loss, latency, and jitter to avoid call quality issues. Adjusting voice packet priorities above others and implementing traffic shaping allocates maximum bandwidth for voice communications, thus prioritising them during network congestion.

• High Data Volume Services (FTP, Database Backups and File Dumping)

High data volume services involve prolonged, large-scale data transmission over the network. These types of services require the lowest possible network packet loss rate. Therefore, traffic shaping can be configured for such packets. This involves using data buffers to cache the packets to be sent from the interface, reducing the occurrence of packet loss due to congestion caused by sudden bursts of traffic.

Streaming Media (Online Audio Streaming and Video On-Demand)

Because these audio and video programs are typically pre-produced, viewers’ terminals can often cache and then play them, reducing the requirements for network latency, packet loss, and jitter. If there is a need to reduce packet loss and latency for these types of services, the priority mapping function of QoS can be used to appropriately increase the priority of the corresponding packets.

• Regular Services (HTML Web Browsing and Email)

These types of services have no special network requirements and are not highly critical. Administrators can keep their default settings, and there’s no need to deploy additional QoS features for them.

Conclusion

QoS represents a switch feature crucial for prioritising different applications, data streams, and users, averting packet loss for essential traffic. PoE switches equipped with QoS, such as those offered by FS, including models S3150-8T2FP, S3400-24T4FP, and S3260-16T4FP, ensure superior network performance for a variety of scenarios.

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