Performance Comparison between FS S3410-48TS-P and Aruba 2530 (J9772A) Ethernet Switches

Posted on December 20, 2023 by Admin

Ethernet switches play a crucial role in networking infrastructure, facilitating seamless communication and data transfer within organizations. There are many brands of PoE switches on the market, and the FS S3410-48TS-P switch has become one of the many choices due to its performance. The Aruba 2530 series also performs well in terms of performance. What’s the difference between the two? How to choose? This article gives you the answer.

Overview of FS S3410-48TS-P

The FS S3410-48TS-P is a 48-port PoE managed Ethernet switch designed to meet the demands of modern network environments. Its key features include Power over Ethernet (PoE) support, gigabit Ethernet ports, and advanced management capabilities. The switch is well-suited for applications such as IP surveillance, VoIP, Wi-Fi access points, and other scenarios requiring both data and power delivery over a single network cable.

Overview of Aruba 2530

The Aruba 2530 (J9772A) is another prominent player in the Ethernet switch market. It offers a range of models with varying port configurations to cater to different network requirements. The switch is known for its reliability, security features, and ease of management. It is often deployed in enterprise networks, providing connectivity for devices across various departments.

The differences between FS S3410-48TS-P and Aruba 2530

Port Configuration and PoE Support

FS S3410-48TS-P: As the name suggests, this switch boasts 48 gigabit Ethernet ports. Moreover, it supports Power over Ethernet (PoE), allowing the delivery of power to connected devices like IP cameras and phones.

Aruba 2530: The Aruba 2530 also comes in various port configurations. Depending on the model, it offers a mix of Fast Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet ports. PoE support is available in selected models, providing flexibility for organizations with diverse connectivity requirements.

Throughput and Bandwidth

FS S3410-48TS-P: With its gigabit Ethernet ports, the FS S3410-48TS-P delivers high throughput and ample bandwidth to handle data-intensive applications. It is suitable for environments where large data transfers and low latency are critical.

Aruba 2530: The Aruba 2530 offers competitive throughput and bandwidth, ensuring efficient data flow within the network. Its gigabit Ethernet ports contribute to low-latency communication, making it suitable for enterprises with demanding networking needs.

Management Capabilities

FS S3410-48TS-P: This switch provides robust management capabilities, including support for SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) and a user-friendly web interface. Network administrators can easily monitor and configure the switch to optimize performance.

Aruba 2530: The management capabilities of Aruba switches are relatively powerful. The Aruba 2530 features web-based management, SNMP, and other tools that simplify network administration tasks. It also supports role-based access control for enhanced security.

Security Features

FS S3410-48TS-P: Security is a paramount concern in modern networks. The FS S3410-48TS-P incorporates features such as Access Control Lists (ACLs), port security, and DHCP snooping to enhance network security and mitigate potential threats.

Aruba 2530: Aruba switches are equipped with security features like IEEE 802.1X network access control and port security. These features contribute to the overall network security posture, preventing unauthorized access and ensuring data integrity.

How to Choose FS S3410-48TS-P and Aruba 2530?

The FS S3410-48TS-P excels in environments where PoE support for a large number of devices is crucial. Its gigabit Ethernet ports and robust management capabilities make it a suitable choice for applications demanding high throughput and efficient network management. On the other hand, the Aruba 2530 stands out for its reliability, security features, and ease of management. It is well-suited for enterprise networks where a balance between performance and security is essential.

Ultimately, organizations should carefully evaluate their networking needs, consider scalability, and assess the long-term value each switch brings to the table. Whether prioritizing PoE support, high throughput, or advanced security features, making an informed decision ensures that the chosen Ethernet switch aligns seamlessly with the organization’s current and future networking requirements.

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What Is Power over Ethernet and How to Add PoE to Your Network?

Posted on December 15, 2023 by Admin

With the wide application of VoIP phones, IP cameras, and wireless access points, Power over Ethernet (PoE) has made great strides in recent years. And PoE network is expected to expand rapidly in the future due to the increasing number of IoT applications and smart device deployments and newly ratified standards designed to support more smart devices. In this article, we will provide an introduction covering various aspects of PoE such as PoE wiki, PoE standards, PoE types, PoE classes, and PoE applications.

What Is Power over Ethernet (PoE)?

PoE is a networking technology that can transmit both data and power over one single standard Ethernet cable. It allows us to use network cables such as Cat5/Cat5e/Cat6/Cat6a cables to provide data connections and electric power to wireless access points, IP cameras, VoIP phones, PoE lighting and other powered devices (PDs). With the use of PoE technology, we can easily deliver power to indoor or outdoor PDs without the need to install additional electrical infrastructure or to deploy power outlets at every endpoint.

PoE Switch

Benefits of PoE Network—Why Use Power over Ethernet?

Besides the above-mentioned benefits, there are several more appealing reasons for adopting PoE in networking.

Time & Cost Saving: By using PoE in the network, we do not need to deploy electrical wiring and outlets for terminal PDs. This will help to save much power cabling cost especially when there are lots of PDs in the network. Furthermore, there is no need to hire a qualified electrician for the PoE network, so you may also save both time and money on electrical installations.

Flexibility: Since Ethernet network cables are easier to deploy than electrical ones, PoE networking allows us to install PDs nearly anywhere rather than near the electrical outlets. This offers a ton of flexibility for setting up and repositioning terminal devices.

Reliability: PoE power comes from a central and universally compatible source rather than a collection of distributed wall adapters. It can be backed up by an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) or controlled to easily disable or reset devices. By doing so, the PDs will run as usual even though Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE) breaks down.

Evolutionary Path of the Power over Ethernet (PoE)

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), Cisco, and the HDBaseT Alliance have released several standards to define PoE. These standards include IEEE 802.3af, IEEE 802.3at, IEEE 802.3bt, Cisco UPOE, and Power over HDBaseT (PoH).

Evolutionary Path of the Power over Ethernet (PoE)

PoE Types

Due to different classification standards, PoE can be divided into different types. Currently, there are 4 PoE types based on IEEE PoE Standard: Type 1(IEEE 802.3af), Type 2(IEEE 802.3at), Type 3(IEEE 802.3bt), and Type 4(IEEE 802.3bt), as shown in the following chart.

PoE Types

PoE vs. PoE+ vs. PoE++ (UPoE )vs. PoH

PoE (IEEE 802.3af), also known as PoE type 1, provides up to 15.4 watts of power per port and is used for devices like IP phones and cameras. PoE+ (IEEE 802.3at), PoE type 2, offers up to 30 watts and powers devices like PTZ cameras. PoE++ or UPoE (IEEE 802.3bt), also referred to as PoE type 3, delivers up to 60 watts and 100 watts, PoE type 4, per port for high-performance devices. Power over HDBaseT (PoH) enables power and data transmission for AV equipment over a single cable. The figure below illustrates the common applications of different PoE types for your reference.

PoE vs. PoE+ vs. PoE++ (UPoE )vs. PoH

PoE Classes

Power over Ethernet (PoE) classes define standardized power levels for different network devices. These classes ensure compatibility between Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE) and Powered Devices (PD).

The classes, ranging from Class 1 to Class 8 as the above chart shows, correspond to specific IEEE standards, indicating the maximum power output of the PSE and the maximum power input of the PD. Let’s delve into more details about each class:

PoE Classes

Class 1 is suitable for low-power devices such as IP phones, voice-over-IP (VoIP) devices, and basic sensors.

Class 2 is intended for devices that require slightly higher power, including wireless access points, small IP cameras, and IP intercom systems.

Class 3 is commonly used for devices that require moderate power, such as larger IP cameras, point-of-sale systems, and access control devices.

Class 4 provides increased power delivery capabilities and is suitable for power-hungry devices like pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras, video phones, and thin clients.

Class 5 introduces the support for four pairs of Ethernet wires, enabling higher power transmission. It is designed for devices with more demanding power requirements, including advanced PTZ cameras, multi-channel wireless access points, and small LED lighting systems.

Class 6 provides increased power delivery capabilities beyond the previous classes. It can support devices like high-power pan-tilt-zoom cameras, multi-radio wireless access points, and small LCD displays.

Class 7 offers even higher power capabilities introduced with the IEEE 802.3bt standard. It is suitable for devices like high-performance access points, large displays, and thin clients requiring substantial power.

Class 8 represents the highest power class defined by current PoE standards. It is designed for power-hungry devices such as video conferencing systems, advanced lighting systems, and digital signage

It’s important to note that the power levels specified for each class represent the maximum allowable values, and the actual power delivered or consumed by the PD may vary based on its specific power requirements and negotiation with the PSE. Besides, understanding PoE classes allows network administrators to ensure that the power requirements of their devices align with the capabilities of their PoE infrastructure, ensuring proper operation and avoiding potential power supply issues.

Passive PoE vs. Active PoE

Power over Ethernet can also be divided into passive PoE and active PoE in general. Active PoE is the standard PoE which refers to any type of PoE that negotiates the proper voltage between the PSE and the PD device. Passive PoE is a non-standard PoE technology. It can also deliver power over the Ethernet line but without the negotiation process.

How to Add PoE to Your Network？

The PoE supplied in the network generally comes from three different sources: PoE switch, PoE injector, and PoE splitter. The PoE switch is the easiest way to power up the PDs. You only need to run Ethernet cables from a PoE network switch port to the terminal PoE device. A PoE injector is used when there is no PoE switch in the network. It has an external power supply and is responsible to add power to data that is coming from a network switch that is not PoE-capable. PoE splitters also supply power, but they do so by splitting the power from the data and feeding it to a separate input that a non-PoE-compliant device can use. It is commonly used for deploying remote non-PoE devices with no nearby AC outlets in the network.

PoE switch, PoE injector and PoE splitter

Common FAQs on PoE Network

Q: What is the voltage of Power over Ethernet?

A: Power over Ethernet is injected onto the Ethernet cable at a voltage between 44v and 57v DC, and typically 48v is used. This relatively high voltage allows efficient power transfer along the cable, while still being low enough to be regarded as safe.

Q: What data speed does PoE offer?

A: Generally, PoE can deliver data rates at 10/100/1000Mbps over Cat5, Cat5e and Cat6 cables. Now thanks to the widespread IEEE 802.3bt PoE standard and PoE++ technology, PoE is able to deliver speeds of 2.5 Gbps to 5 Gbps over 100m and reaches 10 Gbps in recent times.

Q: Are there any limitations of PoE network?

A: Yes, PoE network does have some pesky limitations. First, it has a restricted reach of 328 feet (100 meters) which limits the viable locations where users can operate a remote IP-enabled device. Second, a single PSE such as a PoE switch usually connects to multiple PDs. If the PSE broke down, all the PDs will stop working. Therefore, it is important to buy qualified switches from a reliable supplier. In addition, you may also consider connecting the PSE to an uninterruptible power supply system.

Q: What are PoE midspan and PoE endspan?

A: The PoE midspan is usually a PoE injector that serves as an intermediary device between a non-PoE switch and the terminal PoE-capable powered device. A PoE endspan, which is commonly called the PoE network switch, directly connects and supplies both PoE power and data to a PD. PoE endspan provides power over the data pairs, also known as PoE Mode A. PoE midspan provides power using the pins 4-5 and 7-8, also known as PoE Mode B.

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What Is Power over Ethernet and How to Add PoE to Your Network?

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PoE Switch Power Consumption: More Electricity Cost?

Posted on December 14, 2023 by Admin

The power consumption of PoE switches has also been a great concern of PoE switch buyers. It refers to the amount of energy used per unit time by a PoE switch. Some may wonder if the value brought by the PoE switch would outweigh the cost of electricity. This article explains all you need to know about the power consumption of PoE switches and how to reduce it.

What Are the Factors That Affect Power Consumption of PoE Switch?

PoE Standard

PoE standard is an important factor that will affect power consumption. Because PoE, PoE+, PoE++ are different PoE standards, and they deliver different power to the PDs. It’s suggested that you’d better make sure that your PoE switch can support the power that your PDs require.

The following table shows the specifications of different PoE standards. And for more information, please refer to PoE vs PoE+ vs PoE++ Switch: How to Choose.

NameIEEE StandardPower to Powered Device (PD)Max. Power per PortSupported Devices
PoEIEEE 802.3af12.95 W15.4 WStatic surveillance cameras, VoIP phones, wireless access points
PoE+IEEE 802.3at25.5 W30 WPTZ cameras, video IP phones, alarm systems
PoE++IEEE 802.3bt (Type 3)51 W60 WVideo conferencing equipment, multi-radio wireless access points
PoE++IEEE 802.3bt (Type 4)71.3 W100 WLaptops, flat screens

Connected Numbers of PDs

The number of PD connected to the PoE switch is another factor that affects the power consumption of PoE switch. The more PDs you connect to one PoE Ethernet switch, the more power consumption is generated. For example, if 10 PoE IP cameras with its’ 7W power consumption are connected to a 24 port PoE switch with 200W power budget, then the 10 PoE IP cameras are going to generate power consumption of about 70W in total; In the same way, 20 PoE IP cameras will generate about 140W in power consumption. Furthermore, in a large data center, the PDs heat up as it runs, which may require other devices such as fans and air conditioners to cool them down, resulting in a certain amount of energy consumption.

PoE Switch Power Budget

The power budget is another factor that affects the power consumption of the PoE switch. Some managed PoE network switches used in large enterprise environments may up to 400W power budget, but for a home network, it’s wise to use a basic unmanaged PoE switch with just 60W power budget.

Port Number

The power consumption of PoE switches is also linked with the port number to cater to different wattage requirements. For example, small PoE switches with 8 ports may come with 130W or 250W as an option, while a high port-density 48-port PoE switch may be available for up to 600W or even higher.

How Can I Reduce the Power Consumption of PoE Switch?

Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE)

Energy Efficient Ethernet, short for EEE, is a technology defined as IEEE 802.3az to reduce switch power consumption during periods of low network traffic, aiming to reduce power consumption by more than 50 percent while remaining fully compatible with existing devices. It is also sometimes known as Green Ethernet. In addition to the link load power savings of Energy-Efficient Ethernet, Green Ethernet works in one of two ways. To begin with, it detects link status, allowing each port on the switch to power down into a standby state when a connected device is not active. Second, it detects cable length and adjusts the power used for transmission accordingly. Note that you have to make sure that the device port and connecting device must support 802.3az EEE when choosing a PoE switch.

Green Ethernet for Energy Saving

Use Intelligent PoE

Using intelligent PoE is another effective way to reduce the energy consumption of switch so as to deliver better ROI for businesses. Intelligent PoE can automatically detect the power consumption status of each Power Device and supply the power the PDs require. And if the connected device is a non-PoE device, this intelligent PoE switch will not send power, which can protect the not-PoE device. By using intelligent PoE technology to minimize the waste of unused power, enterprises can save a lot of money on electricity cost.

Will PoE Switch Cost More Electricity?

Although the PoE switch is a little more expensive on the surface — with increased equipment and power costs — but overall, the increased productivity brought by the PoE switch outweighs the increased power costs. Because PoE network switch simplifies installation and maintenance costs. Users don’t need to purchase and install additional electrical wires and outlets. In addition, good PoE switches also enable a simple network management protocol (SNMP), which provides a simpler way to supervise and manage the switch.

As a result, it’s shortsighted to pay attention to only the increased power costs when choosing the right PoE switch. Given the advantages of better integration of applications, boosted productivity and free up IT resources, your wise choice of PoE switch will be beneficial to soften the blow of a higher energy bill.

FS PoE Switch: A Good Choice for A Cost-Effective Network

FS introduces various PoE switches, including PoE+, PoE++, and 8 port/10 port/24 port/48 port network switches. The following lists popular FS PoE switches that cater to various scenarios.

PoE SwitchS3410-10TF-PS3410-24TS-PS3410-48TS-PS5810-48TS-PS5860-24XB-U
RJ45 Ports10x 100/1000M24x 100/1000M48x 100/1000M48x 100/1000M24x 100M/1000M/2.5G/5G/10G-T
PoE Ports8x PoE/4 PoE+24x PoE+48x PoE/24x PoE+48x PoE/24x PoE+24 PoE+/8 PoE++
PoE StandardIEEE 802.3af/atIEEE 802.3af/atIEEE 802.3af/atIEEE 802.3af/atIEEE 802.3af/at/bt
PoE Budget125W740W740W740W740W
Max. Power Consumption165W880W880W880W860W
Management LayerL2+L2+L2+L3L3
Energy Efficient Ethernet√√√√√
Intelligent PoE√√√√√
AC/DC Power SupplyACAC/DCAC/DCACAC

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Useful Tips for Selecting PoE Cables

Posted on December 14, 2023 by Admin

PoE has gained popularity in a number of applications, including IP cameras, IP phones, and wireless access points, by running power and data transfer over a single Ethernet cable. However, without proper PoE cables, PoE may have cable heating and connectivity problems, which would negatively impact the transmission performance from the PoE switch to these devices. This article will give you some guidance for your Ethernet cable selections in PoE deployment.

Power Over Ethernet Standards

Power over Ethernet (PoE) stands for a proven method of delivering DC power over the same twisted pair cabling used for LAN data transmission. The IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) standards for Power over Ethernet are 802.3af, 802.3at, and 802.3bt presented as follows:

Power Over Ethernet Standards

PoE technology allows a single PoE network cable to provide the required communication and electrical power to a variety of devices. Therefore, choosing the right PoE cable is essential for network communication.

Applications Using PoE Ethernet Cables

PoE technology with explosive growth rates has been widely adopted in various applications—PoE IP surveillance cameras, PoE-enabled Voice over IP (VoIP) phones, Wireless Access Points (WAPs), IP PoE-based lighting, Point-of-Sale (PoS), etc. For example, see how FS PoE cables function in a network scenario by connecting FS S3150-8T2FP PoE switch to powered devices (PDs).

PoE Application

Factors to Select PoE Cables

Choosing the right cable is the key to network quality and reliability. What should be taken into consideration when choosing PoE network cables? There are several factors that need to be considered when selecting the cable type used for PoE applications.

Data Transmission Requirements

The first factor to consider is the data transmission requirement (e.g., 1000BASE-T, 10GBASE-T) of the device(s) being utilized. Cat5 cable can be sufficient for PoE protocol short-distance transmission. However, more advanced transmission-grade cables, like 1000Base-T, can be needed for digital devices like high-megapixel IP cameras. Cat6 cable and Cat6a cable are typically utilized for applications that require modest efficiency. To accommodate high-wattage PoE requests, 2.5GB to 5 GB Ethernet data speeds are needed, hence HDBase-T cable is recommended. Cat7 and Cat8 cables are preferred for the most sophisticated, effective applications. The newest and most advanced copper cable type, category 8, offers strong performance and top transfer rates of up to 25 GB across a steady channel.

Conductor Size

Conductor resistance (DCR) in PoE applications results in heat generation in the cable. Typically, Cat6 and Cat7 have larger conductor sizes than Cat5e patch cables. Cables with a larger conductor size can reduce more conductor resistances. Generally speaking, the heat generated in the cable will be reduced with the same ratio of the conductor resistance reduction. Cat6 cables tend to have about 80% of the DCR of Cat5e, thus only about 80% of the heat generation. The larger the conductor size of the cable, the better.

Cable Structure

Cable construction is also a factor causing the temperature rise of a cable. Copper cable can be divided into UTP (unshielded twisted pair cable) and STP (shielded twisted pair cable) two types based on cable structure. Usually, cables with metallic or foil shields are proven to dissipate more heat than UTP cables. Higher heat dissipation leads to cooler cable. When using Cat6 F/UTP cable, more than 40% of the heat can be dissipated compared to Cat6 UTP. If allowed, picking Cat7 S/FTP cable with a foil shield around each pair can dissipate more heat than Cat6 and Cat6 F/UTP.

Further Learning: Shielded vs Unshielded Cat6a: How to Choose?

Cable Temperature

The previous two factors will affect the cable temperature to some degree. Cables with high-temperature ratings allow for a higher amount of power to be dissipated. Typical temperature ratings for cables are 60°C, 75°C, and 90°C. If the temperature of a cable rises, the electrical performance will be degraded. And it’s not good for the cable’s physical performance and longevity. Normally speaking, STP cables are less likely to be affected by temperature than UTP cables.

Cable Materials

When selecting PoE network cables, make sure that you are comparing apples to apples. Copper-clad aluminum vs. pure copper cables, the former uses aluminum instead of copper wire. Some people may choose the copper-clad aluminum cable (CCA cable) on account of the tight budget, which may lead to network issues from using inferior materials to transmit the signal. The CCA cables have much higher DC resistance than copper cables. If the resistance is not compensated, the voltage drop will be greater for any channel length. Longer lengths will exceed TIA’s channel DCR requirements, limiting the voltage available to the device. Higher resistance causes radiant heat to build up faster, and this may cause damage to the device. 100% copper network cabling is a safer and more reliable choice for PoE applications.

Power Consumption

The amount of power that the PoE device requires for operation can’t be ignored when selecting PoE cables. The power requirement will dictate which IEEE standard to follow and what the minimum category cabling to be used. Although each standard regulates a minimum category of cabling, other factors are important to be considered including voltage drop and heat dissipation. Voltage drop determines how much of the supplied power reaches the receiving device. The energy that is lost over the length of the cable transforms to heat and is referred to as heat dissipation. Excessive heat build-up can cause an increase in attenuation as well as premature aging of the cabling jacket.

Installation Configuration

The last factor is the cable installation configuration which has a large effect on the heat dissipation ability. Heat will be kept within the cable as high thermal resistance and high conductor temperature occur with large cable bundles or other installation factors. The larger the cable bundle size, the higher the temperature, no matter what cable category and construction structure. Therefore, to avoid elevated temperatures, avoid environments that may confine heat to the cable, such as large cable bundles, cable bundles close together, and constructions or installations that don’t adhere to approved standards. It is important to have a proper ventilation system in the environment.

Here provides several specific installing tips for PoE cabling:

  • Get well-prepared before deploying, and never just wing it.
  • Check your network devices to verify that they are PoE compliant.
  • Make use of different media in the whole cabling design.
  • Do not run cable near devices that generate electrostatics.
  • The PoE cable installation is not a one-and-done, please prepare for future upgrades.
  • Think about your budget for the whole cabling installation, and find a cost-effective solution from a reliable supplier.

FS: A Trustworthy PoE Cable Supplier

After considering the abovementioned factors, finally, there comes the selection of the network cable provider. High-quality and high-reliability PoE cables are what a qualified supplier should offer. FS encompasses a wide range of high-quality Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a, Cat7, and Cat8 PoE cables with shielded or unshielded type options. All of the Ethernet patch cables have passed strict Fluke tests, including the Fluke patch cord test, Fluke channel test, and Fluke permanent link test to guarantee high performance. FS Assured Program for Ethernet Cables offers more detailed information on FS’s PoE Ethernet cables.

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PoE Cabling Explained: Architectures, Advantages, and Applications

Posted on December 13, 2023 by Admin

Power over Ethernet (PoE), no longer a new buzzword, is shaping the current network ecosystem. Be it digital transformation, Internet of Things (IoT), NextGen wireless, smart devices solutions, etc. are all in rapid growth with the adoption of PoE technology. The structured and converged PoE cabling also has undergone evolvement in the past decade. This article will make an explanation of common PoE cabling architectures, and provide further insights into the benefits and the applications of the zone cabling in PoE deployments.

Architectures for PoE Cabling

A typical PoE system consists of PSE (Power Source Equipment), Power Device (PD), and PoE cable. When considering cabling architecture design options for PoE systems, two main topologies are commonly implemented: dedicated cabling and zone cabling.

Dedicated Cabling

In a dedicated cabling design, aka home-run architecture, the PoE switch and the patch panel are located in the telecommunications room (TR) with permanent link cabling running to each device. Both data and power are sent to the devices outside the TR. A surface mount box or other types of termination at a port may also be included, with patch cords connecting to the devices.

PoE Home-run Cabling Architecture

In a home-run architecture, the devices are centralized in the telecommunications room, which makes it easier to control and maintain active equipment, better for power management as well. However, the tradeoff is the inflexible cabling infrastructure, which makes future modifications difficult.

Zone Cabling

A zone cabling for the PoE system can be further divided into “passive zone” and “active zone.” Like home-run cabling, passive zone architecture locates all active gear in the TR. The difference lies in the added consolidation point between the TR and the devices, without having to provide cabling all the way back to the TR, which is beneficial to facilitate moves, adds, and changes (MACs).

PoE Passive Zone Cabling Architecture

In the active zone topology, the PSE is located in the telecommunications enclosure (TE), to accommodate long-distance runs or to facilitate the transmission of large amounts of data between the TE and the TR. Typically, optical fibers are added to connect the PoE switches in the TE and Non-PoE switches in the TR, and the copper cables will run from the TE to the device outlets.

PoE Active Zone Cabling Architecture

Compared with the traditional “home-run” cabling, the zone cabling approach makes it quicker and easier to manage MACs, because shorter-run cables are used to connect zone boxes to local work areas. What’s more, this kind of localized topology may only have effects in one small zone at a time, minimizing widespread downtime and network disruption and maintaining maximum productivity.

Advantages of PoE Cabling With Zone Cabling Design

No one-size-fits-all topology for PoE. Each architecture possesses advantages and disadvantages. The traditional structured cabling that covers multiple lengthy copper cables will result in a nest of wires, difficult to maintain, troubleshoot, and expand. Comparatively, for high-power PoE, zone cabling will evidently provide a cost-effective solution. Featuring with its inherent advantage, zone cabling has an easily accessible intermediate connection point, making it possible to locate zone enclosures in an access floor, ceiling, on the wall, or within modular furniture for more convenient access to these connections.

Cabling Topology Comparsion

Specifically speaking, the zone cabling architecture for PoE deployment has the following prominent benefits:

  • Simplified cabling infrastructure: Replacing multiple individual cables running from PoE switches in the TR. Streamlining the cables orderly of connection points with shorter-run cables to devices in each zone.
  • Improved flexibility: Connecting various devices directly in the consolidation point with a patch cord or running from the consolidation point to a fixed workstation outlet with pigtails.
  • Higher utilization: Supporting high-density ports while making more room.
  • Optimized cabling performance: Enabling to provide sufficient Wi-Fi coverage throughout a facility with easier installation and better flexibility as the capacity of the wireless LAN increases.
  • Easier maintenance: No longer running new cables when conducting new installations, making the adjustments and updates easier.
  • Cost-saving for a long-term run: The costs spend on the materials may be a lot in the initial stages. However, adopting zone cabling can meet the upgrade demands in the predictable future, and make it easier for the installers to reconfigure; both money and efforts will be saved accordingly.

An Inevitable Trend: PoE Zone Cabling Applications

PoE was used to power hubs in wiring closets at the beginning, then it developed to expand into connecting devices like Wi-Fi access points and security cameras. In order to leverage the maximum capabilities of PoE, network designers tend to turn to zone cabling architectures as an alternative to traditional home-run cabling in digital buildings. With the aid of PoE, the zone cabling architecture has been applied in various working scenarios, becoming the new normal.

To Apply in Smart Offices

When it comes to zone cabling, “open office” maybe what initially comes to mind. Originally to connect desktop PCs across a large number of cubicles, the zone cabling model is now popular for the integration of smart systems with the network infrastructure.

In the modern workplace: people are on the move all day. Grab the breakfast then dash off to a meeting, check emails on the smartphones while waiting for the elevator. After lunch, communicate with colleagues and bring their laptops or tablets to a collaboration table. In a PoE zone cabling, with PoE wireless access points installed throughout buildings, employees can stay connected wherever they go without needing to stay at their stationary desks.

In open-concept offices, or for those the layout of offices are likely to be reconfigured often, zoned cabling is more cost-effective. That is because the changes to office configuration cause less disruption in the workplace and therefore less downtime, which results in a more productive office. Frankly, the initial set-up cost is expensive, but the savings over time can be significant.

Open Office Scenario

To Serve Multiple Applications

Defined under TIA/EIA standards and well-known for simplifying work area MACs, zone cabling is a topology that extends its reach to other areas and holds many benefits for the deployment of advanced and future technologies. Not just for smart offices only.

For those adopting wireless technology, zone cabling can ease its integration into the network. With a zone-cabling topology in place, PoE wireless access points can be added quickly by connecting to local zone boxes that position them in logical locations to provide the best coverage. The greater the number of zones, the more flexibility you have in deploying a wireless network.

Besides WAPs, surveillance cameras are also ubiquitous with the aid of PoE technology. A PoE switch, powered patch panel, or other power-injecting devices can be located in a TE and used to power the PoE IP cameras. Zone cabling is also the choice in buildings that use Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) telephone services and PoE lighting.

Cabling is one of the critical determining factors for IoT environments. Once IoT applications scale up, the number of connected devices will increase exponentially, making infrastructure provisioning increasingly complex. PoE cabling provides a solution that converges power and data infrastructure to cater to triple-play services and power consumption demands of edge network assets.

In some practical leasing situations, picking the PoE zone cabling approach will save both time and money. The owners can be prepared for any tenant regardless of how they want to arrange their workforce. Thankfully, this PoE cabling design strategy helps to eliminate unnecessary troubles and benefit both the owner and tenants.

Final Thoughts

PoE enables connectivity in various PDs such as IP phones, IP cameras, wireless access points, access control card readers, LED luminaires, etc. for communication applications. Apply PoE technology to a zone cabling design will provide a cost-effective solution, which helps in reducing capital expenditure and brings optimal ROI in turn. Zone cabling for PoE has become a vital part of the global digital transformation journey. The advantages of structured PoE zone cabling are multifold and upcoming industry trends indicate wider acceptance of the same. With the advent of the IoT and digital buildings, PoE cabling is poised for unprecedented expansion.

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PoE Cabling Explained: Architectures, Advantages, and Applications

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