Edge computing eliminates the latency experienced when transmitting data to a centralized cloud or a datacenter that can be located several time zones away. Instead, data transmission is processed at or near the local sites where it’s collected (“the edge”), removing latency issues that can cause excessive network delays and performance issues. A growing list of industries are benefiting from edge computing’s possibilities. For instance, edge computing in industrial applications provides critical data directly to plant managers in real time to assist in better decision making. It can also monitor remote assets for predictive maintenance, therefore preventing costly downtime. Remote equipment can be taken offline immediately if data transmission from an edge sensor identifies an anomaly. Another example of industrial applications is where sensors and IoT devices connected to an edge platform in industrial factories, plants and offices can track energy use and analyze consumption, assisting them in achieving sustainability strategies that reduce them. The potential for enterprises to create value with edge computing is virtually endless.

But there is a catch.

In order for edge devices to function, of course, they must be powered. This continues to present serious challenges to IT staff who must find an available power source suitable for dozens or even hundreds of edge devices. In this blog, we discuss how industrial PoE switches now represent the ideal solution for IT and security teams to obtain, manage and maintain reliable power in edge locations.

Plugging In Edge Devices

When fielding questions from customers about powering industrial edge devices, the Antaira tech team is often asked, “Can’t we just plug it in?” In locations with readily available on-site AC power, the answer is a resounding “yes.” So, if you are planning an industrial edge project, the best place to start your own integration and security journey is to determine if suitable electrical outlets are within reach of your devices.

But what if there are no nearby power outlets? For instance, how can you power an IP camera in an oil field? Or a network of sensors collecting air quality data in a coal mine? Or a fleet of autonomous vehicles requiring ultra-low latency network communications?

One solution is DC batteries. Simple, yes. Reliable, no. Batteries must be constantly monitored, replaced often, and will eventually run out of power supply, usually at the worst time. Another possible source of power supply is solar power. Again, reliability is a problem. Solar may not be able to supply a mission-critical edge device’s electrical current draw requirement. Solar setups are complicated with a high rate of failure. Solar may work with a basic IP camera consuming 4 watts, but if the camera is equipped with PTZ, LED lights, a heater or a cooler, solar cannot ensure a resilient full power supply 24/7/365.

Industrial PoE Switch Overview

Industrial Ethernet switches featuring Power over Ethernet or “PoE” integrate seamlessly into an edge computing environment where they supply robust, convenient and cost-effective power to multiple edge devices, along with compliance to industrial standards and regulations. There’s no electrician required for installation and maintenance of an outlet thanks to data and power transmission transmitted on a single cable. In tight spaces, PoE’s reduced cabling saves valuable room and enables flexible mounting of the device. Additionally, configuration changes are made simple by PoE.

Edge devices come in a variety of sizes, shapes and power requirements. One of the many benefits of industrial PoE switches is that have the capability to power virtually all of them. This includes power-hungry PTZ cameras, smart LED lighting, and HD monitors, as well as low power routers, sensors, actuators, access control devices, advanced security, and more. Older devices may not be able to be powered by PoE. To avoid damaging non-PoE powered devices, a PoE Ethernet switch will send a test current to verify there is a resistor before full power is applied. If a device is not engineered for PoE transmission, a PoE splitter can be used. Moreover, if an industrial switch does feature PoE, a PoE injector is an ideal option.

PoE is standards based, so interoperability across vendors is guaranteed. The original IEEE 802.3af PoE standard remains adequate for devices, switches that require no more than 13 Watts of power. The IEEE 802.3at standard (PoE+) increased available electrical power up to 25.5 Watts. The latest IEEE 802.3bt PoE standard — also known as 4-Pair PoE and PoE++ — stipulates support for a full 90 watts per industrial network switch port via CAT6A cabling. To be compliant, PoE power per industrial network switch port cannot exceed 100W, but that budget is more than sufficient to support higher-powered edge devices. This flexibility is important since the number of edge devices demanding higher power is increasing. For instance, new wireless access points require additional power to drive radios and provide needed power for devices connected via the AP's USB ports.

Antaira Industrial Ethernet Switches

Of course, PoE technology is only as reliable as the quality of the industrial Ethernet switch supplying it. Lower price PoE switches can create blinders to hidden costs related to eliminating the potential for network outages and production downtime, combined with problems with a lack of technical support and customer service.

At Antaira, we understand that our PoE switches will be supplying mission-critical power to your edge devices. That’s why we only use superior components designed and hardened to withstand extended temperature ranges, shock, EMC, moisture, vibrations and more. Our technical support team is here to provide the knowledge you need to deploy reliable, industrial-grade edge computing solutions that create value. Antaira PoE powered managed switches and unmanaged switches support connections up to 100 meters and speeds up to 1000mbps over a single twisted pair Ethernet cable. The industrial managed switches are ideal for network redundancy applications such as a wind or solar farm. Our IEEE standard compliant, high-port count industrial switches supply a maximum of 95/Watts per port (PoE++ Type 4), powerful enough for laptops, PTZ cameras and HD screens.

Antaira has been a pioneer in PoE patented security technologies including the introduction of iPoE Budget Control, Safe PoE Disconnect, Power Remote Reset and Persistent PoE.

To learn more about Antaira PoE industrial Ethernet switches, contact our team of industrial experts today at (714) 671-9000 or send us an email at sales@antaira.com.