Power over Ethernet (PoE), was invented back in 1997, as a money-saving technology to take advantage of the spare data capacity of Ethernet cables to carry power to PoE-enabled network devices. Today, PoE significantly reduces the number of wires that must be strung to install a network, among many other advantages. PoE delivers power to hundreds of thousands of devices residing on residential, commercial and industrial networks — no electrician required.

In commercial or residential use, PoE is mostly a convenience. However, in an industrial network, PoE has increasingly become a necessity. PoE has given industrial network administrators greater flexibility as to where to mount their devices — ranging from wireless access points to IIoT sensors. Since PoE-enabled network devices no longer are dependent on a power outlet being nearby, scaling up or modifying an industrial network is faster and simpler. PoE also adds improved safety and reliability to an industrial network since power comes from a single source, while it also protects network equipment from overload, underpowering, and incorrect installation.

In response to the rapid adoption of PoE, the IEEE developed its first standard for manufacturers to follow in 2003, IEEE 802.3af, based on an allowance of 15.4W of power. To support the growing power demands of industrial networks, the IEEE later ratified PoE+ (IEEE 802.3at, 30W of power) and PoE++ (IEEE 802.3bt, 100W of power). Also referred to as High Power PoE, PoE++ is backwards compatible with existing PoE and PoE+ standards, allowing older devices to be connected. High power devices previously unable to use PoE or PoE+, such as PTZ cameras with heaters and high-definition monitors, can now take full advantage of it, thanks to PoE++.

Two types of devices make up the PoE universe: Power Source Equipment (PSE) and Powered Devices (PD). As the name implies, PSE provides or “injects” the power, and the PD accepts the power.

The most common type of PSE on an industrial network is an Ethernet PoE switch incorporating power supply circuitry. Industrial PoE switches engineered for harsh settings have the same power delivery functionality as non-industrial switches, but the similarities end there. A hardened industrial switch withstands high vibration, shock, extreme variations in temperatures, and provides protection against electrostatic discharge, interference and surges. Some industrial PoE switches are for use in areas classified by the National Electrical Code (NEC) as “hazardous” locations, for instance, oil refineries, chemical processing plants, and water treatment centers, that have explosive atmospheres.

Like any industrial network device, Ethernet PoE switches come in various designs with different feature sets and price points, depending on the manufacturer. Some industrial Ethernet switch manufacturers are leaders, some are followers. At Antaira, we are recognized industry-wide as an innovative force for industrial Ethernet PoE switches. Antaira has been issued multiple groundbreaking PoE patents that set our industrial switches apart, and will make your next deployment more reliable, cost-effective and scalable. Below are some of those patents:

• Antaira’s Safe PoE Disconnect: An Antaira industrial switch with this feature ensures protection of PoE networks when it is operating high-power sourcing equipment. Technicians can safely disable power being sent across Ethernet cables before disconnecting the cable at either end. Built into several Antaira models of industrial switches, Safe PoE Disconnect can be activated by switching off the PoE port before pulling out the cable, deactivating the PoE power.

• Antaira’s Persistent PoE: Exclusively found on Antaira 802.3bt PoE managed switches, Persistent PoE gives you the flexibility to reboot the industrial switch while providing uninterrupted power to connected PDs. This comes in handy when updating firmware that requires the switch to reboot. In conventional Ethernet switches, this step would also reboot the connected devices, for example, IP surveillance cameras that may take several minutes to get back on-line, exposing your business to potential threats. Antaira’s Persistent PoE technology solves this problem.

• Antaira’s Power Remote Reset Technology (PRRT): Remote, unmanned devices are part and parcel of today’s interconnected industries. But what happens when that remote device goes down and needs resetting? Typically, this situation demands that a maintenance technician take time off their busy schedule to travel offsite to conduct service. Antaira PRRT comes to the rescue, saving you valuable travel costs and downtime. Now you can reset the device without physically visiting the remote site. PRRT automatically drops power to the PoE port at the remote site connected to the unresponsive device, shutting it down and then powering it back up three seconds later, completing the power cycle. PRRT is available on select Antaira bt industrial PoE switches and media converters.

Antaira recognizes your industrial network requirements are unique and ever-changing. That’s why our industrial PoE switch line is so diverse. In addition to standard 48-55VDC power inputs on our industrial switches, we also have low voltage 12-36VDC models for added versatility, along with PoE, PoE+ and PoE++ options, low-, mid- and high-port counts, 10 Gigabit speed, and SFP+ fiber slots. Need a more rugged switch? Check out our new IP67 waterproof managed switches with ultra-secure M12 connections. Housed in a rugged metal case, they can be installed in almost any harsh environment from oil and gas to automation and rail.

For the industrial PoE switches needed to optimize your network, today and tomorrow, Antaira has the answer. Contact our technical team at 714-671-9000 or info@antaira.com.