Now more than ever, the dynamics of running a business or organization are changing rapidly. One area that has seen considerable transformation and advancement is how technology is used in a business’s day-to-day operations, especially in a decade where AI is growing exponentially.
However, in enterprise networking, the more things change, the more they stay the same. This paradox is especially true regarding fundamental networking concepts and the core components needed to set them up. In light of this, our editors thought it might be fun to look back at some of the tools in the IT toolbox since the beginning, especially now that we’re witnessing full PoE network integration in almost every area of enterprise IT network infrastructures.
PoE Network and Why It’s Indispensable in Today’s IT Networking
Since the invention of Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology in 1997, the technology has enjoyed exponential uptake in the networking world, from small to large enterprise networks.
Well, Power over Ethernet (PoE) is a revolutionary technology that, as the name suggests, enables power (as well as data) to be transmitted over a single Ethernet cable simultaneously. This feature drastically reduces the need (and budget) for separate electrical installations to deliver power for various powered devices (PDs) in a network.
Today, all kinds of PoE-compliant devices are available on the market, from IP surveillance cameras, VoIP phones, wireless access points (WAPs), LED screens, biometric readers, PoE lighting, IP intercoms, and more. These devices offer convenience and the latest technology while still being affordable, both to purchase and install the device since there’s no need to put in additional electrical outlets. But can you add powered devices (PoE or non-PoE) to your existing enterprise network without incurring the enormous costs of changing fundamental networking equipment like switches? The answer is yes, using the three PoE network devices we’ll cover in this article.
The Three PoE Network Devices Every IT Networking Professional Should Have in Their Toolkit
When you want to add a powered network device (PD) in an enterprise network, such as a surveillance camera covering a remote location or biometric readers for the main entrance, you must address the following:
- Delivering power to the PD.
- Transmitting data back and forth from the PD.
How you meet these objectives will depend on whether your base IT equipment (switch/router) or the intended PD is PoE-compliant. Depending on the unique circumstances and with the growing trend of tightening IT budgets across all industries, the following three devices offer efficient power and data delivery solutions while helping businesses cut installation costs and turnaround:
- PoE Splitter: Redirects power from data/power delivery in Power over Ethernet format and splits the two so they can be delivered over separate inputs to a non-PoE device.
- PoE Extender: Lengthens the power delivery limit of standard PoE (100 meters/330 feet) by boosting the power to reach longer distances.
- PoE Injector: This was the first device alongside PoE, and it helps carry power to PoE devices connected to non-PoE switches.
These three devices are crucial in enterprise network additions, where efficiency and cost-effectiveness are essential. Let’s examine how each device is vital to enterprise networking.
PoE Splitters: Legacy Devices Added to a PoE Switch
Though PoE networks are replacing legacy IT networks now more than ever, there’s still a place for legacy network devices. This is true, especially when there’s a need to connect a critical non-PoE device(s) that wasn’t built to receive power via an Ethernet cable needs to be connected.
One example would be a digital signage player that requires a DC power input. Such a device could not consume power directly from the PoE network; hence, there is a need to deliver power, and data must be delivered separately. Instead of adding another non-PoE switch and installing additional electrical wiring to use these devices, a PoE splitter is cheaper and less time-consuming.
How a PoE Splitter Works
A PoE splitter is typically used with power source equipment (PSE), such as a PoE switch or injector. The PoE splitter input port connects to the cable via a PoE switch or injector. The splitter then separates the power and data into distinct lines, meaning it has two outputs, one for power and the other for data delivery to the non-PoE PD.
It’s worth noting that splitters don’t require external power sources to operate—they run off power delivered from the PSE. This plug-and-play mechanism makes installing non-PoE PD in remote locations without electrical power outlets easy and affordable.
Another benefit of using a PoE splitter is that valuable legacy network assets can still be used even after migrating the enterprise network to PoE infrastructure, which can save the company money or be used to implement other critical upgrades.
PoE Extenders: Lengthen the Reach of Your Network for Remote Installations
What should you do if you want to install a PoE-powered device in a remote location where the standard PoE reach (100 meters) is insufficient? Examples include:
- IP security cameras in remote parking areas.
- Wayfinding display screens to help visitors navigate parks safely.
- Wireless Access Points throughout a campus.
- PoE screens in shopping malls.
PoE extenders, also known as repeaters, were invented for these scenarios.
Imagine there were no PoE extenders; you’d need power source equipment (PSE) every 100 meters to effectively serve power and data to PDs. This would not only add the cost of purchasing extra PSEs (PoE switches or injectors) but also the cost of installing power outlets wherever the PSEs are located. That’s both inefficient and time-consuming.
Thankfully, PoE extenders are a cheap solution to this problem that can extend PoE’s reach by up to hundreds of meters. You can also use more than one extender, if need be, to extend the reach of PoE capability even further.
PoE Injectors
As we have already seen, PoE injectors were among the first PSEs to be used when most enterprise networks ran off non-PoE switches, and there was a need to add PoE devices to the network without conducting a major LAN infrastructure overhaul. Though PoE adoption has been growing exponentially, PoE injectors (midspans) are still widely used in many organizations where non-PoE and PoE networks co-exist.
Technically, a PoE injector receives power input via an electrical outlet and data input from a non-PoE switch/router. The injector then outputs both power and data through a single Ethernet cable.
Injectors are an excellent solution for any of the following scenarios:
- You want to add a new IP camera or a VoIP phone without replacing the non-PoE switch.
- You want to install a powered device in a location without access to a power outlet.
- You want to add an advanced surveillance camera or high-performance wireless AP, but your current PoE switch can’t support the PD’s power requirement.
In all three scenarios, a PoE injector is the most efficient solution for saving money when purchasing due to minimal installation costs. These devices effectively eliminate the need to buy expensive PoE switches or install electrical outlets in remote places.
Final Word
As PoE networks and devices become increasingly favored across many industries, PoE splitters, extenders, and injectors will continue to play a pivotal role in extending PoE reach and facilitating the integration of both PoE and non-PoE devices in hybrid networks. Therefore, all IT professionals need to have these three devices in their IT networking toolbox as they are cheap and offer a more straightforward and cost-effective solution during integration into existing enterprise networks.
