Do you want to say goodbye to messy wiring and complicated, expensive setups? With Power over Ethernet (PoE), you can consolidate your power and communication into one simple cable. In this guide to PoE, we’ll go over the different types of PoE, what system design and installation looks like, and why PoE can be a valuable tool when installing access control.
What is Power over Ethernet?
Power over Ethernet (PoE) is a method of powering networking devices, such as access points or cameras, utilizing the wires in an ethernet cable. In alternative methods of powering devices, you need to run separate wires for data and power, but with PoE you can do all of this through one simple cable. In an ethernet cable you will find a total of eight wires, twisted into four pairs. When transmitting data, only two of these wire pairs are required (wires 1, 2, 3 and 6), leaving the remaining two pairs of wires (wires 4, 5, 7 and 8) to be used for power transmission, or PoE.
The ability to provide power over an ethernet cable has a variety of advantages, the first of which is convenience. ProdataKey’s Training and Event Manager, Cole Nebeker, points out that “even in cases where you don’t necessarily have to use PoE, like with our controllers, it’s often more convenient to use it anyway and only run one wire instead of two.”
This sentiment is echoed by Jeromy Stokes, ProdataKey’s Technical Support Manager, who explains that “if you’re hooking up the system with ethernet anyway, there’s no disadvantage to hooking up PoE. It’s just going to make the whole thing a lot easier.” By opting for PoE, you eliminate the need to install a secondary wire for power, saving yourself a considerable amount of time in the system design and installation process.
Alongside the convenience of setting up PoE, an additional benefit is the cost efficiency of this method.
“If you’re running an ethernet line anyway to give communication to the controller board,” Jeromy explains, “by installing a PoE switch you don’t have to pay an electrician to come and install an outlet right by it, or run more wires a long distance for power.”
Additionally, with PoE you eliminate the need to purchase a backup battery, seeing as PoE will instead run on a backup uninterruptible power source (UPS). Utilizing PoE allows you to considerably decrease the overall amount of money spent on hardware and physical labor. On top of this cost-efficiency, using PoE also allows for far more flexibility in the design of your system, as you can place controllers in areas where it would otherwise be difficult to install power outlets or run power cables. Additionally, up-scaling your system becomes easier than ever, since all you need to do is connect your device to existing ethernet cabling!
The Evolution of Power over Ethernet
The development of Power over Ethernet began in 1997 through the work of PowerDsine, a former semiconductor and systems company. Cisco continued the development of PoE in 2000, and by 2003 the first PoE standard was ratified by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). Type 1 PoE, the IEEE 802.3af standard, can provide 15.4 watts of DC power to each PoE port. 2009 saw the release of the IEEE 802.3at standard, otherwise known as Type 2 or PoE+, which provides a maximum port power of 30 watts. Arriving in 2011, the third type of PoE – PoE++ at the IEEE 802.3bt standard – can provide 60 watts of port power. A higher-power fourth type of PoE, conforming to the same IEEE 802.3bt standard, was ratified in 2018, with the ability to deliver 90 watts of power to a port, and the potential to supply 100 watts if necessary.
Setting Up PoE Access Control
Power over Ethernet can be easily utilized in any space where ethernet cabling will be used. However, when it comes to system design, it’s important to bear in mind the distance limitation of PoE. A PoE signal can only go 330 feet (100 meters) in a straight line, but with line conditioners or boosters this signal distance can be increased.
An important characteristic of PoE is that it can be easily set up in places with existing non-PoE infrastructure. This process requires a device known as a PoE injector. In this installation scenario, Jeromy explains, “you can plug in a PoE injector into a port, plug your line into that injector, and have PoE go into the device you need PoE for.” This allows you to convert a non-PoE device to a PoE device without replacing any existing equipment or infrastructure. This makes it easier than ever to install a PoE-powered ProdataKey access control system in spaces where pre-existing infrastructure is already in place
Vigitron: The Power Behind PDK
In order to ensure that users can source the best possible devices for their PoE-powered systems, ProdataKey has partnered with Vigitron, a global leading manufacturer of analog and IP transmission solutions. With over 25 years of experience in the design and manufacturing of networking equipment, Vigitron is ProdataKey’s go-to partner for all things PoE.
When it comes to setting up a PoE-powered system, there are two types of devices that you need: a power sourcing equipment (PSE) and a powered device (PD). PSE’s, such as PoE switches and injectors, are responsible for supplying power to a powered device, in this case a PDK controller and its peripheral hardware. Vigitron offers a variety of PSE’s for users to choose from, one of which is the Vi30208, a hardened 4+2+2 port 802.3bt managed network switch. With 90 watt compliant ports and 495 watts of total input power, this device is capable of powering even the most demanding PoE applications. Alongside PSE’s, ProdataKey also encourages users to look into Vigitron’s power supply devices, such as the Vi10120, capable of providing a 120W output to a connected PSE.
Prodatakey's PoE++ Module Kit
After installing a PSE utilizing the state-of-the-art devices from Vigitron, the final step in setting up PoE in your ProdataKey system is to plug in the PoE++ module. A key feature of ProdataKey’s line of Red controllers is its modularity – the PoE++ module, as one of two module kits available for Red readers, is a plug-and-play device that can make your controller PoE compatible in mere seconds. This product, tested by Vigitron to ensure that it meets their top-class PoE standards, is a unique and reliable hardware solution.
Setting up PoE in a PDK system used to be a highly complicated process, according to Jeromy,
"but now with the PoE module you just put it right on there and run ethernet into the regular port, and it powers the whole thing on. I think it’s very cool, and I’m a big fan of the PoE modules.”
Installation of the PoE++ module is as simple as it gets – the module snaps right into place on the pins of the control board. There’s even an outline on the board to show you exactly where it should go!
The beauty of the PoE module also lies in its flexibility, seeing as “the module can accept either PoE, PoE+ or PoE++,” says Cole. He continues, “that’s the idea with the module, is that it’s capable of utilizing whatever power is provided to you.” Additionally, the built-in alert assistance of Vigitron products will help you to know if your devices are consistently receiving the proper amount of power – whether it be PoE, PoE+, or PoE++ – from your power sourcing equipment.
PoE in Action: The National Corvette Museum
Power over Ethernet has been set up in countless ProdataKey access control systems so far, one of which can be found in the National Corvette Museum. Located in the heart of Bowling Green, Kentucky, this museum is home to a collection of vehicles and artifacts central to the American automotive industry. In order to keep this priceless collection secure, the National Corvette Museum sought out the help of ProdataKey, who has since secured not only the museum site itself, but connected storage facilities and showrooms as well.
We have certain panels that don’t have the best access to power, so the PoE++ option is just a much smoother alternative,” explains Michael Olson, the owner of JNE Security Systems, the installer for this project. Due to the modular nature of the Red boards, this installation process was simple and allowed for a high level of flexibility for Michael and everyone else involved at the National Corvette Museum.
Transform Your Access Control With PoE
As an intuitive method of powering networking devices utilizing ethernet cabling, PoE is a cost-effective, convenient and flexible solution for any access control system. With the help of Vigitron’s power supplies and sourcing equipment alongside ProdataKey’s unique PoE++ module, getting started with PoE can be as simple as possible. Don’t let yourself waste time and money – get started with PoE today!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Power over Ethernet?
Power over Ethernet (PoE) is a method of powering networking devices utilizing the wires in an ethernet cable.
What are the benefits of using Power over Ethernet?
PoE is a convenient and flexible power solution, as it allows you to power devices in hard-to-reach areas through one simple cable. It also helps you to save money by eliminating the need to hire an electrician to set up additional power outlets.
What devices can Power over Ethernet power?
PoE can power a variety of powered devices (PD), such as wireless access points, IP cameras and IP telephones.
What is the distance limit for Power over Ethernet?
PoE has a distance limit of 330 feet (100 meters). This can be extended through PoE line conditioners or boosters.
What is ProdataKey’s PoE++ module?
The PoE++ module kit from ProdataKey is a plug-and-play device that makes a PDK door controller PoE-compatible.
