The Evolution of Power Over Ethernet (PoE)

Industries deploy PoE devices because they are safer to install, reduce costs, improve productivity, and increase data collection capabilities. The evolution of PoE has enabled the delivery of flexibility that companies need to thrive in changing landscapes.

Why is PoE Being Used?

Industries deploy PoE devices because they are safer to install, reduce costs, improve productivity, and increase data collection capabilities. PoE delivers the flexibility that companies need to thrive in changing landscapes.

Reduce Costs

Installation of PoE does not require an electrician, and downtime is reduced. There’s no need to wait for an electrician to become available. Network personnel can simply move the device to another location on the network. Even devices needing 60W to 100W of power only require a Cat 5 or Cat 6 Ethernet cable. There’s no complex wiring or convoluted cabling required. 

Gather Data

With increased transmission speeds, PoE devices can collect and send data from any location. PoE allows businesses to control environmental conditions and lighting from a central location. Analytics processes the information gathered. When space is no longer in use, the lights can turn off automatically, and the temperature is controlled from a remote location. No one has to travel to the site to perform these energy-saving tasks.

Improve Productivity

Today’s business landscape is all about speed. Customers want faster delivery and shorter wait times. PoE can help. Network administrators can reconfigure PoE-powered network devices from their workstations. Installers only need an Ethernet cable to create a deployment. Less time installing and maintaining network devices allows employees to be more productive.

Create a Better Bottom Line

Whenever businesses can reduce costs and improve productivity, they create a better bottom line. Better data collection fuels decision-making that can lower expenses. PoE technology complements the agility culture companies need to remain competitive, allowing them to pivot quickly as their ecosystem changes.

The Evolution of PoE – How is It Used Today?

PoE provides cost-effective and reliable power and data delivery in various industries.

Creating a Resilient Supply Chain

Logistics companies can track inventory and shipments with support for RFID readers. They can deploy PoE sensors to monitor and regulate warehouses and distribution centers. The added power capabilities and faster data speeds help the logistics industry create a more resilient supply chain.

Smart Factories, Homes, and Buildings

PoE-enabled sensors can be deployed in areas lacking power. Monitoring environmental conditions on factory floors can be challenging. Accurate data may be unavailable because it would be impractical to install a powered sensor. But PoE sensors can be placed in hard-to-reach spaces for better control over operating conditions.

PoE lighting systems are used in smart buildings to conserve energy. A smart LED lighting network consists of lights, sensors, and software. Information transmits between the sensor and the centralized control for regulating intensity. Deploying more efficient LED lighting with software controlling its operations can make any facility greener. 

Strengthening Security

From the beginning, PoE technology has powered surveillance systems. Today, PoE solutions can operate IP cameras across campuses, housing complexes, and parking lots.  PoE-enabled card readers can be placed on remote access points to ensure only authorized personnel may enter.