Future of Networking: The Role of PoE in 5G Deployments

Power over Ethernet (PoE) has quickly become a critical enabler in the evolving networking landscape. A highly flexible technology, PoE offers scalability, easy installation, cost-effectiveness, and quick deployment as a component of network upgrades or reconfigurations. It also simplifies adding new devices,   offers specialized management, and allows the network to adapt according to need.  These attributes make PoE well-suited for dynamic environments where network requirements change frequently due to technological upgrades, such as 5G implementation. One example would then be to use Poe in 5G implementation.

What is Power over Ethernet (PoE)?

PoE is a technology that enables the transmission of both power and data over a single twisted-pair Ethernet cable. Sometimes referred to as an “in-line power supply,” it significantly reduces the number of wires needed for a network to function and affords greater flexibility in the location of installed equipment.

The benefits of PoE include:

• Simplified installation: Eliminating the need for dedicated power cables, PoE significantly reduces the amount of wiring needed.
• Cost savings: Less cabling, fewer power outlets, and reduced labor mean lower installation costs.
• Increased reliability: Centralized power management, remote monitoring, and available redundancy features ensure continuous operation even during power outages.
• Improved aesthetics: PoE reduces visual clutter, fostering a neater, more organized infrastructure.
• Enhanced scalability: Upgraded devices can easily be added to a network for expansion.
• Faster deployments. An accelerated installation process enables speedier service deployment, allowing businesses to reap the benefits of new technologies and applications quickly.

PoE is a valuable technology for accelerating network deployments with minimal cost and downtime.

When should PoE be used?

PoE is well suited to situations requiring simplified installations when time is of the essence. During emergency deployments or network upgrades, the process can be as easy as unplugging one device and plugging in another. It is ideal in environments with high device density, such as office buildings, data centers, and retail settings.  Implementing PoE makes relocation and incorporation of powered devices easy because it requires no rewiring.

PoE is ideal for deployment in remote or difficult-to-reach locations where power infrastructure is limited or challenging to install. Remote access points, outdoor surveillance systems, and sensors in remote environmental monitoring networks can all benefit from PoE.

What is a PoE deployment?

PoE deployment is the process of installing and configuring a network using Power over Ethernet. The process involves:

• Planning the network
• Installing the infrastructure
• Configuring the switches
• Testing the network

Prior to deployment, the total power draw of all connected devices is calculated to ensure the PoE switch can provide sufficient power. The appropriate PoE standard (PoE, PoE+, PoE++) switch will meet those power requirements.

What is 5G?

5G is shorthand for Fifth Generation Wireless Technology. The latest cellular network technology currently in use, it is designed to be much faster and reliable than its predecessor, 4G. 5G offers quicker downloads and uploads, smoother streaming, and more responsive online experiences. Latency is significantly lower while a larger number of connected devices can be handled simultaneously. 

5G provides faster speeds for high data activities like downloading movies, streaming high definition video, and online gaming. It offers advanced mobile internet connectivity, enabling a variety of IoT and Big Data applications.

What is a small cell?

A small cell is a miniature version of a traditional cell tower. Low-powered and short-range, these wireless access points are designed to improve cellular coverage and capacity in densely populated areas. Small cells fill in the gaps between cell towers and improve service quality, especially indoors, by offloading traffic from macro cells and delivering faster data speeds to users.

Popular locales for small cell installation include:

• Malls 
• Airports
• Hospitals
• Office complexes
• Convention centers
• Stadiums
• Business districts
• High-density residential areas
• Transportation corridors
• City centers

Small cells are easily deployable in various outdoor locations such as rooftops, buildings, and lampposts. They are also gaining popularity along rural roads and highways and in areas with limited or no traditional cell tower coverage. Small cells are essential for 5G networks that require dense deployments to meet the demands of high-bandwidth applications.

Can PoE be used in 5G deployments?

PoE is widely used in 5G deployments. In locations where accessing traditional power outlets proves difficult, PoE allows for a single cable to deliver both power and data to 5G devices via a standard Ethernet cable. PoE makes small cell base station installations simpler and more cost-effective. 

5G networks often rely on dense small cell deployments. PoE eliminates the need for separate power lines for each small cell and reduces the cost and time requirements associated with extensive electrical wiring. Regardless of the proximity to power outlets, small cells can be placed virtually anywhere within reach of an Ethernet cable. This level of flexibility enables more creative and efficient network designs to maximize coverage and capacity. Maintenance and troubleshooting is simplified thanks to centralized power management.

PoE Deployment with Versa Technology

PoE is poised to be a cornerstone in the future of networking. It enables the efficiency, scalability, and sustainability of network infrastructures. Versa Technology provides a full range of PoE components, including switches, extenders, injectors, splitters, and media converters.

The H40-044-91-250 is an unmanaged industrial outdoor Gigabit PoE switch with four 10/100/1000BASE-T ports featuring 90W 802.3bt PoE. The switch has 2 RJ45 and 2 SFP interfaces and a power budget of 250W.

An ideal PoE solution for the outdoor environment, the H40-044-91-250 meets the PoE power demand of HD IP surveillance applications and enables the outdoor connection of PoE powered devices such as:

• Outdoor PoE IP cameras
• PoE wireless access points
• Small cells

The switch supports IP67 12KV surge protection for each Ethernet port and 40KV surge protection in AC power. With an operating temperature of -40º to 65º C, its hardened, graded construction ensures operation in harsh weather conditions. The switch has an input voltage of 100~240 VAC and is TAA compliant.

Contact Versa Technology for more information.