Upgrading to High PoE (Type 4): Is Your Network Ready for High Power?

Commercial buildings require multi-layered security systems to protect occupants and property. They need physical barriers and controlled access to prevent unauthorized entry. Surveillance cameras, motion detectors, and alarms alert security personnel to unusual behaviors. Adding artificial intelligence (AI) with physical security measures leverages its predictive capabilities to create a proactive security system. However, AI-enabled security requires more than intelligent software. It demands a robust network and intelligent devices capable of collecting, transmitting, and processing gigabytes of data in real time. A costly challenge for property owners with infrastructures created before the rise of AI. High PoE (Type 4 Power over Ethernet) technology can help commercial property owners reduce the cost of extensive upgrades while supporting Type 4 intelligent devices. Delivering up to 90W of power and high volumes of data over a single Ethernet cable, Type 4 PoE allows network expansion without extensively overhauling electrical wiring. The technology also has the bandwidth to send gigabits of data in seconds to meet AI demands. Type 4 PoE with AI capabilities is a cost-effective solution for strengthening security at commercial properties.

What is High PoE (Type 4 Power over Ethernet)?

Devices are classified according to their maximum power requirements. In the PoE world, the eight device classes are divided into four types, with Type 4 supporting class 7 and 8 devices that require up to 62W and 73W, respectively. The devices can include surveillance cameras, access control systems, motion detectors, and lighting systems.

Type 4 PoE devices connect to an Ethernet network through a Category 6a Ethernet cable. Cat 6a cables operate at 500 MHz for data transfer rates up to 10 Gbps, conforming to the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers 802.3an standard (IEEE 802.3an). The standard stipulates how eight copper wires or four twisted pairs should be configured for data transmission.

The IEEE also maintains PoE standards that define how power and data can be sent over an Ethernet cable. Early standards such as IEEE 802.3af and 802.3at supported 15 W and 30 W devices (classes 0-4) with transmission rates of up to 1000 Mbps. Today’s 802.3bt standard supports devices needing up to 90 W of power and transmitting up to 10 Gbps of data.

PoE switches serve as power sources for connected devices. Switches such as Versa’s C62-084-91-770-L2 managed switch support auto-negotiation for power levels and can detect non-PoE-enabled devices to manage power usage. IEEE standards ensure backward compatibility, allowing the latest technology to merge seamlessly with existing infrastructures.

What Does AI Bring to Security Systems?

Traditional surveillance systems used closed-circuit television solutions to record and display data captured through cameras. Although security personnel could review the images in real time, most systems were accessed after a property was compromised. AI shifts security from reactive to proactive by analyzing data in real time for more accurate detection. It reduces false alarms, minimizes human error, and predicts behaviors to improve surveillance and access control. AI adds the following capabilities to commercial real estate security:

• Detecting anomalies in real time. AI analyzes data from multiple endpoints to identify operational patterns. AI uses the patterns to determine deviations before a compromise occurs.
• Distinguishing people, vehicles, and animals. Intelligent surveillance systems can distinguish between people and animals, identify objects, and recognize license plates for more accurate notifications.
• Triggering automated responses. AI-driven systems can immediately respond to threats by locking doors and shuttering windows, reducing risks to property and people.
• Supporting behavior-based authentication. AI can learn individual behaviors for improved authentication and access control. 

Integrating AI, IoT, and cloud-based connectivity for smart building operations is driving growth in the security systems market. The synergies among the AI-enabled technologies are driving market growth projections to a 11.4% compound annual growth rate from 2025 to 2030.

How Type 4 PoE Enables AI-Powered Security Systems

Type 4 PoE devices support the power and data demands of AI-based technologies. They have sufficient power to run AI algorithms at the edge for faster responses. For example, a Type 4 PoE surveillance camera runs an AI application that enables it to distinguish objects, people, and animals, reducing the number of false alarms. Moving the processing to the edge results in faster response times and less drain on network resources.

Network expansion and upgrades only require an Ethernet cable, eliminating the need for an electrician and reducing costs. With fewer wires, the simplified infrastructure makes maintenance and monitoring less time-consuming, with fewer points of failure. Integrating AI-powered security systems with other smart technologies such as lighting, heating, and cooling improves energy management, reduces maintenance costs, and enhances security.

Implementing Type 4 PoE with AI Security in Commercial Real Estate

Commercial real estate owners looking to strengthen their physical security through Type 4 PoE AI-powered solutions can use the following step-by-step guide to realize the technology’s full potential.

Step 1. Assess Existing Infrastructure and Needs

Evaluate existing and planned property layout. Note the location of each endpoint and switch, and measure the distance between them to ensure runs do not exceed 100 meters. If needed, add PoE injectors or repeaters for reliable operations. Upgrade cables to 6a or higher.

Step 2. Modify Network Design Layout

Based on the needs assessment, redraw the property layout, incorporating any changes for PoE devices. Indicate the equipment to be purchased.

Step 3. Purchase Compliant Equipment 

Select Type 4 compliant switches, injectors, and devices. Be sure the equipment complies with the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and network video recorders that include AI features. 

Step 4. Install Equipment and Cables

Install equipment according to the manufacturer’s instructions, making sure that cable runs do not exceed 100 meters. If necessary, install extenders to increase the distance between the power source and the device.

Step 5. Configure System

Enable AI functionality using the manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure devices are set up correctly and recognized by the system. Make note of the settings for network documentation.

Step 6. Test and Validate

Systematically, test the configuration. Segment the test plan for simplified troubleshooting. Adjust configuration as needed until the network is operational. Make sure to note all configuration changes for accurate documentation.

Step 7. Monitor and Optimize 

Once testing is complete, place the new infrastructure into production and begin monitoring. Consider uninterruptible power supplies for mission-critical functions and surge protectors where power fluctuations can disable devices.

The commercial real estate market needs to secure its assets without costly network replacements. Using Type 4 PoE with AI provides a cost-effective solution with future-proof capabilities to integrate with other smart technologies. PoE switches offer energy management tools for operational efficiency, and the backward compatibility of devices allows existing and new technology to coexist.Versa Technology is a leader in high power PoE solutions. Our industrial products are designed for the harsh environments of commercial real estate. Contact us to discuss high power PoE enabled security options or to request a quote.