What’s Powering the Future of PoE Switch Technology?

Time, speed, and space are driving the growth in Ethernet technologies and, by extension, the future of power over Ethernet (PoE) development. Time-sensitive protocols allow Ethernet-based networks to deliver accurate data in real-time. In-vehicle connectivity can continue to advance through improved telematics and infotainment. With increased data transmission speeds, Ethernet’s support of time-sensitive networking (TSN) can facilitate growth across enterprises, corporate complexes, and college campuses.

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) need real-time access to significant volumes of data to function. Implementing these technologies requires networks with larger bandwidths and faster speeds. Ethernet technology is advancing to address improvements in twinax cables, multi- and single-mode fiber (MMF/SMF), and twisted pairs.

The steady stream of new standards released by the Institute of Electronics and Electrical Engineering (IEEE) increases the volume of data that can be transported over an Ethernet cable. Acclimating to 800 Gbps speeds is already setting the stage for 1.6 Tbps Ethernet. More bandwidth at faster speeds drives TSN support, paving the way for more advances in PoE technologies.

What is a Power over Ethernet Managed Switch?

Switches can be managed or unmanaged and may or may not incorporate PoE technology. A PoE-managed switch regulates network traffic by combining multiple technologies into a single hardware device. 

What are Switches?

Switches are fundamental components of any network. They connect network endpoints over a local area network (LAN). Most Ethernet switches adhere to the Open System Interconnection (OSI) model. As a Layer 2 device, switches use media access control (MAC) addresses to route traffic over a LAN. In contrast to older devices such as hubs, which broadcast data to all endpoints, switches provide a more efficient configuration.

What are Managed Switches?

A managed PoE switch does more than direct incoming traffic to its designated endpoint. These devices allow network administrators to configure ports, specify transmission speeds, control access to the device, and correct errors remotely. They can also group traffic and report network and power status. With the IEEE’s latest Ethernet standards, the amount and speed of data sent over Ethernet Cat 6 or Cat6A cables have increased, further expanding the capabilities of PoE technology in managed switches.

What is PoE Technology?

PoE technology provides both power and data through a single Ethernet cable. This means that devices like wireless access points, IP cameras, and VoIP phones can be powered and connected in locations that lack an external power source. PoE provides unparalleled flexibility to any network, eliminating the need for additional wiring and lowering the costs of installing and operating new devices.

What is a PoE Managed Switch?

Unmanaged PoE switches pass power and data through to connected endpoints. They do not offer integrated functionality that enables enhanced management controls such as quality of service (QoS) capabilities, VLAN and VoIP support, or graphical interfaces.

Managed switches come in varying sizes and speeds, with durability options ranging up to industrial-grade for harsh environmental conditions. These switches can have two to four ports or 24 to 48 and operate at speeds up to 800 Gbps. With the continuous evolution of Ethernet, PoE-managed switches will only gain more functionality as technologies progress.

What Can PoE Managed Switches Do?

Managed PoE switches have taken advantage of Ethernet and PoE technologies’ increased power and data capabilities. They are more flexible, easier to scale, and have more management functionality. The following features are just a glimpse of what PoE-managed switches can do:

Quality of Service (QoS)

Managed PoE switches provide greater flexibility for network traffic control. They prioritize traffic for improved performance. QoS functionality ensures that critical applications are available and data flows without interruption. QoS can also differentiate bandwidth to minimize latency in video and voice applications. 

Network Management

One significant benefit of QoS functionality is improved network management. PoE-managed switches allow administrators to monitor ports and create virtual LANs. Computer networks can be arranged logically rather than by physical location. These capabilities can be accessed remotely using a graphical user interface (GUI).

Managed switches allow administrators to monitor individual port activity. They can collect and report data on port performance, highlighting errors and identifying potential cable or device problems. Mirroring features can help further improve network resilience.

VLAN and VoIP

VLAN support means administrators can virtually configure networks to create logical subnets or virtual LANS. Network engineers can create a subnet dedicated to guests that secures the rest of the network from unwanted intrusions. Isolating VoIP connections reduces latency since managed switches can implement QoS functionality to prioritize the associated VLAN.

Future of PoE Managed Switches 

Surveillance systems are a perfect showcase for how Ethernet and PoE technologies can be deployed in the future. External switches can be monitored from the same console. There’s no need to grapple with physical hardware, which can be challenging when troubleshooting problems or making port changes during harsh weather conditions. With a web-based GUI, IP surveillance systems can be configured and managed from any location with an internet connection.

With more power and bandwidth, PoE-managed switches can deliver the following features in surveillance system configurations:

• Auto Discovery: Intelligent switches can automatically discover and classify ONVIF-compliant devices. The Open Network Video Interface Forum, or ONVIF, releases communications standards on communication features for IP-based security devices. Adhering to these standards ensures interoperability among devices. 
• E-Mapping: Upload custom floor images to locate deployed surveillance devices or export floor views to other formats for inspection and planning. E-mapping also includes topology and Google views that let users know the exact location of IP devices.
• Device Management: Managed PoE switches provide remote monitoring of connected devices. They can report MAC and IP addresses, monitor power consumption, and monitor device functionality at a network’s edge.
• Cable Diagnostics: PoE-managed switches can also show real-time connectivity status per port and assess cable functionality to ensure optimum performance at remote locations.

As Ethernet and PoE technologies improve power and data capabilities, PoE-managed switches will deliver more functionality, making edge deployments easier to manage. These devices will continue eliminating the need for external wiring, allowing faster installation and deployment of PoE-enabled devices.

Versa Technology is a leader in PoE technologies. Our PoE-managed switches include the latest advancements in PoE solutions. For more information on PoE-managed switches, view our full product line.