The Smarter Solution

Power, data carried over single Ethernet cable

  • By Keith Hopwood
  • Mar 01, 2009

Power over Ethernet technology is poised to revolutionize security system design with its innovative, efficient, cost-effective, interoperable and upgradeable power solutions.

PoE allows power and data to be carried over a single Ethernet cable. The technology was initially employed to power VoIP phones during power failures. With the ratification of the higher power IEEE802.3at standard, also known as PoE Plus, and the new Ultra-PoE, the technology is now the smartest solution for powering sophisticated surveillance cameras equipped with features like tilt and zoom and on-board heaters and illuminators, while also providing the opportunity to converge all necessary security systems on the same network for ultimate security coverage and management.

New Capabilities
The new power standards have enabled PoE to supply reliable, uninterrupted power to critical security devices, including clusters of PoE- and non-PoE-enabled video surveillance cameras, access control systems, CCTV, badge readers, RFID scanners, special-purpose radios, motion and heat sensors, fire detectors, biometric identification devices and surveillance-camera accessories, including heaters, microphones and illuminators.

The ability to back up these systems onto one network offers a number of advantages, the primary one being the ability to monitor and maintain the operation of all security systems when the power goes out. The PoE power solution also is cost effective, as installation can be completed using interoperable off-the-shelf switches and midspans that do not require expensive professional installation and that support a variety of plug-and-play equipment. Midspans enable networks to be flexible and upgradeable, allowing users to add devices, which keeps enhancement costs down.

Additional Benefits
For many businesses, PoE is the single most cost-effective way to install and network security systems. AC outlets are not always available, especially for the use of surveillance cameras, and the cost to wire and install additional AC outlets can be high.

With PoE and midspans, security devices can be powered through the same Ethernet cabling infrastructure that transmits surveillance data. Using PoE to power security systems not only saves businesses money on installation and system upgrades but also provides them with detailed power consumption information via simple network management protocol and remote management, which are standard on a number of high-quality midspans.

In addition to cost effectiveness, PoE technology provides simple implementation, interoperable, flexible design and near-unmatched reliability. Because it doesn’t require professional installation, PoE can be implemented using off-the-shelf materials. Installation and implementation can be achieved quicker than with AC power wiring.

Additionally, most PoE products are fully interoperable and will integrate seamlessly into existing networks, enabling dual-use of the pre-installed Ethernet cabling. The non-restrictive nature of PoE allows security devices to be positioned where they are most needed versus where an outlet exists or could be placed.

Networks using PoE also offer flexible system designs that are able to meet the needs of any business, regardless of size or security needs. The advanced features of PoE midspans simplify the ongoing maintenance of the security network, which helps to ensure reliable, continuous security system operation. PoE is further enhanced due to the fact that power is delivered to security devices from a common, pre-existing source, which eliminates the ground loops and power disruptions that come standard with AC power.

Security-specific Solutions
Remote management via PoE also provides securityspecific solutions. A number of PoE midspans are SNMP-enabled for use in managed networks. SNMP is especially critical to security operations because it allows network administrators to remotely manage, monitor, troubleshoot, diagnose and reset any of the devices on a security network, as well as monitor total system power consumption. Alerts to changes in the status or power consumption of network devices are immediately transmitted to the network administrator, which enables the administrator to remotely reinstate the proper status of individual or system-wide devices.

With SNMP, the network administrator also can remotely adjust surveillance camera positions to accommodate special security needs or to better investigate and document a perceived threat. Surveillance cameras running off AC power require manual adjustments to accommodate such security needs. SNMP also allows for easy, centralized monitoring of multi-building installations and remote locations.

Additionally, PoE provides protection for networked security devices and simplifies uninterruptable power supply backup to maintain consistent security coverage. PoE midspans offer line detection, a feature that protects expensive and critical security devices against overloads and short circuits. PoE also can provide uninterrupted power backup that is able to serve the entire security network via a single, easily implementable UPS on the Ethernet switch. Security devices that rely on AC power typically employ battery back-up power, which often proves insufficient for maintaining critical security components.

The simplest and most affordable solution is the most effective and practical option. PoE is clearly a superior power-sourcing option for security networks of all sizes due to cost-effectiveness, reliability and ease of implementation.

This article originally appeared in the issue of .

Featured

  • Trends Keeping an Eye on Business Decisions

    Today, AI continues to transform the way data is used to make important business decisions. AI and the cloud together are redefining how video surveillance systems are being used to simulate human intelligence by combining data analysis, prediction, and process automation with minimal human intervention. Many organizations are upgrading their surveillance systems to reap the benefits of technologies like AI and cloud applications. Read Now

  • The Future is Happening Outside the Cloud

    For years, the cloud has captivated the physical security industry. And for good reason. Remote access, elastic scalability and simplified maintenance reshaped how we think about deploying and managing systems. But as the number of cameras grows and resolutions push from HD to 4K and beyond, the cloud’s limits are becoming unavoidable. Bandwidth bottlenecks. Latency lags. Rising storage costs. These are not abstract concerns. Read Now

  • The Impact of Convergence Between IT and Physical Security

    For years, the worlds of physical security and information technology (IT) remained separate. While they shared common goals and interests, they often worked in silos. Read Now

  • Unlocking Trustworthy AI: Building Transparency in Security Governance

    In situations where AI supports important security tasks like leading investigations and detecting threats and anomalies, transparency is essential. When an incident occurs, investigators must trace the logic behind each automated response to confirm its validity or spot errors. Demanding interpretable AI turns opaque “black boxes” into accountable partners that enhance, rather than compromise, organizational defense. Read Now

  • Seeking Innovative Solutions

    Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression and Acceptance. You may recognize these terms as the “5 Phases” of a grieving process, but they could easily describe the phases one goes through before adopting any new or emerging innovation or technology, especially in a highly risk-averse industry like security. However, the desire for convenience in all aspects of modern life is finally beginning to turn the tide from old school hardware as the go-to towards more user-friendly, yet still secure, door solutions. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.

  • QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

    QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

    The latest Qualcomm® Vision Intelligence Platform offers next-generation smart camera IoT solutions to improve safety and security across enterprises, cities and spaces. The Vision Intelligence Platform was expanded in March 2022 with the introduction of the QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC), which delivers superior artificial intelligence (AI) inferencing at the edge.