Going the Distance

Increasing Your Power Over the Network

Networked devices have made all the difference in giving security and communication systems far more ubiquity, capabilities, and performance than anyone could have dreamed of when the IP was invented in 1974. By the late 1980s, IP standards had improved to the point that devices could be reliably connected over distances up to 328 feet using Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) cables – and these cables could also carry power in the form of PoE (Power Over Ethernet), allowing for cost-efficient system installations with only a minimal need for electricians. To really deliver on the promises of the rapidly developing network technologies, however, fast and reliable connectivity was needed that could span even greater distances.

Today, the combination of upgraded PoE standards that allow for increased power levels and composite cables that include both copper conductors and fiber optics has revolutionized the breadth of potential system deployments while delivering higher performance and controlling installation costs.

KEY ENABLING TECHNOLOGIES T

his revolution in networked security and communication system deployment distances depends on the combined effect of three key technologies:

Increased power over network cabling. The first PoE standard (802.3af) only provided for up to 12.95 watts of useable power at the end of a 328-foot cable run, but it was a breakthrough that allowed for “single cable installations” of networked devices. The newest IEEE PoE standard (802.3bt) increases the maximum power to 90 watts over standard network cabling, supporting the use of higher-powered devices, and importantly, greater distances to the powered devices.

The higher wattage available in the newest PoE standard also means that a single cable connection can provide enough power to energize a remote power source to support one or more networked devices. New solutions like Tango from Altronix delivers 12VDC and 24VDC simultaneously to power access control and security devices from any 802.3bt PoE Source using a CAT-6 or higher cable. This provides tremendous savings by leveraging lowvoltage installation methods, eliminating the need for an electrician and dedicated conduit and wire runs.

EXTENDED DATA TRANSMISSION DISTANCES WITH FIBER

To break through the 328-foot limitation for UTP data transmission, manufacturers turned to fiber optic cables. Optical fibers are ideal for high bandwidth distributed systems because of their extensive data-carrying capabilities and low losses that allow for transmission distances measured in meters/kilometers. As an added benefit, fiber cable systems are immune to some of the issues that plague copper transmission systems.

COMPOSITE CABLES

Every networked device requires both power and IP data connectivity. Composite copper/fiber cables are an elegant solution that maximizes connectivity options and future use potential while minimizing installation costs and complexity. A wide range of standard and custom types are available to meet specific current needs while often including extra unused (“dark”) fiber conductors (either single-mode or multi-mode) to provide for future growth or evolving technologies.

New data transmission solutions like Altronix’s new NetWay Spectrum Fiber/Ethernet Solutions take fiber and power to a new level. These units can be deployed with conventional single or multi-mode fiber, as well as composite cable that combines fiber with power to simultaneously deliver both, power and data.

APPLYING THE BENEFITS OF EXTENDED INFRASTRUCTURE

In this example, a large sports facility wants to add video surveillance to improve security awareness of activities over a larger area, such as the public plazas between the parking areas and the facility entrances. This system will be separate from the existing surveillance system that covers the internal areas, and will have backup power to ensure continuous operation.

Providing surveillance around the outside of a large sports facility poses a challenge for traditional category Ethernet cabling such as CAT 6 because of the long transmission distances. The longstanding alternative, providing power at multiple locations in the system, along with backup power, would significantly raise the project costs.

PLANNING REMOTE POE+ AND IP INSTALLATIONS

To plan an installation that takes advantage of these new power and connectivity methods, system designers will need to account for these basic parameters.

1. Number and location of planned remote devices. 2. Aggregate PoE requirements for all devices to be centrally powered. 3. Cabling plan – “ring” or point to point. 4. Distance(s) from head-end power to remote IP/PoE switch(es). 5. Environmental Requirements for outdoor devices - waterproof/ dust tight- IP66 rated. 6. If central powered, selection of power supply output (wattage). 7. Number of SFP modules and connections required. 8. Connection to existing IPU. 9. Power backup requirements.

When these factors are collected, designers can make use of available design tools to calculate the required wire gauges and other design elements.

New power and data transmission solutions are available to extend the distance and capacities of all types of cabling infrastructure. These new remote power sources, power controllers, power distribution modules, and other devices support the latest power and communication protocols.

This article originally appeared in the October 2020 issue of Security Today.

Featured

  • Pragmatism, Productivity, and the Push for Accountability in 2025-2026

    Every year, the security industry debates whether artificial intelligence is a disruption, an enabler, or a distraction. By 2025, that conversation matured, where AI became a working dimension in physical identity and access management (PIAM) programs. Observations from 2025 highlight this turning point in AI’s role in access control and define how security leaders are being distinguished based on how they apply it. Read Now

  • Report: Cyber Attackers Continue to Turn to AI-Based Tools to Avoid Detection

    Comcast Business recently released its 2025 Cybersecurity Threat Report, a comprehensive analysis of 34.6 billion cybersecurity events detected between June 1,2024 and May 31, 2025. Now in its third year, the report offers business leaders a unique perspective into the evolving threat landscape and provides actionable insights to help organizations strengthen their defenses and align cybersecurity with business risk. Read Now

  • Axis Communications Creates AI-powered Video Surveillance Orchestra

    What if cameras could not only see the world, but interpret it—and respond like orchestra musicians reading sheet music: instantly, precisely, and in perfect harmony? That’s what global network technology leader Axis Communications set to find out. Read Now

  • Just as Expected

    GSX produced a wonderful tradeshow earlier this week. Monday was surprisingly strong in the morning, and the afternoon wasn’t bad at all. That’s Monday’s results and asking attendees to travel on Sunday. Just a quick hint, no one wants to give up their weekend to travel and set up an exhibit booth. I’m just saying. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • GSX
  • NOLA: The Crescent City

    Twenty years later we finds ourselves in New Orleans. Twenty years ago the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina forced exhibitors and attendees to look elsewhere for tradeshow floor space. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • GSX

New Products

  • 4K Video Decoder

    3xLOGIC’s VH-DECODER-4K is perfect for use in organizations of all sizes in diverse vertical sectors such as retail, leisure and hospitality, education and commercial premises.

  • Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden Door Controls is pleased to announce that, in response to soaring customer demand, it has expanded its range of ValueWave™ no-touch switches to include a narrow (slimline) version with manual override. This override button is designed to provide additional assurance that the request to exit switch will open a door, even if the no-touch sensor fails to operate. This new slimline switch also features a heavy gauge stainless steel faceplate, a red/green illuminated light ring, and is IP65 rated, making it ideal for indoor or outdoor use as part of an automatic door or access control system. ValueWave™ no-touch switches are designed for easy installation and trouble-free service in high traffic applications. In addition to this narrow version, the CM-221 & CM-222 Series switches are available in a range of other models with single and double gang heavy-gauge stainless steel faceplates and include illuminated light rings.

  • ResponderLink

    ResponderLink

    Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), an Alarm.com company and a global leader in gunshot detection solutions, has introduced ResponderLink, a groundbreaking new 911 notification service for gunshot events. ResponderLink completes the circle from detection to 911 notification to first responder awareness, giving law enforcement enhanced situational intelligence they urgently need to save lives. Integrating SDS’s proven gunshot detection system with Noonlight’s SendPolice platform, ResponderLink is the first solution to automatically deliver real-time gunshot detection data to 911 call centers and first responders. When shots are detected, the 911 dispatching center, also known as the Public Safety Answering Point or PSAP, is contacted based on the gunfire location, enabling faster initiation of life-saving emergency protocols.