Get Smart With PoE

When designing an IP Surveillance network, here are ten reasons it makes smart sense to "step up" from an unmanaged PoE switch to a Smart PoE switch.

Reason #1: More Bang for the Buck.
When working with budget-conscious customers, many system integrators and network designers normally specify unmanaged PoE switches, due to their simplicity and low cost. However, upgrading to a Smart PoE switch can net big value. The cost increase is minimal, and yet the added capabilities, tools and benefits for the surveillance network (and administrators) can be compelling.

Reason #2: Easier Administration.
Smart PoE switches feature an easy-to-use, browser-based user interface and straightforward configuration. An administrator simply browses to the IP address of the switch. The administrator can then use an intuitive graphical user interface (GUI) that becomes a simple vehicle for configuring and monitoring important elements and features in the network.

Reason #3: Remote Reboots and Power Control.
With smart switches, an administrator can remotely turn off and on the PoE power to each camera via the graphical user interface. This comes in especially handy when a camera needs to be rebooted. This action can be manually controlled at anytime from anywhere on the network, including over the Internet.

The administrator need not be at the camera's location, nor be in the same room as the PoE switch, which avoids truck rolls and saves time and money. PoE ports can be powered up/down one at a time, many ports at a time or all ports together.

Some Smart PoE switches, such as business-class solutions from D-Link, even support Time Based PoE—an option that allows administrators to set a time window that determines when each camera is powered on and off. This can be useful for networks that need to be shut down during certain times of the day, or for automatically scheduling IP camera reboots on a periodic (daily) basis with no manual intervention.

Reason #4: Real-Time Power Statistics and Power-Saving Features.
Under certain conditions, network administrators need to know the real-time power consumption for each switch port, including the overall PoE budget utilization. Capturing this data simply isn't possible with an unmanaged switch. A Smart PoE switch, however, can provide the following power consumption statistics in real time:

PoE power utilization per port, including Power (W), Current draw (mA) and Voltage levels (VDC)

Overall system power, including the total system PoE power budget, amount of PoE power currently being used and the remaining PoE power still available

Also, Smart PoE switches may often support power-saving features that are not found in unmanaged PoE switches. For example, when a Smart PoE switch senses that an RJ-45 port is link down, or the connected device (camera) is idle, has been disconnected or turned off, the signal power to that port will be reduced. By reducing signal power consumption, less heat is produced, resulting in extended product life and lower operating costs.

To read six more reasons and learn the basics of PoE switches, click here to read our full white paper.

To learn more about promotional opportunities for upgrading your existing PoE switch to a D-Link DGS-1100-08P or DGS-1210-10P Smart PoE switch, click here.

Featured

  • Allegion, Comfort Technologies Implement Mobile Credentials at the Artisan Apartment Homes in Florida

    Artisan Apartment Homes, a luxury apartment complex in Dunedin, Florida, recently transitioned from mechanical keys to electronic locks and centralized system software with support from Allegion US, a leading provider of security solutions, technology and services, and Florida-based Comfort Technologies, which specializes in deploying multifamily access control, IoT devices and software management solutions. Read Now

  • Mall of America Deploys AI-Powered Analytics to Enhance Parking Intelligence

    Mall of America®, the largest shopping and entertainment complex in North America, announced an expansion of its ongoing partnership with Axis Communications to deploy cutting-edge car-counting video analytics across more than a dozen locations. With this expansion, Mall of America (MOA) has boosted operational efficiency, improved safety and security, and enabled more informed decision-making around employee scheduling and streamlining transportation for large events. Read Now

  • Security Industry Association Launches New “askSIA” AI Tool

    The Security Industry Association (SIA) has unveiled a brand-new SIA member benefit – askSIA, a conversational AI agent designed to help users get the most out of their SIA membership, easily access SIA resources and find the latest information on SIA’s training and courses, reports and publications, events, certification offerings and more. SIA members can easily find askSIA by visiting the SIA homepage or looking for the askSIA icon in the top left of webpages. Read Now

    • Industry Events
  • Industry Embraces Mobile Access, Biometrics and AI

    A combination of evolving workplace dynamics, technology innovation and new user expectations is changing how people enter and interact with physical spaces. Access control is at the heart of these changes. Combined with biometrics and AI, mobile access control has become increasingly crucial for deploying entry solutions that are seamless, secure and adaptive to user needs. Read Now

  • Sustainable Video Solution Delivered for Landmark City of London Office Development

    An advanced, end-to-end video solution from IDIS, with a focus on reducing waste and costs, has helped a major office development in the City of London align its security with sustainability objectives. Read Now

New Products

  • A8V MIND

    A8V MIND

    Hexagon’s Geosystems presents a portable version of its Accur8vision detection system. A rugged all-in-one solution, the A8V MIND (Mobile Intrusion Detection) is designed to provide flexible protection of critical outdoor infrastructure and objects. Hexagon’s Accur8vision is a volumetric detection system that employs LiDAR technology to safeguard entire areas. Whenever it detects movement in a specified zone, it automatically differentiates a threat from a nonthreat, and immediately notifies security staff if necessary. Person detection is carried out within a radius of 80 meters from this device. Connected remotely via a portable computer device, it enables remote surveillance and does not depend on security staff patrolling the area.

  • Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

    Connect ONE®

    Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file.