Four Important Things You Need to Know about Hi-PoE

Online Exclusive: Four Important Things You Need to Know about Hi-PoE

Four Important Things You Need to Know about Hi-PoEPower over Ethernet (PoE) has been a disruptive force in the industry, changing the way system designers and installers deploy power for security applications. Instead of specifying conventional power supplies, integrators are increasingly using PoE network switches or incorporating mid-span injectors, which inject power into an Ethernet cable at a point between the switch and connected edge devices.

At present, IEEE 802.3af (PoE) and IEEE 802.3at (PoE+) are the only standards governing the delivery of power over Ethernet cables. PoE provides 15 watts, with 12.95 watts available to power over either the data pairs (mode A) or spare pairs (mode B), depending on the design of the power source. For devices that require more power, PoE+ provides up to 30 watts over either mode with 25.5 watts available. Although there is no official standard for it today, there is also a third PoE option, referred to as Hi-PoE, which delivers 60 watts of power – twice the capacity of PoE+ – over the same infrastructure used for PoE and PoE+. Special mid-span injectors make Hi-PoE possible by allowing power via both mode A and mode B. Additionally, Hi-PoE can be delivered to the edge and distributed to multiple devices using solutions such as the eBridge200WPM from Altronix, which can be extremely cost-efficient.

Naturally, Hi-PoE can be very beneficial for numerous applications and system configurations. To ensure successful deployments of Hi-PoE, there are four key factors to consider:

1. Estimating Power Consumption: When designing and installing a system, it’s easy to underestimate the power consumption of PoE security devices, which can quickly add up when there are multiple IP cameras, access control and other devices. With the additional power Hi-PoE provides, surveillance cameras and other edge devices can incorporate more features and functions to increase performance without taxing the power delivery capabilities of conventional PoE and PoE+.

2. Calculating Voltage Drop: While the total output of Hi-PoE is technically 60 watts, it’s important to know that this is primarily delivered using two separate 30-watt PoE+ feeds transmitted from a single port in mode A and mode B simultaneously. This is mainly because there is not an established standard for Hi-PoE just yet. So while manufacturers know that “pure,” single-feed Hi-PoE works, they may be cautious about incorporating it into their devices until a standard is in place, choosing instead to adhere to existing practices by delivering 60 watts over two PoE+ feeds.

So even though Hi-PoE device specifications may say 60 watts – which is completely accurate – it’s crucial to account for voltage drop along CAT5E or CAT6 by taking into account distance limitations of PoE+ at 30 watts.

3. Identifying the Best Opportunities: The most ideal applications for Hi-PoE today are outdoor installations such as powering cameras and devices outfitted with heater/blowers. More power is needed to keep cameras warm or cool enough to operate properly in extreme environments. Powering the larger, more powerful heater/blowers required for these conditions over PoE+ traditionally required a separate power supply, introducing added equipment, infrastructure and installation costs. With double the wattage of PoE+, Hi-PoE can easily supply the power heater/blowers require without additional costs.

This is also true for IR lighting. The only way to integrate high-intensity IR illumination using PoE and PoE+ is by using an external illuminator with a separate power source. Hi-PoE can provide adequate power without added infrastructure or equipment or costs. This allows manufacturers to incorporate higher-intensity illuminators into their cameras to increase camera capabilities in low-light or total darkness.

4. Choosing the Right Equipment: A number of mid-span injectors on the market provide Hi-PoE functionality, but mostly are manufactured for indoor use, meaning they are incapable of operating adequately in outdoor situations. For successful Hi-PoE deployment outdoors, it’s critical to use an injector that is designed specifically to withstand the elements and provide adequate power.

There are a seemingly limitless number of system applications that can take advantage of Hi-PoE, including video surveillance, access control, IR illumination and many more. By delivering double the power of PoE+ without additional costs, Hi-PoE allows manufacturers to significantly increase the capabilities of cameras and other devices – leading to more powerful and effective security solutions. Once it becomes a recognized standard, Hi-PoE will see more widespread adoption, providing the extra power required to enable even more effective security system solutions without greater costs.

About the Author

Ronnie Pennington is the national sales engineer at Altronix Corp.

Featured

  • The Need for a Comprehensive Strategy Addressing Cybersecurity and Quantum Technology

    The Need for a Comprehensive Strategy Addressing Cybersecurity and Quantum Technology

    Over the past two years, the Biden Administration has taken a series of steps centered on quantum and cybersecurity. Read Now

  • IoT Saves the Day

    IoT Saves the Day

    Today, creating a safe environment across schools, hotels, office buildings, housing complexes and other facilities has become a necessity. There are so many dangers lurking in buildings of all sizes and shapes from fire hazards, vaping issues, chemical/air quality issues, intruders and so much more. Read Now

  • One Pane, Less Pain

    One Pane, Less Pain

    Just because a solution is built on an open-standards platform doesn’t ensure that all the vendors’ systems will work together as promised. Some features may not be supported, or not supported to their fullest potential. Read Now

  • Revamping Wrigley Field

    Revamping Wrigley Field

    When talking about baseball in the United States, it’s hard not to think of the Chicago Cubs and Wrigley Field. With a history spanning more than 100 years, the Chicago Cubs are one of the most recognized teams in professional sports. Read Now

Featured Cybersecurity

Webinars

New Products

  • ComNet CNGE6FX2TX4PoE

    The ComNet cost-efficient CNGE6FX2TX4PoE is a six-port switch that offers four Gbps TX ports that support the IEEE802.3at standard and provide up to 30 watts of PoE to PDs. It also has a dedicated FX/TX combination port as well as a single FX SFP to act as an additional port or an uplink port, giving the user additional options in managing network traffic. The CNGE6FX2TX4PoE is designed for use in unconditioned environments and typically used in perimeter surveillance. 3

  • Camden Door Controls ‘SER” Surface Boxes and Extension Rings

    Camden Door Controls ‘SER” Surface Boxes and Extension Rings

    Camden Door Controls has introduced new ‘SER” surface boxes and extension rings that provide a complete solution for new construction. In addition, they provide a simple and robust solution when replacing round wired and manual push plate switches with either Camden’s wired or wireless SureWave™ no-touch switches or Kinetic™ no-battery wireless switches. 3

  • Unique Oversized ID Card Printer

    Unique Oversized ID Card Printer

    Idesco Corp. is announcing its card printer – the XCR100 2.0 printer- that allows customers to personalize oversized ID cards on demand. The printer is ideal for assisting healthcare organizations find the right badging solution. As healthcare facilities continue to combat the spread of COVID-19, issuing oversized ID cards has helped identify staff clearly while adding an extra layer of security. The XCR100 2.0 printer is the only dye-sublimation printer on the market that can personalize CR100 cards (3.88" x 2.63"). The cards that are 42% larger than the standard credit card size. The printer can produce up to 180 full cards per hour in color, and up to 1,400 cards per hour in monochrome. An optional flipper is available to print dual-sided badges in one pass. Contactless encoding comes as an option to help healthcare facilities produce secure access badges on demand and the card printer features a 2-year warranty. 3