A new technology that combines power and Ethernet networking is set to change the global IT marketplace sooner rather than later. Standards-based, Power over Ethernet is expected to replace older proprietary power sources and will impact both wired and wireless solutions. Gary Boniface, CSO manager at 3Com SA takes a detailed look at the new technology and its many expected benefits.
Uniting power and data on the same Ethernet cable linked to network-attached devices offers an array of benefits that go much farther than mere convenience.
Having an infrastructure that combines power and Ethernet networking enables an organisation to save costs, increase flexibility of locations, manage the use of power more efficiently and eliminate possible disruptions of the network.
The new Power over Ethernet technology provides power for different types of devices, including wireless access points, IP telephones and network jacks. It is also expected that this technology will spawn new devices and applications, such as "smart buildings" fully connected to a network in the future.
What is timely about this technology is that the new Power over Ethernet standard specification is complete and is expected to be ratified by the IEEE standards body by mid-2003.
Standardisation of Power over Ethernet (IEEE P802.3af), which replaces the older proprietary power sources, ensures compatibility among different vendors` standards-based Power over Ethernet products.
Implementing devices that can be powered by a P802.3af solution for a business, a school, a hospital or any organisation that relies on an Ethernet network for both wired and wireless connections will result in cost savings because the technology eliminates the need for additional electrical wiring. Instead of paying to have an electrician alter the wiring to deliver power to devices, an organisation can provide the power through the data cables much more efficiently.
Power over Ethernet lifts the constraints of location. For example, a benefit is that the performance of a wireless LAN can be adjusted by re-positioning the access points without concern for installing a new, separate power outlet in the wall. The flexibility adds to the compelling case for installing Power over Ethernet technology as a strategic solution.
The technology puts the management of power sources into the hands of managers who can monitor the peak usage, average usage and minimum usage of power in order to make power usage more efficient.
The manager can set policies and priorities for power on the network. For example, in an Ethernet network that has IP phones connected to it, the manager can establish a network priority to ensure the phones are automatically powered and given high priority to maintain optimal voice quality at all times.
The centralised management also enables a manager to shut down power to a device when an intruder is trying to tamper with the device. Thus, the tighter control of power becomes an added piece to online security measures.
Some people may be concerned about the impact of a power outage, if all the power is on the network. However, the reality is that Power over Ethernet actually facilitates increased availability at a lower cost.
For example, in order to power IP phones without Power over Ethernet, an AC (alternating current) wall adapter is generally required. AC adapters can easily become unplugged, interrupting operation.
And power backup is required for all outlets, regardless of the importance of plugged-in equipment, and leads to needing a large generator. Yet, if Power over Ethernet is implemented to power the phones, then only the critical equipment needs to be backed up, and this can be achieved via a cost-effective UPS.
The potential for this new technology is high. The integration of Power over Ethernet into a LAN switch is a logical step. With it, IP phones, 802.11 wireless access points, Bluetooth access points and other devices get the power from the Ethernet network in a coordinated way.
Power over Ethernet is a much-needed advancement that may have been long in coming, but, given all the benefits that organisations will reap from uniting power and Ethernet, it has been worth the wait.
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