An industry-wide Power over Ethernet (PoE) standard was officially ratified in 2003 with IEEE 802.3af, and since then the use of PoE technology has grown rapidly. Analysts estimate that by 2012 one quarter of all Ethernet ports will be PoE enabled. As knowledge of PoE’s capabilities and benefits has spread, more and more system operators have taken advantage of PoE technology. However, the IEEE 802.3af standard has a few limitations that make it unsuitable for certain demanding applications. In response, the IEEE 802.3at standard, also known as PoE Plus, was ratified to expand the scope and capabilities of standardised PoE devices further.
This white paper will identify the key advantages offered by PoE Plus and explore the enormous potential of this new technology in scenarios that previously could not take advantage of PoE.
PoE – A brief history
Ethernet technology has been used for decades and Ethernet cables can now be found in enterprise offices, residential homes, and industrial automation. In most systems Ethernet cables already go nearly everywhere, so it would naturally be more efficient if these Ethernet cables could deliver both data and power. This would completely eliminate the need to find a local power supply for each device, dramatically expanding deployment flexibility and eliminating power cabling costs. The PoE idea was so promising that many vendors, such as Cisco, 3Com, and Intel, developed proprietary PoE technology. Users who adopted proprietary solutions were on the ‘bleeding edge’ of technology – while they enjoyed the benefits of PoE technology, they also needed to deal with countless headaches such as interoperability and compatibility issues, vendor lock-in, and inconsistent support. The fact that these proprietary solutions were used at all, despite their many hazards, testifies to the fundamental usefulness of PoE technology.
Fortunately, in 1999 the IEEE began to work on a PoE standard, which was finalised in 2003 with IEEE 802.3at. With a standardised, documented, and widely available technology, PoE truly took off. PoE can supply power to devices in locations where it was previously difficult, if not impossible. Examples of such devices include remote network switches, security cameras, and outdoor WLAN access points.
Readers wanting to find out more about the limitations of IEEE 802.3af and how IEEE 802.3at (PoE Plus) transforms the situation can visit: http://instrumentation.co.za/+C14513
Isolated Modbus gateways with built-in Wi-Fi for industrial IoT applications Vepac Electronics
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Vepac Electronics offers the Sielco Sistemi SS10680 series of isolated Modbus gateways with built-in Wi-Fi, providing three configurations for industrial data acquisition: cloud publishing via MQTT, local USB and FTP logging, and straightforward Modbus TCP to Modbus RTU conversion.
Read more...Protecting the digital mine RJ Connect
IT in Manufacturing
As mining becomes increasingly connected and automated, cyber threats are emerging alongside the benefits of digitalisation. RJ Connect and provides rugged networking, edge computing and cybersecurity technologies from MOXA to help protect critical mining operations from evolving attacks.
Read more...XPlanar aids innovation in laser processing Beckhoff Automation
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Aalborg University is among the first in the world to test Beckhoff’s XPlanar intelligent transport system in advanced laser processes, opening the door to faster, tool-free production of metal parts.
Read more...Belden expands edge computing portfolio with ProLinx Edge Gateway
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Belden has released the ProSoft Technology ELX3 ProLinx Edge Gateway, combining operational technology protocol conversion with Docker-based edge application hosting on a single ruggedised hardware platform for deployment in harsh industrial environments.
Read more...Anybus Communicators are CRA-ready Industrial Data Xchange (IDX)
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
HMS Networks has upgraded its Anybus Communicator range to meet new EU cybersecurity rules, giving industrial manufacturers and integrators an easier path to compliance.
Read more...Remote I/O modules provide flexible options for distributed applications
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Dinkle International is now stocking the iO-GRID NEMO industrial-grade remote input/output modules, offering support for five leading industrial Ethernet protocols and a range of discrete channel configurations for distributed automation applications.
Read more...Daudin expands fieldbus modular remote I/O series
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
: The Dinkle iO-GRID X modular remote I/O family is now available, offering fieldbus coupler modules for major industrial Ethernet protocols, and over 20 types of I/O modules to help integrators and equipment builders create flexible, efficient control systems.
Read more...Siemens and HighByte partner to scale industrial AI Siemens South Africa
IT in Manufacturing Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Siemens is expanding its Industrial Edge ecosystem through a partnership with HighByte, enabling customers to connect, contextualise and transform data from operational technology and information technology sources to build AI models and applications at scale.
Read more...Automotive Ethernet media converter
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
HMS Networks has introduced its first automotive ethernet product under the PEAK brand. The PAE-Media Converter is a compact device designed to connect automotive Ethernet (100BASE-T1 or 1000BASE-T1) with standard Ethernet (100BASE-TX or 1000BASE-T) networks.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version