Power over Ethernet has been implemented into practices for decades and it does show its importance and effectiveness in networking system setup. But PoE power networking system plays a limited role when encountering a long distance deployment of IP devices. With the development of PoE technology, many extension devices or solutions have come out, such as fiber optic link, power over coaxial, and PoE extension solution as well, which make great use to help run a longer cable beyond the limited transmission distance of 100m(328ft.). In this article, we’re going to cover you with a comprehensive introduction of PoE extension solutions and master how to start using PoE extensions in practical applications.
For the starter, knowing about what is PoE and why use PoE is the basic before go deep into PoE extension. Power over Ethernet is a technology that gives users the chance to install IP devices in a more flexible, reliable, and easy way. It grants the edges networked devices with sufficient and safe power over twisted-pair Ethernet cable, eliminating the extra AC outlets around the IP devices themselves. It offers great convenience and flexibility on installation. PoE power networking system is widely used for low voltage networked devices, such as IP cameras, wireless access points, VoIP phones, etc.
While in fact, in the IP networking system setup, long distance deployment sometimes a big problem for users to take PoE into consideration due to the limitation that comes with PoE, that is the Ethernet cable can only support a maximum distance of 100m(328ft.). Thus, it supposed to find methods to make a longer Ethernet cable running. If you need to take advantage of PoE, you may prefer to using the PoE extension solution as it can extend power and data and reach a longer distance, or even using the existing Ethernet cable.
PoE extension varies from different types of extension devices, and basically, you can find PoE extenders and long-range PoE switches commonly on the market. PoE extension solution has been launched to meet different applications and requirements accordingly. Let’s get a closer look at the solution in brief and see how it benefits long-distance deployment.
Ultra Long PoE Extension Distance-800 Meters Max.
To deal with the issue of long distance deployment, distance is supposed to be the foremost thing to take into consideration.
it is easy to find extension devices that get Ethernet or PoE extended with another 100 meters, such as PoE extender or so-called PoE repeater. It is a useful device that makes data and power get repeated from the PSE and transmitted to the edge PD without breaking data of the existing networking system. Moreover, PoE-enabled devices are able to be powered by the connected PSE, such as PoE switch or PoE injector, as a result, no extra power cable run to PoE extenders. Some PoE extenders come with a daisy chain function allowing to chain several units simply and extend PoE at a longer distance of 500m Max.
Just like the Fastcabling PoE extension solution, which includes such PoE extender with daisy chain, and features IP68 waterproof rugged metal housing and Gigabit network for a reliable and high-performance extension. To meet different deployment needs and applications, one and two-port PoE extenders are options.
Apart from this common extension tool, you may have heard that there are network switches that support an extended mode, supplying a maximum of 250 meters PoE transmission distance with the twisted pair Ethernet cable. But the network speed could be the reason for many users give it up in their real application as the switch working under extended mode can only get a low-speed data rate at 10Mbps.
While the 800m long range PoE switch, a part of PoE extension solution make distance and network speed coexisting in a single device. Only running a single long Ethernet cable between the switch and the edge IP devices, no active electronic devices required, obtaining a more reliable system with a reduced risk of the system fails down and longer use life. Combined with a specific adaptor placing at the edge side, it is not a problem for the connected IP devices like IP cameras to be installed at 500 meters location along with a remained 100Mbps data rate to ensure high quality video streams. Even at a distance of 800m away from the main control room, 10Mbps network speed is available yet.
Taking advantage of standard PoE, the PoE extension solution is capable to work with various IP devices compatible with IEEE802.3 af/at/bt standards. Low voltage connections ensure a safer system. Furthermore, installation won’t a concern, even for people with little IT or electric knowledge as the solution provides a plug-and-play simple setup.
To employ PoE extension for long-distance IP devices, it is crucial to make clear some things that may affect the user experience, otherwise, you have a high potential to do useless work, or money and time will be wasted.
The importance of distance that the extension solutions can serve can be seen, thus before a final purchase on the extension devices, it is a necessity to estimate how long is the distance from the PSE to locations where IP devices plan to install. Adding 10 meters or so distance in the calculation is recommended in case of a wrong measurement or other situations. Unless you require thousands of miles extension that only can choose fiber optic link or wireless extension system, PoE extenders with a daisy chain are sufficient, and the problem is how many units that you need.
Compatibility is the fundamental factor for a successful connection and a great guarantee for a normally working system. At this point, we are not talking about the problem if the connected PDs can receive exact power from the PoE extension devices or not, it is a matter that whether they can get power or not. If the IP devices ready to install is PoE compliant network devices, according to PoE standard, it is not a problem for PoE extension device to know how much power the connected devices required, actually the key is whether they can supply enough power or not. As above mentioned, we know that standard PoE-enabled devices comply with the IEEE802.3 standard, which determines how much power in or out of the PoE devices. Therefore, check the specification to see what standards are the edge devices adopting and figure out their power consumption and think about power loss in the long distance, then you would know what product is suitable.
Another thing that should be considered in the setup is the installation environment. To be honest, installing proper devices in different environments show great reverence to the stability and safety of the whole system. That said, different environments require different types of products. For instance, if you choose a device that only suits indoor installment, it won’t make sense when installing it at outdoor harsh environment. It is not hard to understand, outdoor environment increases installation difficulty to the extension devices as they have more chances to confront challenges like water leakage, high temperature, and power surges, etc. PoE extension devices vary in design, and it is commonly found that some are indoor uses, some are waterproof types, others are industrial grade. Choose devices that feature IP67 or higher waterproof rating and rugged metal housing is essential to ensure the stability of the system when requiring outdoor deployment.
How to Use PoE Extension for IP Devices?
Now we know that there are two main types of PoE extension devices, and these extension ways are popularly used for IP devices like IP cameras, wireless access points(WAPs), VoIP phones, etc. Although its name implied extending PoE, non-PoE networked devices like computers, laptops, rj45 wall mounts can be same applied. It is not a difficult thing to use the PoE extension for IP devices beyond 100 meters. In the following, we are going to offer some information to help you know how to use it.
PoE extenders generally equipped with a PoE in port and a PoE out port(some may have two PoE out ports). For an exiting PoE networking system, simply add a PoE extender to the system directly, and the devices should be placed between the backward PoE switch(IP camera system may be the PoE NVR) and the edge IP devices. PoE sent from PoE switch, received and repeated by PoE extenders, transmitted to edge devices. If the system only has the non-PoE switch, and PoE function is required, or the switch can’t supply sufficient power for the new edge devices, a PoE injector is commonly used and place between the network switch and the PoE extender.
If you plan to replace the original network switch, or you have more than two IP devices that need to install at long distances, use the 800 meters long-range PoE switch is a fairly easy way. Only need to replace the old switch and change to a longer Ethernet cable.
