New-Tech Europe Magazine | May 2018

Using PoE networks to power IoT smart infrastructure for commercial buildings

Communications networks using Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology can now deliver electrical power, as well as transmit communications signals, over standard low-voltage Ethernet cabling to various endpoints, including LED lighting, HVAC controls, cameras and other networked devices, in new or existing commercial buildings. Giovanni Frezza, Group Product Manager for Network Connected Solutions at Molex, reviews PoE technology and standards, discussing how it can power smart lighting and building automation systems, and the benefits these can deliver for building operators and occupants. PoE lighting and building automation systems, designed to promote energy efficiency and boost productivity, are beginning to drive highly innovative smart building concepts. As operational technology (OT) rapidly adopts PoE infrastructure in commercial buildings, including offices, factories and Giovanni Frezza, Molex

warehouses, architects, developers, builders and engineering firms become crucial collaborators, alongside information technology (IT), who have traditionally owned the infrastructure PoE utilises. Together, these proponents are leading the charge to bring powerful PoE networks into commercial spaces, with significant new build, retrofit and pilot installations underway — and many more in the works. Forward-thinking adopters have recognised PoE infrastructure as a key asset for enabling IoT (Internet of Things) and smart building initiatives — one that can add significant value for building developers, operators and occupants. Advanced technologies are driving network-connected lighting use cases and more efficient standards in building automation. Unlike traditional networks that require dual-layer infrastructure (via separate power and communications networks), PoE platforms enable power and data to

share the same low-voltage Ethernet cable infrastructure. Although many installed control systems today are based on proprietary solutions, leading technology suppliers and the commercial building industry are trending toward the use of open standards to simplify the commissioning, design, installation, configuration and maintenance of new networks. The technologies used in PoE networks are well defined by various IEEE 802.3 standards, which specify the physical and data link layers for wired Ethernet networks, power sourcing equipment and devices using two-pair or four-pair connections to transmit power. The original PoE standard (IEEE 802.3af- 2003), based on 15.4W per switch port of power, was increased to 25.5W in PoE+ (IEEE 802.3at-2009), using a two-pair power transfer format. The upcoming IEEE 802.3bt standard will utilise a four-pair power transfer format (4PPoE: 4 Pair Power over Ethernet),

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