Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology is particularly valuable in industrial settings, where the convenience and cost-effectiveness of PoE can streamline operations. As the demand for more power-hungry devices has increased, so too has the need for higher power delivery standards. This led to the development of new PoE standards, namely PoE+, also known as IEEE 802.3at, and PoE++, or IEEE 802.3bt. Understanding these different PoE standards is essential for selecting the right industrial PoE switch to meet your power requirements.

What Is an Industrial PoE Switch?

An industrial Power over Ethernet (PoE) switch is a networking device specifically designed for industrial environments. It combines the functions of a traditional Ethernet switch with the ability to provide power to connected devices over the Ethernet cables, utilizing IEEE 802.3af standard. They are commonly used in industrial automation, surveillance, and other applications where traditional power sources are impractical or unavailable.

Industrial PoE switches, with their standard PoE support, can power and connect sensors and actuators, RFID Tags, and Smart Meters in industrial environments. However, in cases where more power is needed or when multiple devices need to be powered from a single switch port, PoE+ or PoE++ switches may be more suitable.

What Is an Industrial PoE+ Switch?

The "+" in PoE+ stands for the enhanced capabilities of this technology. Specifically, it refers to the IEEE 802.3at standard, which is an evolution of the original IEEE 802.3af standard for PoE. The 802.3at standard allows for a higher power output, typically up to 30 watts per port, compared to the 15.4 watts offered by 802.3af.

This increased power output makes the Industrial PoE+ Switch particularly suitable for powering devices that require more electricity, such as high-resolution security cameras, asset tracking devices that use GPS and other industrial-grade networking equipment, via Category 5e (Cat 5e) or Category 6 (Cat 6) cables.

Like a regular PoE switch, the Industrial PoE+ Switch combines data transmission and power delivery over a single Ethernet cable. This simplifies the installation process, reduces the need for separate power cables, and saves space in industrial environments where space is often limited.

What Is an Industrial PoE++ Switch?

The “++” in PoE++ indicates an even further enhancement of the technology compared to the already-advanced PoE+ standard. This technology, based on standards such as IEEE 802.3bt, is capable of delivering significantly higher power levels, often exceeding 60 watts per port, to support the increasing power requirements of modern industrial devices.

One of the key advantages of Industrial PoE++ Switches is their ability to power a wide range of devices, including gateway devices, industrial robots, and other networking equipment that require significant amounts of electricity to operate. Moreover, these switches often come with advanced management features, allowing network administrators to remotely monitor and control the power delivery to each connected device. This enhances the overall manageability and maintainability of the industrial network.

Key Differences

Differences among these switches lie in the maximum power supply delivered by each port and their working mode, which are reflected in their applications. PoE switches are designed to support network devices that require a power supply of up to 15.4 watts. The list includes sensors, meters, wireless access points, surveillance systems, etc. PoE+ switches support devices such as video IP phones, wireless access points with multiple antennas, and complex surveillance cameras. PoE++ switches can support devices that need higher power wattage such as video conferencing system components and building management devices, laptops, televisions, and so on.

Choosing the Right PoE Switch

Port Density

Firstly, port density directly determines how many devices can be connected to the switch at once. In industrial environments, there are often a lot of devices that need to be connected to the network, such as cameras and sensors. A switch with a high port density can accommodate these numerous connections, ensuring that the network can expand and adapt to the growing demands of the industrial setup. Port density also includes the variety of port types available. Different devices may require different types of ports for connection, such as RJ45 or SFP.

Additionally, port density is closely related to the switch's performance and data-handling capabilities. Ideally, under full configuration, the sum of all port capacities multiplied by two should be less than the backplane bandwidth. This ensures full-duplex non-blocking switching, allowing the switch to operate at its maximum data exchange capacity. If the switch has the right balance of port density and other features, it can work well even in high-speed, heavy-traffic network environments.

Power Budget

Since different switches offer different maximum port powers, you need to consider how much power each device requires and how many devices you need to power. As we mentioned above, the power requirement may vary a lot from sensors to gateways. This will help you determine the total power budget for your system. POE++ equipment might be more expensive than POE or POE+ alternatives. Evaluate your budget constraints and balance them with the power needs of your devices.

POE Compatibility

Ensure your devices are compatible with the POE switch. Otherwise, you won't be able to power them. When connecting a non-PoE-supported terminal device to a PoE switch, you will need to use a PoE splitter to separate the power and data signals, ensuring that data can be transmitted while addressing the power supply separately.

Manageability

According to manageability, industrial poe switches can be categorized into unmanaged and managed switches.

Unmanaged poe switches are plug-and-play devices that require no configuration. They are typically used in smaller networks where simplicity is preferred. While unmanaged switches are easy to use, they offer limited control and monitoring capabilities. On the other hand, managed poe switches provide advanced features such as VLAN support, Quality of Service (QoS) prioritization, and remote management. Managed switches allow for greater control over the network, making them ideal for larger, more complex industrial environments where customization and monitoring are essential.

When selecting between unmanaged and managed switches, consider the size and complexity of your industrial network, as well as your need for advanced features and remote management capabilities. By choosing the right type of switch based on manageability, you can ensure optimal performance and efficiency in your industrial network.

Conclusion

With the increasing demand for higher power delivery standards, new PoE standards like PoE+ (IEEE 802.3at) and PoE++ (IEEE 802.3bt) have emerged to meet these needs. When choosing the right PoE switch for your industrial application, consider factors such as port density, power budget, compatibility and manageability  with your devices. By selecting the appropriate PoE switch, you can ensure reliable power delivery and efficient network operation in your industrial environment.