Are IP67 PoE Ethernet Extenders the Answer for Industrial Connectivity? [Part I]

With rapid digitization, Power Over Ethernet (PoE) Ethernet extenders can greatly benefit PoE enabled network devices–especially in hard to reach outdoor locations in factory environments and industrial settings. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) readers, IP Paging systems, IP cameras, IP phones, IP Horn Speakers, Sensors and Wireless access points are only a few examples.

System installers and planners, for such solutions and systems, can avoid running multiple cables dedicated to main AC power and network connectivity. Thus, they can avoid costly installation and maintenance, especially when they are far away from AC power outlets and beyond the reach of wired Ethernet network connections.

PoE Ethernet extenders can play a vital role in delivering power and data over various existing media such as 2-wire, 24-AWG twisted-pair, Cat 3, Cat 5e/6/7, or coaxial cable in a reliable manner.

Summarily, the benefits of PoE Ethernet extenders may include:

Potential lower costs – running only one cable using existing media such as 24-AWG twisted-pair, Cat 3 for the end device data and power requirements.

Location flexibility – IP security cameras, WiFi access points, RFID readers can be located in more optimal places and faster without any dependency on an AC electrical outlet.

Enhanced safety and reliability – IEEE 802.3af PoE power can be delivered safely and · reliably from a central location, which also has access to an uninterrupted power supply (UPS) and backup power.

For indoor/outdoor environments such as factories, warehouses and for industrial applications, an Ingress Protection (IP) 67 rating certified and designed to NEMA 4X…weather proof indoor/outdoor PoE Ethernet extenders would be beneficial. IP 67 provides outstanding protection against water and dust for the PoE Ethernet extender equipment inside the NEMA 4X designed enclosure. It will provide a degree of protection from the harmful effects of windblown dust and water (rain, snow, splashing water).

So, let’s take a look at some real-world application scenarios…

This article is Part I of a multi-part series. In Part II we will explore, in some detail, several applications  for the industrial IP67 NEMA 4X PoE Ethernet extenders.

>>Or you can read full online article in the Patton Articles Archive. . .
Are IP67 PoE Ethernet Extenders the Answer for Industrial Connectivity?

What do you think so far?

• Does PoE extension technology hold promise for your long-range Ethernet and power delivery to outdoor IP-enabled endpoint devices?

Add your thoughts in the comments below…

Biju (Brad) Oommen

Brad (Biju) Oommen has 15+ years of experience in helping deploy best-of-breed enterprise as well as carrier grade solutions, and in providing leading-edge systems integration services. Much of his work revolves around multi-vendor product and technology integration. It spans the domains of voice, VoIP, Fiber, WiFi, Microwave, SAN, IP networks, e-mail and network security. He has independently and successfully implemented projects related to Telecommunications, Networking/IT Infrastructure, and Wireless Communications for a diverse client portfolio including the financial and government sectors. His passion for technology has seen him regularly test and pen technical articles for various journals in the U.S, U.K, and Canada, encompassing areas such as VoIP-H.323/SIP, SDH, Eos, WiFi, SSL VPN, application acceleration, E-mail firewall, SEM, SAN etc.He can be contacted at bijuoommenzurich@yahoo.com or bijuoommentoronto@yahoo.ca