Power over Ethernet range to support PoEPlus

Phihong is preparing its PoE products to support the latest specifications defined by the IEEE802.3at task force at its most recent meeting on 17th January 2007.

Phihong is preparing its PoE products to support the latest specifications defined by the IEEE802.3at task force at its most recent meeting on 17th January 2007.

Two significant motions were passed at the meeting, which was attended by member company Phihong.

First, preliminary cable ratings have been provided by the Cable Liaison TR42.7 Committee allowing 30W at a powered device (PD) for two-pair and 60W at a powered device for four-pair for cable systems at 45C, with a maximum recommended installation limit of 5kW per cable bundle.

Secondly, classification and timings have been defined, so that a mechanism can identify ".at" and allows the PD to identify that it has a high-power ".at" source.

"Basically, it's been determined that the sourcing equipment, switch or midspan can detect an '.at' powered device by detecting class-4 devices; the PD can detect it has a high-power source available by looking for the two-finger classification cycles", said Keith Hopwood, Vice President of Marketing for Phihong USA.

"Phihong's PoE midspans can be compliant to these new requirements with minor firmware updates", Hopwood continued.

"We have a tremendous advantage with our solutions as we don't have to wait for new silicon from IC vendors yet to be modified to meet the standard".

"This gives us at least a nine month head start over any other solution that may be available".

Values are still open to change and adjustment, and the standard is still a year away from ratification, but it is now possible to build hardware that meets these requirements with a high degree of confidence that they will be compliant to the standard.

When implemented as a standard, IEEE802.3at (PoEPlus) will allow at least 30W of power and potentially up to 60W.

Phihong has already developed many products that deliver high-power PoE, but most customers would prefer a common industry standard for all devices on the market.

Applications that will benefit from the increased IEEE802.3at classifications and voltage include wireless multi-radio access points, pan-tilt-zoom security cameras, IP phones with streaming video displays, computer workstations and LCD panels.

Other emerging applications, including emergency lighting, security system sensors and even medical monitoring, will greatly benefit from combining data and centralised backup power.

Phihong has been a member of the 802.3at task force since its inception in 2005.

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