The Top Features to Look for in an Industrial PoE Switch
Introduction
Are you in the market for an industrial PoE switch but don’t know where to start? With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to narrow down your choices. Fear not! We’ve got you covered. In this blog post, we’ll take a deep dive into the top features to look for when selecting an industrial PoE switch. From power budget and port count to durability and advanced management capabilities, we’ll highlight everything you need to consider before making your purchase. So sit back, relax, grab a coffee (or tea), and let’s get started!
Managed vs. Unmanaged Switches
PoE switches come in two main varieties: managed and unmanaged. Managed switches offer more control and features than unmanaged switches, but they also require more knowledge and expertise to configure and maintain. Unmanaged switches are much easier to set up and use, but they don’t offer the same level of control or features. So, which type of switch is right for you?
Managed Switches:
Managed switches give you a high degree of control over your network. With a managed switch, you can configure ports, set up VLANs, monitor traffic, and more. Managed switches also allow you to upgrade the firmware and software, giving you access to the latest features and security patches. However, all this control comes at a cost: managed switches are more expensive than unmanaged switches, and they require someone with knowledge of networking to configure and maintain them.
Unmanaged Switches:
Unmanaged switches are much simpler than managed switches. They don’t offer as many features or as much control over your network, but they’re much easier to set up and use. Unmanaged switches are a good choice for small networks or for people who aren’t familiar with networking concepts. However, because they lack some important features (like the ability to upgrade firmware), they may not be suitable for all applications.
Layer 2+ or 3 Switch
Layer 2+ or 3 switch is a switch which supports both Ethernet and IP data communication. It can be used to connect different types of devices in an industrial setting, including PLCs, HMIs, I/O modules, and PCs. A layer 2+ or 3 switch typically has more ports than a layer 2 switch, and offers better performance and security. When choosing an industrial PoE switch, look for one with at least 24 ports and support for 10 Gigabit Ethernet.
Power over Ethernet Injector or Midspan
Assuming you are looking for a Power over Ethernet (PoE) Injector or Midspan, there are certain features you should look for:
-Ethernet speeds of at least 10/100/1000 Mbps
-Gigabit Ethernet support
-Cisco Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE) standard support to save power
-At least one 100Base-T or 1000Base-T (also known as Fast Ethernet or Gigabit Ethernet) PoE+ port, with a power budget of 30W to 60W
-IEEE 802.3af and IEEE 802.at compliant for easy integration into any network
-Jumbo Frame support for increased performance
-AutoMDIX for easy installation
-LED indicators for easily monitored status
10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet Ports
An industrial PoE switch should have at least four 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet ports to ensure that it can support a variety of devices and applications. Additionally, the switch should have two SFP+ ports for 10 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity.
POE Standards – 802.3af vs 802.3at
When it comes to PoE standards, there are two that you will encounter most often: 802.3af and 802.3at. Both of these standards are used for powering devices over an Ethernet connection, but there are some key differences between them. Here’s a look at the two standards and what sets them apart:
802.3af: The original PoE standard, 802.3af was released in 2003. It provides up to 15W of power per port, which is enough to power most small devices like IP phones and wireless access points.
802.3at: The updated PoE standard, 802.3at was released in 2009. It provides up to 30W of power per port, which is enough to power larger devices like Pan-Tilt-Zoom cameras and LED lights.
So, which one should you choose? If you’re looking to power small devices, then 802.3af will be sufficient. However, if you need to power larger devices or want future-proofing for upcoming devices, then 802.3at is the way to go.
POE Power Budget
When it comes to choosing an industrial PoE switch, one of the most important factors to consider is the power budget. This is the maximum amount of power that the switch can provide to devices connected to it.
The power budget will determine how many and what types of devices can be powered by the switch. If you have a lot of devices that need to be powered, then you’ll need a switch with a high power budget.
There are two main types of industrial PoE switches: managed and unmanaged. Managed switches have more control over power allocation and can give each device the exact amount of power it needs. Unmanaged switches have a fixed power budget that is shared among all connected devices.
When choosing an industrial PoE switch, be sure to consider the power budget carefully. It’s one of the most important factors in determining which switch is right for your needs.
Mounting Options
When it comes to mounting an industrial PoE switch, there are three main options: desktop, rack-mounted, or DIN-rail mounted.
Desktop switches are the most common type of switch, and they can be easily mounted on a desk or table. Rack-mounted switches are designed to be installed in a 19-inch server rack, and they come with all of the necessary hardware for installation. DIN-rail mounted switches are designed to be installed on a DIN rail, which is a specialized track used for mounting electronic equipment.
No matter which type of switch you choose, make sure that it comes with mounting brackets or screws so that you can easily install it.
Environmental Ratings
When it comes to choosing an industrial PoE switch, one of the most important factors to consider is the environmental ratings. You’ll want to make sure that the switch is rated for use in harsh environments, as this will ensure that it can withstand extremes of temperature, humidity, and vibration. Here are some things to look for when assessing the environmental ratings of an industrial PoE switch:
– Operating temperature: The switch should be able to operate safely in temperatures ranging from -40°C to +85°C.
– Storage temperature: The switch should be able to be stored safely in temperatures ranging from -40°C to +85°C.
– Relative humidity: The switch should be able to operate safely in relative humidity levels up to 95%.
– Vibration: The switch should be able to withstand vibration levels up to 5G.
