The AMP Netconnect Division of Tyco Electronics has introduced a new 24-port PoE (Power-over-Ethernet) midspan unit that conforms to the IEEE 802.3af standard as well as supporting Cisco and legacy pre-standard systems.
The new device allows the insertion of power into 24 outlets while providing Ethernet, Fast Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet data at 10/100/1000 Mbit/s. It is ideally suited to providing low-voltage power to remote devices such as VoIP telephones, WLAN access points and security devices.
Power over Ethernet (PoE) according to IEEE 802.3af defines the simultaneous provision of low-voltage (48 V DC) power and Ethernet data signals over a cabling system compliant to the ISO 11801:2002 standard. With the AMP Netconnect midspan products, injecting the DC power onto existing copper cabling is as simple as routing patch cords to the device: data from the switch comes in and powered data comes out towards the patch panel.
The combination of power and data on the same cabling means that cost savings can be realised on initial installations and as new devices are added to the network because separate power outlets are not required at each device.