Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1066130
16 I ICT TODAY One of the hottest infrastructure game changers to hit the ICT industry is the recent ratification of the IEEE 802.3bt Power over Ethernet (PoE) over 4 Pairs amendment (i.e., Type 3 and Type 4), which allows transmission of higher wattage to many IP-enabled devices over communications cabling. Power over Ethernet (PoE) now enables up to 90 watts (W) to be transmitted over four pairs of a twisted-pair cable. PoE has been around since 2003 with the introduction of Type 1 (15 W at the power source equipment, average 13 W at the powered device). The newly published IEEE 802.3bt Type 3 (60 W at the powered source equipment, average 51 W at the powered device) and Type 4 (90 W at the powered source equipment and up to 71 W at the powered device) open the flood gates of applications by doubling or tripling the power output from the previous Type 2 at 30 W, which was ratified almost 10 years ago. What does this mean and how will it affect the ICT world? The higher power available with Types 3 and 4 means that many more devices and applications will be able to be remotely powered without the installation of a local AC power circuit. It will also add expanded capabilities to devices that are already PoE enabled. The great news is that PoE will increase business for ICT contractors, because it will allow the design and installation of applications that were previously installed by electricians or specialty services. Understanding PoE can sometimes be daunting as this is a new challenge for low-voltage installers. It is best to focus on the "need to know" concepts and understand that there are "nice to know" assists. The "need to know" Cabling to a Higher Power "As we explore the implications of PoE technology, today is the worst you will see it; it only gets better from here. PoE is changing low-voltage applications and will transform our lives," states Farukh Aslam, CEO of Sinclair Holdings, LLC, a consultant and designer of emerging Internet of Things (IoT) applications. Infrastructure Challenges and Considerations with Remote Powering (PoE) By Carol Everett Oliver, RCDD, ESS