Powering Remote Sites with Industrial PoE Solutions
An Article by Henry Martel, Field Application Engineer at Antaira Technologies.
As global industries transition to the digital realm, standalone remote sites are following suit. Whether these sites are located in a barren desert, on an offshore oil platform, or across a corporate campus, remote sites introduce challenges for industrial enterprises but also deliver significant benefits. Supplying power to heavy equipment deployed in these locations -- which are frequently in geographically isolated areas unconnected to the electrical grid -- is a major challenge. For instance, remote oil field operations must rely on diesel generators or solar power systems with battery storage where no grid is available.
Although far less demanding than drilling equipment or process machinery, the network hardware providing connectivity for the site also consumes electricity. Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology offers a streamlined way to supply low-voltage DC power to Powered Devices (PDs), such as IP cameras, sensors, and wireless access points, over the same Ethernet cable transmitting data. PoE injectors and extenders work especially well in remote sites because of their compatibility with both new and legacy hardware, cost-effectiveness, flexibility in device placement, and remote manageability.
Powering Remote Devices with PoE
A range of networking devices are required in the successful operation of remote sites. For organizations with highly distributed assets, remote monitoring devices reduce unnecessary maintenance cycles by addressing equipment issues before they become critical. IoT sensors at the remote site collect data on process performance, machine health, energy consumption, environmental conditions, and other valuable data. Connected equipment can be diagnosed and problems remediated remotely, saving the enterprise valuable time and travel expenses.
Also, since the majority of remote sites are unmanned, IP cameras, proximity sensors, access control systems, and smart lighting are commonly installed for security. When crew members are on-site, internet connectivity is critical to facilitate communication. Depending on the location's remoteness and bandwidth needs, cellular networks like 4G LTE or 5G, satellite internet, or specialized private networks can provide internet connectivity.
In most cases, PoE injectors and extenders are far better options than a nearby electrical outlet. In fact, sometimes they are the only options. Both can supply the necessary voltage and current to support power-hungry devices. Over the last decade, PoE technology has evolved through standards development to provide higher power capacity. PoE injectors and extenders adhere to IEEE 802.3af (15W), 802.3at (30W), and 802.3bt (60W or 90W) standards, which define the industrial specifications for this technology.
Ethernet Distance Limitations
Long cable runs are usually needed for remote locations. However, a standard Ethernet cable can only function up to 100 meters (328 feet). Beyond this limit, data signals will become distorted due to wire resistance and electromagnetic interference (EMI). As cable distances increase, resistance goes up, resulting in higher heat generation, which attenuates and distorts data signals. Data signal loss will also occur during transmission due to extended exposure to EMI generated by the flow of electricity. Furthermore, the cable's insulation shield will eventually absorb data signals, worsening degradation.
Like data signals, PoE transmission is impacted by extended cable lengths. The main culprit is voltage drop. Voltage drop refers to the measured power delivered by power sourcing equipment being higher than the power available at the powered device. As the distance increases, so does the power loss. Substantial voltage drops will threaten the functionality of the end device.
PoE injectors and extenders are widely used solutions in these situations. Let’s examine both.
PoE Injectors
PoE injectors are simple, inexpensive standalone devices. As their name implies, they inject power onto an Ethernet cable so that the cable can simultaneously transmit data and energy to a connected PoE-compatible device. The PoE injector combines a power port and data cable into a single PoE output port. The powered gadget at the receiving end isolates the power and data for its intended use.
PoE injectors draw power by connecting to a wall outlet or a power supply inside a network cabinet. They apply this power to the Ethernet cable through a technique known as modulation. Modulation is the superimposing of direct current (DC) onto an alternating (AC) data signal. This process enables the injector to combine power input and data cables into a single PoE output, which the receiving device or router can use for its intended purpose.
Per the Ethernet standard, the maximum distance between a PoE injector and the non-PoE switch is 328 feet (100 meters). However, multiple injectors can be installed to extend the cable distance if necessary. Each additional PoE injector provides power to the extended Ethernet cable, compensating for voltage drop and allowing for longer cable runs. Besides injecting energy into the cable and possibly extending it, PoE injectors also eliminate the need for separate power cables for remote devices, reducing clutter and installation complexity in tight spaces. They also eliminate the cost of replacing an existing non-PoE Ethernet switch with a new PoE switch when upgrading a network to PoE capabilities.
As an example of this technology, let's look at the Antaira INJ-0200G-60-24-T industrial PoE Injector. This high-power model adheres to IEEE 802.3bt Type 3 PoE, delivering up to 60W of power to end devices, yet is backward compatible with previous 802.3af/at standards to support legacy devices. It is also IP30-rated, DIN-rail mountable, and supports an extended temperature range from -40°C to 75°C, making it suitable for outdoor or industrial applications. Its robust design and versatile compatibility make it a smart choice for remote sites.
Eliminating the need for a local power supply, Antaira LEP-401M-KIT LAN extenders are ideal for deploying remote PoE (15W) and PoE+ (30W) powered devices, such as IP surveillance cameras, access points, and VoIP phones, beyond the 100-meter distance limitations of Ethernet cabling
PoE Ethernet Extenders
By using regeneration, PoE extenders—also referred to as PoE repeaters—can transmit PoE power to devices beyond Ethernet's 100-meter limit without experiencing packet loss. PoE extenders expand the network's coverage area and simplify network architecture by reducing the need for numerous power sources. Additionally, some PoE extender types can be daisy-chained to increase the overall connection distance although extension distance may vary depending on the extender, the cable's quality, and the connected device's power needs.
Conveniently, a PoE Extender does not require an AC power connection. Instead, it consumes some of its power it receives from the power source equipment to run itself. It transfers the remaining energy to an end device or to another PoE extender. Because PoE extenders are compatible with IEEE 802.3af, 802.3at, and 802.3bt, they can be used in a variety of network configurations and remote sites.
The Antaira LEP-401M-KIT serves as an excellent example. For optimum range, this plug-and-play kit includes a long-reach transmitter and a long-reach receiver. By enabling simultaneous power and data transmission up to 800 meters, it removes the inconvenience of daisy-chaining several PoE extenders. The kit offers versatility and ease of integration by being compatible with 802.3af/at and providing up to 30 Watts to IP cameras, WAPs, and VoIP phones, among other devices.
Conclusion
Industrial PoE injectors and extenders help build and maintain reliable network architecture in remote industrial sites. These simple plug-and-play devices maximize cost-effectiveness, speed, scalability, and performance by enabling seamless data transmission and power integration over a single cable.
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