10.18.24 – SSI – Henry Martel

PoE technology has become a cornerstone in developing efficient and reliable video surveillance networks and 802.3bt advances it further.

Video surveillance technology has significantly advanced since the age of analog cameras, coaxial cables, monochrome monitors, and time-lapse VHS recorders. Nonetheless, one thing that has yet to change is the need for reliable power.

The devices that make up the anatomy of modern networked surveillance systems—wireless access points, HD monitors, occupancy sensors, IP cameras, and access control readers—all require power, often significant amounts of it.

Since the early 2000s, integrators have leaned into Power over Ethernet (PoE) to deliver data and DC power over a single Ethernet cable. This trend has coincided with Ethernet infrastructures becoming the foundation for IP-based security networks.

PoE technology has become a cornerstone in developing efficient and reliable surveillance networks. By delivering power and data over a single Ethernet cable, PoE simplifies installation, reduces the need for electrical outlets, and ensures that devices in remote areas receive the necessary power. PoE is vital when traditional power sources are scarce or inaccessible.

Hi-Power PoE

PoE standards are set by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). The IEEE governs how networking equipment should operate to promote interoperability between devices.

The most recent PoE standard is 802.3bt. Ratified in 2018, it supplies DC power over all four twisted pairs (eight wires) of structured wiring instead of only two (four wires) as with the previous generations of PoE, 802.3af, and 802.3at. The end-span configuration in 802.3bt utilizes specific pins in Ethernet connectors to deliver data and power, contrasting it with mid-span configurations.

802.3bt has pushed the power limits of Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE) to 90W per port, the maximum wattage specified by the IEEE for PoE Type 4, commonly referred to as PoE++. In addition, 802.3bt has a PoE Type 3 (UPOE), providing up to 60W per port.

Why 802.3bt is Necessary

Two industry trends support 802.3bt. For one, integrators are pushing video processing further to the edge and away from available power outlets. And two, they are adding more high-powered PoE equipment to networks like PTZ HD cameras, HD monitors, and LED security lighting, requiring more power than 802.3at or 802.3af can supply.

PDs will operate with less-than-optimal power. However, many only deliver their full capabilities when maximum power is available. One example is the newer generation of Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 6 access points.

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For surveillance projects deploying multiple Wi-Fi 6 WAPs and PTZ HD cameras, it is crucial to have an industrial PoE switch or injector supplying 60W or more per port, along with a power budget and power supply that can adequately support additional connected devices.

A good rule of thumb is that if a device needs more than 25W or the network loses efficiency due to multiple cables connecting routers, switches, or other devices, IEEE 802.3bt is your solution. An 802.3bt PoE injector also can provide the necessary power, delivering up to 95 watts using all four pairs of Ethernet cables.

It is important that before purchasing an industrial switch or injector marketed as “802.3bt,” determine whether it supports the total 90W (Type 4) standard or only the 60W (Type 3) standard.

802.3bt PoE Power Loss

Applying eight wires instead of four effectively halves IEEE 802.3bt power loss during transmission, therefore expanding a PSE’s power budget and enabling more high-power devices to the network. That said, power loss along an Ethernet cable from PSE to PD is a reality regardless of the PoE standard, and will fluctuate depending on cable length and quality, DC resistance, the supplied voltage of the PSE, and the required voltage of the PD.

Below is a summary of PoE IEEE 802.3 standards showing power loss.

Some of these losses appear sizable. We should point out that IEEE built 802.3 performance standards based on a cable exhibiting 12.5-ohm resistance. Actual cable resistance is substantially less, resulting in lower losses than this worst-case scenario.

IEEE 802.3bt and IP Cameras

The most common application of PoE in surveillance is to power IP cameras. Yet one power budget does not fit all IP cameras.

Due to design variations and accessories, IP cameras have different wattage requirements. For instance, a fixed IP camera installed indoors will consume between 8 and 12 watts. Conversely, a motorized Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) camera will consume upwards of 60 watts or more.

Factors like resolution, frame rate, the number of sensors, motorized lenses, and onboard video processing or storage will also impact camera power needs. If a camera features Infrared illumination (IR) night vision – as most do – you’ll need to budget another 3 to 5 watts of energy consumption.

But that’s just the start. Cameras deployed outdoors typically must be housed within an environmentally controlled weatherproof enclosure. These may offer various powered climate control options, such as de-icing, de-fogging, heating, cooling, fans, lens wipers, and illuminators.

While invaluable to protection, these features use a high amount of power, often more than 802.3at or 802.3af can supply. To prevent outages, a PTZ and its enclosure need 90W constantly available. Remember that if the camera doesn’t need the total 90W, it won’t use it and will return the power to the switch.

Industrial PoE Switch or Injector

Once you’ve chosen to upgrade to 802.3bt as a power source, you have two choices: an industrial PoE injector, an industrial PoE switch, or a combination of both. Injectors and Ethernet switches have advantages and disadvantages.

When to Choose an Industrial PoE Switch

Network Scalability

An industrial PoE switch is ideal for expanding a network and connecting multiple PoE-enabled devices, such as IP cameras, wireless access points (WAPs), or sensors. With a PoE switch, you can power several devices from a single unit, simplifying your network while allowing for future scalability.

Unlike PoE injectors, which are limited to powering individual devices, switches provide the flexibility to grow the network without additional hardware.

Remote Management

For networks that require remote monitoring and management, an industrial PoE switch offers the ability to control and troubleshoot connected devices from a central location. Managed PoE switches come with energy management and diagnostic features that allow you to monitor power usage and device status in real-time. In contrast, PoE injectors are invisible on the network, making them unsuitable for installations where remote management is critical.

Cost Efficiency for Larger Networks

While an industrial PoE switch may have a higher initial cost than PoE injectors, it provides long-term savings. You reduce cabling, installation time, and ongoing maintenance costs by consolidating multiple devices into a single switch. PoE switches also support backward compatibility with older devices, such as those using 802.3af/at standards, ensuring a smooth transition during network upgrades and offering a future-proof solution for growing deployments.

When to Deploy a PoE Injector

Smaller Deployments

A PoE injector is an ideal solution for networks that need to power only a limited number of devices, such as a single IP camera or WAP. Unlike an industrial PoE switch, designed for larger, more complex setups, a PoE injector adds PoE capability to non-PoE links, providing power to one device at a time. This makes injectors perfect for small, standalone installations where network expansion isn’t necessary.

Low-Cost Budget

A PoE injector is a more cost-effective option for networks with only a few PoE devices. While industrial PoE switches have advanced management features and higher scalability, injectors are less expensive and simpler to install. If your network only requires power for one or two devices, an injector is a practical choice that delivers the power you need without the expense of a PoE switch.

Simple Installation

A PoE injector offers a quick and easy solution for non-complex setups without remote management or monitoring. PoE injectors provide power to single devices without requiring intricate configuration or setup.

While they lack a PoE switch’s visibility and control features, their simplicity makes them ideal for smaller projects where ease of installation and immediate power delivery are the primary goals. Moreover, 802.3bt injectors are backward compatible with older standards like 802.3af/at, offering flexibility for legacy network devices.

Intelligent LED Indicators

Intelligent LED indicators are vital in PoE injectors, offering real-time insights into power usage and operational mode. These indicators allow users to monitor the status of their PoE devices, ensuring they function correctly and efficiently.

By providing immediate visual feedback, intelligent LED indicators help identify issues such as power overloads or device malfunctions, enabling prompt corrective actions. The 802.3bt PoE injector offers real-time monitoring of PoE power usage through intelligent LED indicators, delivering up to 95 watts of power using all four pairs of standard Ethernet cabling.

The benefits of intelligent LED indicators extend to optimizing PoE performance. Users can easily verify that their devices receive the appropriate power and operate correctly. This real-time monitoring capability ensures the network operates at peak efficiency, reducing downtime and maintenance costs.

For instance, in a surveillance network, intelligent LED indicators can help ensure that IP cameras and other critical devices are powered correctly, maintaining the integrity and reliability of the surveillance system. By leveraging these indicators, network administrators can enhance their PoE infrastructure’s overall performance and longevity.

Multi-Gigabit and 802.3bt PoE++ Network Solution

The 802.3bt PoE++ standard has revolutionized network infrastructure design and implementation. With the ability to provide up to 90 watts of power over a single twisted pair cable, 802.3bt PoE++ supports the development of high-power devices that can be powered remotely.

This advancement is particularly beneficial for modern surveillance systems, which require substantial power for devices such as PTZ cameras, LED lighting, and high-definition monitors.

By adopting 802.3bt PoE++, network designers can create multi-gigabit solutions that meet the demands of contemporary surveillance applications. The increased power capacity allows for deploying more sophisticated and power-hungry devices, enhancing the surveillance network’s overall functionality and effectiveness.

For example, IP cameras transmitting real-time video consume significant bandwidth, especially in high-definition formats, making multi-gigabit connectivity essential for maintaining smooth, uninterrupted data flow. This ensures high-quality video streaming and recording while supporting the growing number of devices in modern surveillance systems.

Moreover, the ability to deliver both power and data over a single cable simplifies installation. It reduces the need for additional infrastructure, making it easier to deploy surveillance systems in various environments. This improves the network’s scalability and ensures it can adapt to future technological advancements and increasing power demands.

Surveillance Network Design and Implementation

Designing and implementing a surveillance network requires careful consideration of several factors, including power requirements, data transmission, and reliability.

Industrial switches, such as those supporting the 802.3bt standard, provide the necessary power and data connectivity to multiple devices, ensuring seamless operation and network expansion. These switches are designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions, making them ideal for outdoor and industrial applications.

On the other hand, PoE injectors offer a cost-effective solution for adding PoE capability to existing non-PoE links, providing power to individual devices without requiring extensive rewiring.

Developing a comprehensive plan considering the system’s specific needs is essential when designing a surveillance network. This includes assessing the power requirements of all connected devices, ensuring reliable data transmission, and implementing redundancy measures to prevent network failures.

Adequate resources are crucial for effective surveillance and outbreak response, particularly in developing countries where limited resources can impact the effectiveness of disease monitoring and response strategies.

By carefully planning and selecting the appropriate network devices, administrators can create a surveillance network that is both reliable and scalable, capable of meeting the demands of modern security and public health applications.

802.3bt Use Cases

As we described earlier, 802.3bt PoE in surveillance systems is primarily used to power IP cameras and WAPs. Emerging use cases beyond cameras and WAPs include access control system readers, locks, and controllers.

Another new application is LED security lighting. Well-lit buildings are considerably more challenging to break into or vandalize since perpetrators are more likely to be seen by security staff, residents, and bystanders.

PoE is a perfect fit for LED lighting. When LED fixtures are supplied by traditional AC power, a converter is needed to change AC to DC power, reducing the power provided and generating unwanted heat.

AC power also requires heavier gauge wire, conduit runs, and installation by a professional electrician. PoE-powered LED lighting solves all these issues and may support the daisy chain of lower-power sensors, dimmers, controllers, or other lighting components.

PoE’s added flexibility enables the placement of PoE-enabled LED lights in difficult-to-reach areas or the stationing of light closer to the security camera so images are displayed in color rather than black and white.

Finally, consider using PoE 802.3bt with an HD video surveillance monitor. In a remote field location, a high-definition color monitor can be installed simply by running a network cable from an industrial switch to an RJ45 port on the monitor, eliminating the need for another power receptacle or bulky power cables.

Besides monitoring connected cameras, a remote PoE monitor may display digital signage such as warnings or security instructions.

Conclusion

The IEEE 802.3bt PoE standard represents a significant leap forward for modern surveillance networks. Tripling the power available through Ethernet connections—up to 90W per port—802.3bt opens up new possibilities for deploying high-performance devices such as PTZ cameras, LED security lighting, and high-definition monitors.

These advancements not only simplify installation but also enhance network reliability and scalability.

With surveillance networks’ growing complexity and demands, 802.3bt offers an essential solution for supporting power-hungry devices while reducing the need for additional infrastructure. Whether upgrading existing systems or planning new deployments, adopting the 802.3bt standard is a future-proof way to ensure your network can meet evolving security needs.

Henry Martel is a field application engineer with Antaira Technologies.