4K Anti-corrosion Camera with Tailored Coating for Sea Shores and Marine

Andy Chen

IPC608AC, it is LINOVISION 4K Ultra HD Anti-corrosion Camera with Tailored Coating, POE IP Camera with Intuitive WEB GUI and Mobile APP, Designed for Sea Shores, Marine, Chemical Factories, Mining Industry, Ports. 

Outstanding Features: 

  • 4K ULTRA HD RESOLUTION - Presenting 8 Megapixels (3840x2160) vivid video with 4x more details than regular HD camera; Wide view angle; Efficient bandwidth control with the advanced H.265 compression.
  • ANTI-CORROSION DESIGNED - Stainless steel with special coating tailored to resist corrosion, dedicated anti-corrosion cable, powerful sealing performance, designed to be used in corrosive environment permanently. 
  • EASY REMOTE ACCESS - Comes with intuitive WEB GUI, compatible to Chrome/Safari/IE/Edge and no plug-in or ActiveX is required; Free mobile App with Cloud access; Also provide PC based VMS software to centralized manage tens of cameras from different sites. Offer API for 3rd party access.
  • MAX 30m IR DISTANCE - Equipped with 2 IR LEDs to enable max 30m night vision distance.
  • 800m LONG RANGE VERSION IS AVAILABLE - Working with POE-EXT3001LP(2 Pack), the transmission distance can be extended to 800m. It is widely used in Mining Industry and other places where need long distance application. 

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PoE vs PoE+ vs PoE++ Switch: How to Choose?

Andy Chen

Power over Ethernet (PoE) is a well-established technology that allows both data and power to be transmitted over the same Ethernet cable, providing significant time and cost savings for local area networks (LANs). In today's market, you will come across different types of PoE switches, including PoE switches, PoE+ switches, and PoE++ switches. But do you understand the differences between these three types? And how do you make the right choice among them?

What Is PoE and PoE Switch?

What is PoE? Power over Ethernet (PoE) is a technology defined by the IEEE 802.3af standard in 2003. It enables powered devices (PDs) such as VoIP phones to receive power, up to 12.95W, through Ethernet cabling using two of the available twisted pairs.

Then what is a PoE switch? A PoE switch, on the other hand, is a type of power sourcing equipment (PSE) that incorporates PoE technology. It provides power to PDs via Ethernet cables, facilitating network connectivity. Typically, an 802.3af PoE switch supports a maximum power consumption of 15.4W per PoE port, with a voltage range between 44V and 57V. The PDs connected to the PoE switch operate within a voltage range of 37V to 57V.

 

What Is PoE+ and PoE+ Switch?

PoE+ technology, defined by the IEEE 802.3at standard in 2009, is an advancement of PoE technology. With increasing power requirements of devices like wireless access points, PoE+ was introduced to support higher power consumption.

Similar to PoE switches, PoE+ switches also deliver power over two pairs of Ethernet cables. However, PoE+ adds an additional power class that can provide up to 25.5W of power to a powered device (PD) within a voltage range of 42.5V to 57V. Each port of a PoE+ switch can deliver a maximum power of 30W within a voltage range of 50V to 57V.

What Is PoE++ and PoE++ Switch?

In the pursuit of providing even more power for a wider range of devices, the IEEE 802.3 standard further upgraded PoE+ technology to PoE++ (IEEE 802.3bt standard) in 2018. PoE++ is divided into two types: Type 3 and Type 4. Type 3 enables power delivery of up to 51W to a PD using either two or all four twisted pairs in a copper cable. Type 4 allows power delivery of up to 71W to a PD using all four twisted pairs in an Ethernet cable.

PoE++ switches are the next generation of PoE+ technology. They support up to 60 watts of power per port under Type 3 and provide the highest power level for Power over Ethernet switches, delivering up to 100W per PoE port under Type 4.

PoE vs. PoE+ vs. PoE++ Switch: Which to Choose?

The choice of a PoE switch depends on specific requirements. To help make an optimal selection, consider the following aspects: specifications and applications.

Specifications of PoE vs. PoE+ vs. PoE++ Switch

Based on the information provided, the following reference chart summarizes detailed specifications of PoE, PoE+, and PoE++ switches:

 

 

PoE PoE+ PoE++
IEEE Standard IEEE 802.3af IEEE 802.3at IEEE 802.3bt
PoE Type Type 1 Type 2 Type 3 Type 4
Switch Port Power
Max. Power Per Port 15.4W 30W 60W 100W
Port Voltage Range 44–57V 50-57V 50-57V 52-57V
Powered Device Power
Max. Power to Device 12.95W 25.5W 51W 71W
Voltage Range to Device 37-57V 42.5-57V 42.5-57V 41.1-57V
Cables
Twisted Pairs Used 2-pair 2-pair 4-pair 4-pair
Supported Cables Cat3 or better Cat5 or better Cat5 or better Cat5 or better

 

Note: The provided figures are theoretical and the total power capacity of PoE series switches in real-world applications may be oversubscribed when multiple devices use less than the maximum power. For example, having a switch with all PoE++ Type 4 ports doesn't mean all ports will be utilized at maximum load 24/7. Therefore, it is important to calculate the power requirements of all connected powered devices and choose appropriate patch cables for your PoE design.

Applications of PoE vs. PoE+ vs. PoE++ Switch

The key differences between PoE, PoE+, and PoE++ switches lie in their operational modes and power delivery, which determine their applications.

PoE switch

An 802.3af switch, also known as a PoE Type 1 switch, is typically used to support devices that require power delivery of less than 15.4W. Examples include:

  • Basic VoIP phones used over the internet

  • Wireless access points with two antennas for small networksStationary security cameras without pan, tilt, and zoom

  • Sensors, meters, etc.

  • Stationary security cameras without pan, tilt, and zoom functionality

PoE+ switch

PoE+ switch with 30W output can power Type 2 devices, such as:

  • IP telephones that offer fax, text messaging, and voice calls

  • Wireless access points with six antennas

  • Remote-controlled pan, tilt, and zoom (PTZ) surveillance cameras

  • Biometric sensors that collect biological characteristics

PoE++ switch

A PoE+ switch with 30W output is capable of powering Type 2 devices, such as:

  • Two-way video phone calls in a conferencing system

  • Building management devices such as gate or door controllers

  • Thin clients connected remotely to a server-based computing environment

  • Remote patient monitoring devices

And the PoE++ Type 4 switch can support devices such as laptops and TVs.

If your data center or network has relatively low power requirements, a PoE switch would be suitable. However, if you need a more powerful and versatile network that can accommodate a diverse range of devices, a PoE+ or PoE++ switch would be a better choice. These switches offer increased power capacity and performance, allowing for more devices to be connected without being limited by port restrictions. They are particularly beneficial when building infrastructures with higher demands or when planning for future upgrades.

Of course, if your existing PoE network design meets your current demands and is adequate for your requirements, there is no need to change it. It is always wise to assess your specific needs and choose the appropriate switch that aligns with your power and performance requirements.

Linovision PoE++ Switch

The main features of three Linovision PoE++ switches are shown below.

POE-SW508G POE-SW708GM POE-SW806GM-Solar
Description 8-Port Full Gigabit PoE++ Switch 8-Port Full Gigabit L2
PoE++ Switch
4-Port L2 Managed Solar PoE++ Switch
Ports ·8*10/100/1000BASE-T RJ45 auto-MDI/MDI-X ports
·2*1000Mbps SFP Slots
·4*10/100/1000Base-T PoE++ RJ-45 auto-MDI/MDI-X ports
·4*10/100/1000Base-T PoE+ RJ-45 auto-MDI/MDI-X ports
·2*1G/2.5GBase-X SFP
·4*10/100/1000Mbps RJ45 Ports
·2*1000Mbps SFP Slots
Power Budget 120W 360W 120W
Application Harsh Environment Security, Industry, Business, Office Intelligent Transportation,
Harsh Environment Security, Industry
Solar Power PoE System; UPS Power PoE System

 

Conclusion

As power requirements continue to increase, the evolution of PoE technology has led to the development of PoE+, and subsequently PoE++. Similarly, PoE-based switches have advanced to PoE+ switches, and now to PoE++ switches. This article has provided insights into the distinctions between PoE, PoE+, and PoE++ switches, as well as their respective applications. We hope this information has inspired you to select a suitable PoE network switch for your needs.

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Gaining insights into PoE Standards and Wattage

Andy Chen

PoE (Power over Ethernet) technology revolutionizes the way power and data are transmitted over Ethernet cables. It enables Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE), such as a PoE switch, to deliver power and data simultaneously to Powered Devices (PD), including IP cameras and VoIP phones. This integration simplifies cabling installation, eliminates the need for separate power cables, and reduces overall costs.

To regulate the power delivery to PDs, the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) has established various PoE standards, including IEEE 802.3af, 802.3at, and 802.3bt. These standards define the maximum power that PSEs can provide and the power requirements for PDs.

Let's delve into the details of these PoE standards and their associated wattage.

PoE Standards Introduction

PoE standards encompass three main types: IEEE 802.3af, IEEE 802.3at, and IEEE 802.3bt. These standards establish the minimum power that Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE) can provide and the maximum power that Powered Devices (PD) can receive.

Figure 1: IEEE 802.3af, IEEE 802.3at and IEEE 802.3bt Introduction

1. IEEE 802.3af (Standard PoE)

Operating within a voltage range of 44-57V and delivering a current of 10-350mA, IEEE 802.3af ensures a maximum power output of 15.4W per port. Due to power loss over Ethernet cables, the minimum guaranteed power available at the Powered Device (PD) is 12.95W per port. This standard is commonly used for devices like VoIP phones and sensors.

2. IEEE 802.3at (PoE+)

As an upgraded standard compatible with IEEE 802.3af, PoE+ operates with a supply voltage ranging from 50V to 57V and a supply current of 10-600mA. It provides up to 30W of power per port on Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE), ensuring a minimum power output of 25W per port. This standard is suitable for devices like wireless access points and video conferencing systems.

3. IEEE 802.3bt

IEEE 802.3bt is the latest PoE standard that introduces two types of power delivery - Type 3 and Type 4. These types increase the maximum PoE power by utilizing multiple pairs of Ethernet cables. In Type 3 and Type 4 modes, PSEs identify the PDs and allocate power based on their maximum power requirements, resulting in an enhanced power delivery system. This standard includes support for higher-speed Ethernet standards like 2.5GBASE-T, 5GBASE-T, and 10GBASE-T, unlike the previous standards limited to 1-Gbps. It is designed for demanding applications such as laptops and LED lighting.

a. Type 3 (PoE++)

Type 3, also known as PoE++, can deliver up to 60W per PoE port (with a minimum of 51W on each PD port). It is suitable for powering devices such as video conferencing system components.

b. Type 4 (Higher-Power PoE)

Type 4 offers a maximum power output of 100W per PoE port (with a minimum of 71W on each PD port). This level of power delivery is ideal for devices like laptops and TVs.

Both Type 3 and Type 4 modes of IEEE 802.3bt are backward compatible with IEEE 802.3af and IEEE 802.3at standards. The following table summarizes the specifications of the PoE standards, including PoE wattage:

Name IEEE Standard PD Min. Power Per Port PSE Max. Power Per Port Cable Category Power Over Pairs Released Time
PoE IEEE 802.3af 12.95W 15.4W Cat5e 2 pairs 2003
PoE+ IEEE 802.3at 25W 30W Cat5e 2 pairs 2009
PoE++ IEEE 802.3bt 51W 60W Cat5e 2 pairs class0-4,
4 pairs class5-6
2018
PoE++ IEEE 802.3bt 71W 100W Cat5e 4 pairs class7-8 2018

 

Understanding PoE Wattage

As previously explained, IEEE 802.3af provides a maximum power output of 15.4W per port, while PoE+ (IEEE 802.3at) supports up to 30W. However, when connecting multiple devices to a single PoE/PoE+ switch, it becomes crucial to ensure that the combined power requirements of these devices do not exceed the maximum power wattage supported by the switch. This ensures that the switch can reliably provide sufficient power to all connected devices without overloading its capacity. Careful consideration and planning are necessary to avoid exceeding the switch's power limitations and maintain stable operation.

For example, let's take the LINOVISION POE-SW708GM-DC12V, a managed PoE++ switch with 8 RJ45 ports and 2 SFP ports. Compliant with IEEE 802.3af/at/bt standards, this switch has a total power budget of 240W. This means it can concurrently power 8 devices compliant with PoE+ standards (30W x 8 = 240). It can also support 8 devices compliant with PoE standards (15W x 8 = 120W).

 

However, there is no need for concern as modern network switches are designed to be intelligent. When a device is connected, the switch automatically detects whether it is compatible with PoE or PoE+. If the device requires a low power of 5W, the switch supplies exactly that amount. If the device demands a higher power of 20W, the switch adjusts accordingly. And if you connect a device without PoE capability, rest assured that the switch will provide data transmission only.

How Much PoE Wattages are Need?

The power needs of your devices depend on what you're connecting. Most devices, such as security cameras, IP phones and standard wireless APs, require no more than 30 watts.

However, certain devices, such as 802.11ac wireless access points with multiple USB ports and radios, may require over 30 watts for optimal performance. In such cases, PoE++ or PoH switches are the ideal solution. It's worth noting that some devices can adapt to lower power availability by using fewer radios or disabling certain features.

Linovision Managed Switches: Your PoE Solution

At Linovision, we offer a range of PoE/PoE+/PoE++ switches that comply with the PoE standards, providing enhanced security and improved capabilities. These switches are available in 4,5,8 and 48 port options. They support layer 2+ switching features like VLAN and offer advanced management options such as WEB, CLI, TELNET, and SNMP. FS PoE/PoE+ switches can power any 802.3af or 802.3at compliant device on the market, providing flexibility and security. The table below provides specifications for four of our PoE/PoE+/PoE++ switches:

 

Model PoE Standard Port Switch Capacity Power Budget Forwarding Rate AC/DC Power Supply
POE-SW708GM IEEE 802.3af/at/bt 8x RJ45 | 2x SFP 36 Gbps 240W 14.88 Mpps DC
POE-SW716GM-10G IEEE 802.3af/at 16x RJ45 | 4x SFP 112 Gbps 360W 83.3 Mpps DC
POE-SW328G-BT2000 IEEE 802.3af/at/bt 24x RJ45 | 4x SFP 56 Gbps 740W 41.7 Mpps DC/AC

Summary

It is essential to have a clear understanding of PoE standards and wattage to ensure effective device connections. By aligning your devices' power requirements with the appropriate PoE standard, you can ensure smooth and reliable operation. PoE technology simplifies complex cabling setups and offers flexibility in power delivery.

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How Do PoE Switches Supply Power for PoE Powered Devices?

Andy Chen

Driven by the need for connectivity and monitoring of smart IoT devices, the PoE switch has evolved into an increasingly efficient method of delivering power and data over the network. This article aims to explain the operational principles and modes of the PoE switch's power supply, as well as the limited distance and maximum voltages associated with PoE switch supply.

Devices in PoE Network

A PoE network consists of two types of devices: power sourcing equipment (PSE) and powered devices (PD). The PSE supplies power to the PD. The PSE device typically takes the form of a PoE switch, while the PD devices encompass IP phones, IP surveillance cameras, wireless LAN access points, PoE lighting, and similar devices.

Working Process of PoE Switch Power Supply

To comprehend the working principles of the PoE switch power supply, let's examine the PoE network switch and PoE IP camera as an example to illustrate how the PoE switch power supply operates. Upon connecting a PoE IP camera to a PoE Ethernet switch, the following working process occurs:

Detection of PDs: Initially, the PoE switch delivers a minimal voltage through the port until it detects that the cable terminal connection corresponds to a PD that supports the IEEE802.3af standard. Typically, a 24.9kΩ resistor is employed in the PD equipment to verify compliance with the IEEE802.3af power supply standard. It is important to note that only active PoE network switches perform this check, while passive PoE network switches or injectors do not. The differences between active and passive PoE switches will be further illustrated here: Active vs. Passive PoE Switch: Which Should We Choose?

Classification of PoE Switch Power Supply Capability: After detecting the PD, the PoE switch supplies a voltage of 15-20V to the PD and determines its specific power requirement by measuring the current. The switch classifies the device into various types: Class 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8, based on the presence of a resistor, and provides the appropriate power accordingly.

Class PSE Output Power (W) PD Input Power (W)
0 15.4 0.44-12.94
1 4 0.44-3.84
2 7 3.84-6.49
3 15.4 6.49-12.95
4 30 12.95-25.50
5 45 40 (4-pair)
6 60 51 (4-pair)
7 75 62 (4-pair)
8 99 71.3 (4-pair)

 

Commencement of Power Supply: Once the Power over Ethernet classification is completed, the PSE device initiates power delivery to the PD device, starting from a low voltage that gradually ramps up to the full 48V DC within a configurable startup period (typically less than 15μs).

Normal Power Supply: Once the voltage reaches 48V, the PoE switch reliably and consistently provides a stable 48V DC power output to the PD.

Disconnection of PoE Switch Power Supply: The PoE switch swiftly (usually within 300-400ms) discontinues power supply and re-enters the PD detection procedure under the following circumstances:

  • The PD is removed.

  • The power consumption of the PD is overloaded or short-circuited.

  • The total power consumed by the PDs is out of the power budget of the PoE-powered switch.

In these situations, the switch and PDs are protected, preventing any potential damage to non-PoE devices inadvertently connected to the PoE ports after the PDs are disconnected.

PoE Switch Power Supply Mode

The power supply mode between the PSE and PDs in a PoE switch can be categorized into three distinct modes:

Mode A

In this mode, the PoE switch supplies power to PDs through data pair 1-2 and pair 3-6. Pair 1-2 represents the positive polarity, while pair 3-6 represents the negative polarity.

Mode B

In Mode B, the PoE switch delivers power to PDs via pair 4-5 and pair 7-8. In 10BASE-T and 100BASE-T, these two pairs are not used for data transmission and are referred to as spare pairs in 10/100M PoE applications. Pair 4-5 represents the positive polarity, while pair 7-8 represents the negative polarity.

The primary distinction between Mode A and Mode B lies in the utilization of PINs, as depicted visually in the following diagram:

PSE devices can transmit power in two different modes: Mode A, also known as "endspan," where power is relayed through the data pairs, and Mode B, also known as "midspan," where power is relayed through the spare pairs. Compliant PSE devices are capable of supporting Mode A, Mode B, or both, while compliant PDs can work with both Mode A and Mode B. However, compatible PDs usually support Mode B only. Let's explore the working scenarios between switches and IP cameras based on these two modes.

 

4-pair Delivery

In this mode, power is delivered using all four pairs. Pairs 1-2 and 4-5 serve as the positive polarities, while pairs 3-6 and 7-8 act as the negative polarities.

The table below illustrates the three modes in two distinct network scenarios:

10/100BASE-T Network 1000BASE-T Network
Pins at Switch PoE Mode A (Data & Mixed DC) PoE Mode B (DC on Spares) 4-pair PoE PoE Mode A (Bi-Data & DC) PoE Mode B (Bi-Data & DC) 4-pair PoE
Pin 1 Rx + & DC + Rx + Rx + & DC + TxRx A + & DC + TxRx A + TxRx A + & DC +
Pin 2 Rx - & DC + Rx - Rx - & DC + TxRx A - & DC + TxRx A - TxRx A - & DC +
Pin 3 Tx + & DC - Tx + Tx + & DC - TxRx B + & DC - TxRx B + TxRx B + & DC -
Pin 4 Unused DC + DC + TxRx C + TxRx C + & DC + TxRx C + & DC +
Pin 5 Unused DC + DC + TxRx C - TxRx C - & DC + TxRx C - & DC +
Pin 6 Tx - & DC - Tx - Tx - & DC - TxRx B - & DC - TxRx B - TxRx B - & DC -
Pin 7 Unused DC - DC - TxRx D + TxRx D + & DC - TxRx D + & DC -
Pin 8 Unused DC - DC - TxRx D - TxRx D - & DC - TxRx D - & DC -

 

Please note that the Power over Ethernet (PoE) power supply mode is determined by the Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE). Both PoE switches and PoE injectors can act as PSE devices to provide power and data to Powered Devices (PDs). PoE Ethernet switches, commonly referred to as endspans (or endpoints according to IEEE 802.3af), typically utilize PoE mode A. On the other hand, PoE injectors (also known as midspan devices) function as intermediary devices between non-PoE switches and PDs, supporting only PoE mode B.

PoE Switch Power Supply Distance

PoE can transmit power up to 100 meters from the PSE to the PDs. However, the total length of Ethernet cabling is limited to 100 meters due to signal attenuation specified by Ethernet cabling standards. In the case of PoE switches, the maximum distance for power transmission is typically 100 meters. The actual PoE transmission distance may vary depending on the network cables used. For Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a, and Cat7 cables, the maximum transmission distance is 100 meters. However, Cat8 cables, despite supporting 25/40 Base-T transmission speeds, have a reduced maximum transmission distance of only 30 meters.

PoE Switch Supply Voltages and Types

According to the IEEE 802.3 standard, PoE switches are categorized into four types, each associated with a specific supply voltage. The table below provides a breakdown of the supply voltage for each PoE switch type.

PoE PoE+ PoE++
IEEE Standard IEEE 802.3af IEEE 802.3at IEEE 802.3bt
PoE Type Type 1 Type 2 Type 3 Type 4
Switch Port Power
Max. Power Per Port 15.4W 30W 60W 100W
Port Voltage Range 44-57V 50-57V 50-57V 52-57V
Powered Device Power
Max Power to Device 12.95W 25.5W 51W 71W
Voltage Range to Device 37-57V 42.5-57V 42.5-57V 41.1-57V

 

Conclusion

Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology plays a crucial role in the ongoing digital transformation. Understanding the power supply aspects of PoE switches is essential for ensuring the protection of both PoE and non-PoE devices. Familiarizing oneself with common issues and solutions related to PoE switch connections is also beneficial in preventing unnecessary time and financial resources from being wasted during the deployment of PoE networks. By staying informed and prepared, organizations can fully leverage the advantages of PoE technology and optimize their network infrastructure.

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Active vs. Passive PoE Switch: How to Choose?

Andy Chen

PoE switch is designed to offer both network connection and power supply to one PoE powered device (PD) through one Ethernet cable. And as the demand for deploying PD devices such as IP phones, IP cameras and access points increases, PoE switch is commonly used in today's enterprise and campus networks for it helps to reduce deployment complexity and cost. Now we can see there are both active PoE switch and passive PoE switch sold in the market. What exactly are they? Should we use active PoE or passive PoE switches for our network?

What Are Active PoE and Active PoE Switch?

Active PoE, short for active Power over Ethernet, is also known as standard PoE which refers to any type of PoE that negotiates the proper voltage between the power supply equipment (PSE) and the PD device. An active PoE switch is a device that complies with standard PoE, so it is also named a standard PoE switch. This type of switch is rated to be IEEE 802.3af, IEEE 802.3at or IEEE 802.3bt compliant. Thus it can be further divided into PoE, PoE+ and PoE++ switches (PoE vs PoE+ vs PoE++ Switch: How to Choose?). Before powering up, the active PoE switch will test and check to ensure the electrical power is compatible between the switch and the remote device. If it isn’t, the active PoE switch will not deliver power, preventing any potential damage to the non-PoE device.

 

What Are Passive PoE and Passive PoE Switch?

Passive PoE, also known as the passive Power over Ethernet, is a non-standard PoE. It can also deliver power over the Ethernet lines, but without the negotiation or communication process. The passive PoE switch does not adhere to any IEEE standard. The power is "always-on" when using a passive PoE switch in networks, which means it always sends electric current out over the Ethernet cable at a certain voltage regardless of whether the terminal device supports PoE or not. So using passive PoE switch may burn out the terminal devices if they're not prepared for electrified Ethernet cables.

 

Active vs. Passive PoE Switch: What Are Their Differences?

As mentioned above, active PoE switches and passive PoE switches can both provide PoE connections but in very different ways. Besides that, they also differ in PoE power supply pinout, Ethernet support, cost, etc.

Active vs. Passive PoE Switch: PoE Power Supply Pinout

As we know, there are three methods for PoE switches to supply power: PoE Mode A, PoE Mode B and 4-pair PoE. In PoE Mode A, power is delivered simultaneously with data over pins 1, 2, 3, and 6. In PoE Mode B, power is injected onto pins 4, 5, 7, and 8. And 4-pair PoE delivers power over all 8 pins simultaneously. Active PoE switch can support all PoE Mode A, PoE Mode B and 4-pair PoE, while passive PoE switch can only support PoE Mode B. 

 

10/100BASE-T Network 1000BASE-T Network
Pins at Switch PoE Mode A (Data & Mixed DC) PoE Mode B (DC on Spares) 4-pair PoE PoE Mode A (Bi-Data & DC) PoE Mode B (Bi-Data & DC) 4-pair PoE
Pin 1 Rx+ & DC+ Rx+ Rx+ & DC+ TxRx A+ & DC+ TxRx A+ TxRx A+ & DC+
Pin 2 Rx- & DC+ Rx- Rx- & DC+ TxRx A- & DC+ TxRx A+ TxRx A+ & DC+
Pin 3 Tx+ & DC- Tx+ Tx+ & DC- TxRx B+ & DC- TxRx B+ TxRx B+ & DC-
Pin 4 Unused DC+ DC+ TxRx C+ TxRx C+ & DC+ TxRx C+ & DC+
Pin 5 Unused DC+ DC+ TxRx C- TxRx C- & DC+ TxRx C- & DC+
Pin 6 Tx- & DC- Tx- Tx- & DC- TxRx B- & DC- TxRx B- TxRx B- & DC-
Pin 7 Unused DC- DC- TxRx D+ TxRx D+ & DC- TxRx D+ & DC-
Pin 8 Unused DC- DC- TxRx D- TxRx D- & DC- TxRx D- & DC-

Active vs. Passive PoE Switch: Ethernet Support

Active PoE switches can support 10/100/1000Mbps Ethernet up to 100m over Cat5/5e/6 cable. Passive PoE switches, however, commonly support 10/100 Mbps Ethernet up to 100m. Thus active PoE switches can be applied in both traditional 10/100BASE-T and modern 1000BASE-T PoE networks. While passive PoE switches are usually used in the past 10BASE-T and 100BASE-T PoE networks.

Active vs. Passive PoE Switch: Cost

All active PoE switches are equipped with the built-in PoE power controller which performs the function of PD device detection and classification. While the passive PoE switch has no such component and function. Therefore it is reasonable to see the price of the active PoE switch is higher than that of the passive PoE switch.

To sum up, active and passive PoE switches mainly differ from each other in the following aspects:

 

Active PoE Switch Passive PoE Switch
Standard IEEE 802.3af/at/bt N/A
Power Injection After Negotiation Immediately
Power Supply Mode PoE Mode A/PoE Mode B/4-Pair PoE PoE Mode B
Ethernet Support 10/100/1000BASE-T 10/100BASE-T
Max. Distance 100m 100m
Safety High Low
Cost Medium Low

 

Active vs. Passive PoE Switch: Which to Choose?

From the above content, we can say that for safety concerns, active PoE switches should always be our top choice for powering up remote IP phones, IP cameras, wireless access points, and other PD devices. However, you may also consider passive PoE switches if there is a tight budget. But remember that the passive PoE switch has no power detection function. So it is important to make sure the passive PoE switch you buy matches the power specifications exactly to the PD device you are trying to power on. Otherwise, you can easily burn up your PD device. In addition, you should never connect computers and other non-PoE devices to the passive PoE switch.

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Single Port BT90W PoE Injector with 2.5G Super High Speed Transmission

Andy Chen
POE-IN9001, it is LINOVISION Single Port BT90W PoE Injector, 1000Mbps/2.5G Super High Speed Transmission, Compatible to Standard IEEE802.3af/at/bt PD, POE++ Injector for High Power Consumption PTZ Camera, VoIP Phone. 
POE-IN9001 PoE Injector
Outstanding Features
  • BT90W POE INJECTOR - Convert single ethernet port to IEEE802.3af/at/bt 90W PoE++ port, supply sufficient PoE power for IP camera, PTZ camera, POE speaker, Wireless AP, etc.
  • 2.5G HIGH SPEED - Support 10M/100M/100M/2.5G super high transmission speed.
  • STANDARD PoE - Unlike some software emulated PoE, this PoE injector adopts hardware IEEE802.3af/at/bt PoE chipset and compatible to both Mode A and Mode B PD device. It follows PD Detection -> Classification Type -> Power On procedures to prevent standard PD device from damaging.
  • SPLICING DESIGN - PoE injectors can be combined whit each other by the bayonet. which makes it easier to manage when there are many PoE injectors.
  • PLUG-N-PLAY - Simply plug in the Ethernet cables and power cord, no configuration is needed.

Application

Provide safe and reliable power to wireless access points, PTZ IP cameras, and VoIP Phone, etc. (Noted: Not compatible with passive 24V devices, such as Ubiquiti access points.)

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What are LoRa and LoRaWAN and Why is LoRaWAN so awesome

Andy Chen
What are LoRa and LoRaWAN?
Welcome to The Things Fundamentals on LoRaWAN. In this article, you’ll learn why LoRaWAN is so awesome, hear about some great LoRaWAN use cases and learn the difference between LoRa and LoRaWAN.
LoRa
LoRa is a wireless modulation technique derived from Chirp Spread Spectrum (CSS) technology. It encodes information on radio waves using chirp pulses - similar to the way dolphins and bats communicate! LoRa modulated transmission is robust against disturbances and can be received across great distances.

Don’t be alarmed about the complex terms; LoRa modulation and Chirp Spread Spectrum technology are simple to understand in practice. In case you are curious, in this video, Richard Wenner explains how Chirp Spread Spectrum technology works:
LoRa is ideal for applications that transmit small chunks of data with low bit rates. Data can be transmitted at a longer range compared to technologies like WiFi, Bluetooth or ZigBee. These features make LoRa well suited for sensors and actuators that operate in low power mode.

LoRa can be operated on the license free sub-gigahertz bands, for example, 915 MHz, 868 MHz, and 433 MHz. It also can be operated on 2.4 GHz to achieve higher data rates compared to sub-gigahertz bands, at the cost of range. These frequencies fall into ISM bands that are reserved internationally for industrial, scientific, and medical purposes.
What Is The LoRa Radio?

LoRa uses radio frequency (RF) signals to communicate and operate in the unlicensed ISM spectrum. This means that anyone can openly use this band without paying or getting a license so long as regulations are followed as determined by the FCC in the US. Although LoRa operates in the ISM (Industrial, Science, Medical) band, the ranges within ISM fields vary greatly depending on geographical region.


LoRa provides the necessary ranges and data rate within the following geographical frequencies for specified wireless sensors: Europe: 868Mhz and 433 Mhz, US: 915Mhz and AUS: 915-928 Mhz. These differences prevent US devices and gateways from being compatible with European or Australian devices. There are several techniques LoRa uses to improve data reliability, however, the two most important ones are Spread Spectrum and Adaptive Data Rate (ADR).


Spread Spectrum: 
Originally developed for military applications increasing resistance to interference from noise and jamming. It does this by taking raw information and is spread across a larger frequency.


ADR: 
This allows augmentation of the data rate and transmit power to adjust the functioning of signal quality and distance to the gateway. A slow transmission will have a higher spreading factor that achieves longer and more reliable ranges.

LoRaWAN
LoRaWAN is a Media Access Control (MAC) layer protocol built on top of LoRa modulation. It is a software layer which defines how devices use the LoRa hardware, for example when they transmit, and the format of messages.

The LoRaWAN protocol is developed and maintained by the LoRa Alliance. The first LoRaWAN specification was released in January 2015. The table below shows the version history of the LoRaWAN specifications. At the time of this writing the latest specifications are 1.0.4 (in 1.0 series) and 1.1 (1.1 series).

Version | Release date
1.0 | January 2015
1.0.1 | February 2016
1.0.2 | July 2016
1.1 | October 2017
1.0.3 | July 2018
1.0.4 | October 2020
Bandwidth vs. Range
LoRaWAN is suitable for transmitting small size payloads (like sensor data) over long distances. LoRa modulation provides a significantly greater communication range with low bandwidths than other competing wireless data transmission technologies. The following figure shows some access technologies that can be used for wireless data transmission and their expected transmission ranges vs. bandwidth.


Why is LoRaWAN so awesome?
  • Ultra low power - LoRaWAN end devices are optimized to operate in low power mode and can last up to 10 years on a single coin cell battery.
  • Long range - LoRaWAN gateways can transmit and receive signals over a distance of over 10 kilometers in rural areas and up to 3 kilometers in dense urban areas.
  • Deep indoor penetration - LoRaWAN networks can provide deep indoor coverage, and easily cover multi floor buildings.
  • License free spectrum - You don’t have to pay expensive frequency spectrum license fees to deploy a LoRaWAN network.
  • Geolocation- A LoRaWAN network can determine the location of end devices using triangulation without the need for GPS. A LoRa end device can be located if at least three gateways pick up its signal.
  • High capacity - LoRaWAN Network Servers handle millions of messages from thousands of gateways.
  • Public and private deployments - It is easy to deploy public and private LoRaWAN networks using the same hardware (gateways, end devices, antennas) and software (UDP packet forwarders, Basic Station software, LoRaWAN stacks for end devices).
  • End-to-end security- LoRaWAN ensures secure communication between the end device and the application server using AES-128 encryption.
  • Firmware updates over the air - You can remotely update firmware (applications and the LoRaWAN stack) for a single end device or group of end devices.
  • Roaming- LoRaWAN end devices can perform seamless handovers from one network to another.
  • Low cost - Minimal infrastructure, low-cost end nodes and open source software.
  • Certification program- The LoRa Alliance certification program certifies end devices and provides end-users with confidence that the devices are reliable and compliant with the LoRaWAN specification.
  • Ecosystem- LoRaWAN has a very large ecosystem of device makers, gateway makers, antenna makers, network service providers, and application developers.
LoRaWAN use cases
Here are a few great LoRaWAN use cases provided by IoTNVR to give you some insight into how LoRaWAN can be applied:
  • Vaccine cold chain monitoring - LoRaWAN sensors are used to ensure vaccines are kept at appropriate temperatures in transit.
  • Animal conservation - Tracking sensors manage endangered species such as Black Rhinos and Amur Leopards.
  • Dementia patients - Wristband sensors provide fall detection and medication tracking.
  • Smart farms- Real time insights into crop soil moisture and optimized irrigation schedule reduce water use up to 30%.
  • Water conservation- Identification and faster repair of leaks in a city’s water network.
  • Food safety- Temperature monitoring ensures food quality maintenance.
  • Smart waste bins - Waste bin level alerts sent to staff optimize the pickup schedule.
  • Smart bikes- Bike trackers track bikes in remote areas and dense buildings.
  • Airport tracking - GPS-free tracking monitors vehicles, personnel, and luggage.
  • Efficient workspaces - Room occupancy, temperature, energy usage and parking availability monitoring.
  • Cattle health - Sensors monitor cattle health, detect diseases and forecast calves delivery time.
  • LoRa in space - Satellites to provide LoRaWAN-based coverage worldwide.
How Does LoRaWAN Work?
For sake of simplicity LoRaWAN networks can be primarily illustrated by the following diagram:

Devices<–>LoRa radio <–>Gateway<–>Network Server <–>End Application

Looks linear, simple, and yet confusing and mysterious. How does this work and what does it mean? Upstream messages (data sent from the device) are encrypted and sent over LoRa radio through transmissions. The message is received by one or more gateways who then transfer the encrypted data over a network (typically IP cellular/Ethernet) to a network server. The network server is the software that authenticates the device and decrypts the LoRaWAN payload. The server then delivers the data packet to the appropriate end application.

This process can also happen in the inverse, better explained, messages can be sent downstream which allows the application to reconfigure the end devices. With this being said, LoRa was designed to use low energy, which means some devices are limited when listening for incoming data transmission. This factor is device dependent as described in the next section.
What Are LoRaWAN Wireless Sensor Devices?
A LoRaWAN sensor device is anything that sends or receives informational data and is commonly carried out by devices like wireless sensors, detectors, and actuators. These devices come in 3 classes and are essentially a step up from the previous class.

For instance, a Class A device is only able to receive a message during a small window after it has sent an uplink message and then returns to a low power sleep state where it cannot receive new messages.

Class B is similar to A, but instead is able to listen for incoming messages following predetermined intervals.

Unlike Classes A and B, Class C is able to continuously listen for new incoming messages without entering sleep mode, however, this feature comes at the expense of higher energy usage and for that reason, many Class C devices are not battery operated.

The LoRaWAN standard uses two different message types: MAC messaging and data messaging. MAC messages are used as commands to control the radio and networking message. Data messages are the actual payload that is sent/received and is application or device specific. Since these sensors have limited messaging capabilities, MAC commands/messages are able to ride alongside data messages similar to piggybacking and numerous MAC messages can be released at one time.
What Is A LoRa Gateway?
A gateway can be thought of as an access point or modem. It’s receiving all LoRa radio messages sent by devices within range. If the gateway has a network server built in it will process the data payload locally, and if the network server is located in the cloud the gateway will simply relay the encrypted packet to the server.
What Does The Network Server Do?
Once a LoRa gateway has received a transmitted data packet (message), it will then continue upstream to a network server, considered the most intelligent or sophisticated area of the LoRaWAN network. Network servers are responsible for carrying out a list of various tasks that include:
  • Decrypt LoRa payload data
  • Provision devices to speak to the network
  • Grouping incoming messages from all LoRaWAN gateways within its network and sensor range.
  • Direct/advance incoming data to the appropriate end application.
  • Regulate LoRa radio settings to the gateways.
  • When there are multiple gateways, the best gateway within range is selected for downlink messages for that particular device.
  • Data buffering: stores downlink data (messages) until a class A or B LoRa device is able to receive messages specified during configuration.
  • Filter/Eliminate duplicate messages/data sent from a single device appearing across multiple gateways where devices are unknown by receiving gateways. Since there is no distinction, multiple gateways can receive the same data.
  • Assess/monitor gateways and devices.
The network server in most instances will direct messages from a particular ID and port to a specified or predefined application. This typically happens by sending it to a web service (HTTP(S)) or by placing it in an MQTT queue to be sent to the right place at a determined interval.
What Does End Application Mean?
The final step of data transmission in a LoRa network is the data sent to the actual end application. This is where manufacturers and developers will create code to parse messages received by devices relevant to the application being used. This is where the raw data is assembled into digestible information for the end user’s interpretation.


We’ve simplified the flow diagram so you can visually compare how these areas work with each other.
Lastly, security comes to mind. Since networks themselves do not need to be able to interpret the data received unless it pertains to network infrastructure or is relevant to the network itself. A network session key (NwkSKey) encrypts the messages and payloads in the event a MAC command is sent. This key signs the message allowing networks to verify the sender’s identity.

A second key is known as the application session key (AppSKey) and is responsible for encrypting the payload (actual data) and does not need to be recognized or known by the network server in order to forward the message where it needs to be. The application server will then decrypt the message to extract the information by using the same key.

There are two secure ways to join a LoRa network. They are referred to as Activation by Personalization (ABP) and Over the Air Activation (OTAA). This determines how LoRaWAN devices connect to networks, but does not involve upstream-downstream communication flow as we’ve detailed above.

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8-in-1 Environment Monitor with Sensors of Ultrasonic Wind, PM2.5/10 and Noise

Andy Chen

IOT-S300WS8, it is LINOVISION 8-in-1 Professional Environment Monitor with Sensors of Ultrasonic Wind, PM2.5, PM10 and Noise, Remote Management via RS485 ModBus, Accurate Weather Station for Pollution Detection.

Environment Monitor

Outstanding Features:

  • 8-in-1 Environment Monitor - Integrated sensors of temperature, humidity, pressure, wind speed, wind direction, noise, PM2.5, PM10, ideal for pollution detection, city environmental monitoring.
  • Pro-Grade Accuracy - For scientific research or commercial weather station integration.
  • Ultrasonic Sensor - Provides highly precise measurement and much more reliable without using any movable parts.
  • RS485 Modbus - Support remotely management when bundling with Modbus gateway or 4G Cellular DTU.
  • Industrial-Level Design - IP66 outdoor rated, and working in cold weather with built-in heater (-40 ℃ ~ + 85℃)
  • Accessories - Comes with pole mount bracket. Free subscription to Linovision AIoT RemoteMonit Cloud.

Applications: 

Application

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How to Achieve Modbus RTU to/over TCP between Linovision LoRaWAN Gateways and Controllers

Andy Chen

Description

Modbus RTU bridge LoRaWAN is a feature which can set up Modbus-LoRaWAN data transmission between Linovision controllers and Modbus TCP/TCP clients via  Linovision LoRaWAN gateways. The basic procedures are as follows:

  1. Send Modbus TCP/RTU reading or writing commands from a TCP client or Modbus TCP client
  2.  Linovision gateways receive commands and translate them to Modbus RTU commands, then forward to  Linovision controllers via LoRaWAN
  3.  Linovision controllers receive and response the commands and return the results
  4.  Linovision gateways receive the results and send to TCP client directly or translate to Modbus TCP results and send to Modbus TCP client

 

Requirements
  • Linovision Controllers: IOT-C501
  • IOT-G6x LoRaWAN Gateways 
  • Toolbox Software
  • NetAssit (TCP Client simulate tool or Modbus Doctor (Modbus TCP client simulate tool)
  • Modbus Slave or other Modbus RTU devices (meters, sensors, etc.)

 

Step-by-step:

1. Linovision Controller Configuration

2. Linovision Gateway Configuration

3. TCP Client/Modbus TCP Configuration

3.1 TCP Client Configuration

3.2 Modbus TCP Configuration

4. Test

4.1 Transmission between Controllers and RS485 Devices

4.2 Send Query from Gateway

4.3 Send Query from TCP Client

4.4 Read to Modbus TCP

4.5 Write from Modbus TCP

Configuration

1. Linovision Controller Configuration

Before powering on Linovision controllers, please connect your Modbus RTU devices to RS485 port of controllers.

With Linovision controllers connected to PC with USB cable, open Toolbox. Select the USB port and type login password. The default password is 123456.

Navigate to General > RS485 page, enable Modbus RS485 bridge LoRaWAN and configure the port which is specified for bridging. In this example we use 200 as Modbus RS485 bridge LoRaWAN port.

 

 

 

Navigate to LoRaWAN page and select the working mode as Class C. You could also find essential attributes of the controllers and you would need them to register it onto Linovision gateways.

 

 

2. Linovision Gateway Configuration

Connect Linovision controllers to gateway following article How to Connect LoRaWAN Node/Sensor to Linovision Gateway. When registering devices in Network Server->Device page, select Modbus RTU Data transmission mode as required and type necessary information. If you connect TCP client to gateway and send Modbus RTU commands, select Modbus RTU over TCP; if you connect Modbus TCP client to gateway and send Modbus TCP commands, select Modbus RTU to TCP.

NOTE: Please type the Fport as Modbus RS485 bridge LoRaWAN port (In this example Fport is 200). TCP Port is used for allowing TCP client or Modbus TCP master connection.

3. TCP Client/Modbus TCP Configuration

3.1 TCP Client Configuration

Open NetAssist on PC, type in IP address of gateway as IP address of TCP server, Server Port should be the same as the TCP Port in gateway. Click Connect to connect the client to gateway.

 

3.2 Modbus TCP Configuration

Open Modbus Doctor on PC, type in IP address of gateway as IP address of Modbus TCP server, NumPort should be the same as the TCP Port in gateway. Click CLOSE, choose CONNECTION.

 

 

 

 

4. Test

Modbus over/to TCP share the same topology, except that the protocol in TCP client side is different. Testing Modbus over TCP is using original Modbus and TCP/IP. While testing Modbus to TCP we introduce Modbus TCP/IP (also Modbus-TCP) which is simply the Modbus RTU protocol with a TCP interface that runs on Ethernet.

 

4.1 Transmission between Controllers and RS485 Devices

Connect controller RS485 port to PC and stimulate serial data with Modbus Slave.

In Toolbox, configure a Modbus channel to poll data from Modbus Slave tool. If you can read data, the communication is on.

 

 

 

4.2 Send Query from Gateway

Use the following Modbus example to test the communication between gateway and controller.

Query frame:

 

Slave ID Function Address Length Parity
0x01 0x03 0x00 0x00 0x00 0x02 0xC4 0x0B

 

Response frame:

Slave ID Function Length Data Parity
0x01 0x03 0x04 0x00 0x01 0x00 0x02 0x2A 0x32

 

Go to Network Server > Packets page, put in controller Device EUI and Port 200, select type as hex, then click Send to send Modbus command to controller.

 

 

A: gateway sends Modbus downlink successfully

B: Reply from controllers

C: ACK package from controllers

 

The details of reply packet is shown below:

 

4.3 Send Query from TCP Client

Send Modbus RTU format command 010300000002c40b to read first two digit of data, gateway (TCP server) will respond the Modbus reply 010304000100022A32.

In web GUI of gateway, you can check the details that sending the message from TCP client and receiving the replies from controllers.

 

 

Click the exclamation mark to see packets details, payload in hex matches what TCP client receives and is correctly “1,2”.

 

4.4 Read to Modbus TCP

Enable SPY MODE and click CONNECTION, see it’s printed in status:

Status: Connecting to 192.168.23.226:9099...

Status: Connected

 

As Modbus Slave has 10 addresses for default so we set Length as 10 too, click READING. You can see the query frame in darker blue and response frame in lighter one in the traffic communication block on the right.

 

 

Here is a data table of Modbus TCP communication protocol.

 

Query Frame Response Frame
Byte Content Byte Content
0-4 Start 0-4 Start
5 Whole Length 5 Whole Length
6 Slave ID 6 Slave ID
7 Function Code 7 Function Code
8, 9 Start Address 8 Data Length
9, 10 Data
10, 11 Address Length 11, 12 Data
... Data

 

According to the table we can tell the data read from Modbus RTU is 1,2 which is correct. In web GUI of gateway, you can check the details that sending the message from TCP client and receiving the replies from controllers.

 

 

4.5 Write from Modbus TCP

Modbus Doctor supports writing to Modbus RTU. You can input random number in Value of each Register, click WRITING. You can read the communication traffic according to the table above.

 

 

In Modbus Slave, you can see the value has changed correspondingly.

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How to Connect LoRaWAN Nodes to Linovision Gateway

Andy Chen

Description

Linovision IoT gateway has built-in network server. When network server is enable, users can add LoRAWAN nodes/sensors to gateway and check the data directly. This article will guide you how to connect LoRaWAN nodes/sensors to Linovision Gateway.


Requirement

  • Linovision LoRaWAN Gateway IOT-G6x or G8x.
  • LoRaWAN Node/Sensor (take Linovision IOT-S500TH as example).

Make sure sensor and gateway support the same LoRa frequency such as US915.


Configuration

1. Before configuration, make sure the LoRaWAN node/sensor is not activated in other network servers. Take IOT-S500-TH as example, run Linovision Toolbox App on smart phone via NFC or open Toolbox on PC via USB Type-C to makes sure Join Status of the sensor is De-Activate.

 

 

2. Go to Packet Forwarder -> General to enable localhost server.

Click Save & Apply.

 

3. Go to Network Server -> General to enable built-in Network Server.

Click Save & Apply.

 

4. Go to Network Server -> Applications to add application.

Name & Description: user-defined.

 

5. Go to Network Server -> Profiles to add a profile.

Name: user-defined.

Join Type & Class Type: same as the ones on the sensor.

 

6. Go to Network Server -> Deviceto add sensors.

Device Name & Description: user-defined.

Device EUI: the Device EUI of the sensor. For Linovision sensors, you can find it on the label or  ToolBox.

Device-Profile & Applications: the ones you added in the above steps.

Application Key (AppKey): the application key of the sensor. For Linovision sensors, it’s a general one (5572404c696e6b4c6f52613230313823). You can also find it on user guide.

 

If Join Type is ABP, please fill in  below parameters:

Device Address: the 5th to 12th digits of SN of sensor.

Network Session Key (NwkSKey)/Appcation Session Key (AppSKey): for Linovision sensors, it’s a general one (5572404C696E6B4C6F52613230313823). You can also find it on user guide.

Click Save & Apply.

 

7. After the sensor joins the gateway successfully, you can see it’s Activated.

 

Go to Network Server -> Packets of Linovision Gateway to check uplink data that sensor reports.

 

You can also see Join Status is Activate from corresponding software.

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