Pakedge Device & Software has announced the addition of PoE Pass-Through switches to its line of PoE switches. These new switches are designed specifically to help installers incorporate a switch into the network where access to power is restricted.
The Pakedge PoE Pass-Through switches enable technicians to install switches and devices at the edge of the network, near the point of use, where there is no power source nearby to operate the switch or the devices. Traditional approaches to this problem have included running extension cords, hiring electricians to run additional wires, or using PoE injectors to power devices (an approach that is not cost effective with multiple edge devices to power).
The new switches, developed in conjunction with dealer feedback, are powered by a single PoE+ port (IEEE 802.3at) from an upstream PoE+ switch or power injector. In addition to powering the switch, the input PoE+ signal is split into two PoE output ports, which can then be used to power two connected edge devices, such as VOIP phone, wireless access point, video cameras, touchscreen consoles, or other PoE powerable devices.
By removing the need for electrical outlets, the switches and edge devices can be located anywhere. Applications include placement of the switch in access spaces, as attics, closets, above drop ceilings, basements and access tunnels – and at point of use locations where the existing power outlets are already committed to other uses.
“We recognised that the PoE switches of today are essentially the same as the PoE switches five years ago,” said Benson Chan, VP business development at Pakedge. “Now, we’re redefining the PoE product category based on what our customers tell us they need.”
The first of these switches, the new Pakedge SE-5P2-EP, is an unmanaged PoE Pass-Through switch designed to provide an easy, time and cost saving solution for installers seeking to power PoE-enabled devices in edge of network areas. The unit features five Gigabit ports, including one input port powered by PoE+ Power (IEEE 802.3at) provided by a PoE+ switch on the network and two ports of PoE power (IEEE 802.3af) out. This approach is suitable for operating up to two devices requiring up to 15W each, such as external IP security cameras or wireless transmission systems, and eliminates the need for any extra wiring.
The Pakedge PoE Pass-Through switches are in addition to the line of 5 and 8 Gigabit port Pakedge “PoE Powered” unmanaged and managed switches – S5Wpde, S8Wpde, and S8Mpd. The entire Pakedge portfolio of PoE Innovations switches provide users with portability and versatility and allow users to install a switch in areas without easy access to power outlets.
Plug-and-play features allow Pakedge PoE switches to run without any installation of additional software.
The SE-5P2-EP will debut at the 2014 CEDIA Expo.
