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As the power consumption of LCD displays continues to plummet with the introduction of LED backlit panels, Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) thin client solutions are becoming more prevalent each day.
In the digital signage, retail, and access control markets, PoE products will be the wave of the future because of the numerous advantages that are provided by PoE. In order to create a PoE infrastructure, there are two main
components that are necessary: a power sourcing device and a powered device. The power sourcing device will be a PoE-enabled router or switch. These units have the same functionality as traditional routers and switches with
the added bonus of injecting power onto the CAT5 lines. The powered device can be any unit that is capable of receiving power on the CAT5 lines. In our case, any Boundary Devices board used in conjunction with our PoE module
is a powered device. The PoE module is a 802.3af-compliant Power over Ethernet module that has been designed specifically to provide other Boundary Devices products with PoE capability. See our 10.4" POE Touch Computer or 7" Hydrogen Touch Computer for a complete PoE Thin Client solution. If you require a different display size, please contact us
to put together a custom POE solution for you.
BENEFITS OF POWER OVER ETHERNET
- Installation Cost Savings - Up to $1000
- Utility Bill Savings - $200 per unit, per year
- Environmentally Friendly - Reduced Carbon Footprint
- Flexibility in Placement - Faster time to market
- Improved Reliability - Reduced Down Time/Failures
Installation Cost Savings
A recent case study by Purdue University, a leading engineering school, concluded that by utilizing PoE technology, they
saved between $350 to $1000 per unit by eliminating costs associated with contracting electricians to run wiring for an AC
outlet. AC power requires the installation of conduits, electrical wiring, and outlets throughout the facility not to mention the
time of expensive electricians. PoE only requires a low voltage CAT5 cable which also provides the network connectivity. In
addition, the ease of installation allows devices to be deployed quicker, reducing critical time to market.
Utility Savings
An off-the-shelf PC and monitor combination similar to those found in many kiosks consumes 150-200 watts of power. PoE
products only have a power budget of 12 watts (24W for the less common 802.3at spec) which is 10-20 times less than traditional
solutions. Because of the tight power budget, all components (LCD, peripherals, single board computer) must be optimized
for high efficiency. The end result? A savings of $200 per year, per unit on electricity consumption. To further increase
the utility savings, PoE switches have features that allow network administrators the ability to remotely monitor and
control power consumption by placing units into sleep mode during off-peak hours.
Environmentally Friendly
Because of the power optimization, PoE units are environmentally friendly. As discussed, the power consumption is 20 times
less for PoE units which reduces the carbon footprint of the product.
Flexibility in Placement
Because PoE devices do not require an AC outlet and can be placed within 100 meters of a switch or midspan, it allows for
easier relocation of product and placement can be determined for optimum efficiency rather than by the presence of an AC
outlet. With additional inexpensive PoE equipment, the 100 meter range can be extended which provides even more flexibility.
Improved Reliability
Because PoE devices are low power, they do not require fans and heatsinks and are not susceptible to heat-related issues. PoE
also enables centralized back-up solutions using UPS, which ensures the reliability and availability of power devices even
during a power failure.
Click here to see a POE-enabled Router |
