In the digital signage, retail, and access control markets, PoE products have numerous advantages over traditional AC powered devices. 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 Ethernet lines. The powered device can be any unit that is capable of receiving power on the CAT5 lines. In our case, a 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. 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.