Switch Archives - Fiber Optical Networking

Ways to Manage Your PoE Switch Power Consumption

The power consumption of PoE switches has been a significant concern for buyers. It refers to the amount of energy used per unit of time by a PoE switch. Some may question whether the benefits provided by the PoE switch outweigh the cost of electricity. This article aims to elucidate all aspects of the power consumption of PoE switches and strategies to mitigate it.

Factors Affecting Power Consumption of PoE Switches

PoE Standard

The PoE standard plays a crucial role in determining power consumption. PoE, PoE+, and PoE++ are distinct standards, each delivering varying power levels to Powered Devices (PDs). It is advisable to ensure that your PoE switch can support the power requirements of your PDs.The following table shows the specifications of different PoE standards. For more information, please refer to PoE vs PoE+ vs PoE++ Switch: How to Choose.

Name	IEEE Standard	Power to Powered Device (PD)	Max. Power per Port	Supported Devices
PoE	IEEE 802.3af	12.95 W	15.4 W	Static surveillance cameras, VoIP phones, wireless access points
PoE+	IEEE 802.3at	25.5 W	30 W	PTZ cameras, video IP phones, alarm systems
PoE++	IEEE 802.3bt (Type 3)	51 W	60 W	Video conferencing equipment, multi-radio wireless access points
PoE++	IEEE 802.3bt (Type 4)	71.3 W	100 W	Laptops, flat screens

Connected Numbers of PDs

The number of PDs connected to a PoE switch is another factor influencing its power consumption. The more PDs connected to a single PoE Ethernet switch, the greater the power consumption generated. For instance, if 10× PoE IP cameras with a power consumption of 7W each are connected to a 24-port PoE switch with a 200W power budget, the total power consumption of the 10× cameras would be approximately 70W. Similarly, connecting 20× PoE IP cameras would result in around 140W of power consumption. Additionally, in large data centres, the PDs generate heat during operation, necessitating the use of additional devices such as fans and air conditioners to cool them down, thereby consuming extra energy.

PoE Switch Power Budget

The power budget of the PoE switch is another critical factor affecting its power consumption. Managed PoE network switches used in large enterprise environments may have power budgets of up to 400W, whereas for home networks, it is advisable to use basic unmanaged PoE switches with power budgets as low as 60W.

Port Number

The power consumption of PoE switches is also correlated with the number of ports to accommodate varying wattage requirements. For instance, small PoE switches with 8 ports may offer options of 130W or 250W, while high port-density 48-port PoE switches may provide power budgets of up to 600W or even higher.

How Can I Reduce the Power Consumption of PoE Switch?

Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE)

Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE), defined as IEEE 802.3az, is a technology aimed at reducing switch power consumption during periods of low network traffic, with the goal of cutting power usage by over 50 percent while maintaining compatibility with existing devices. It’s also referred to as Green Ethernet. In addition to the link load power savings of Energy-Efficient Ethernet, Green Ethernet operates in one of two ways. Firstly, it detects link status, allowing each port on the switch to enter a standby state when a connected device is inactive. Secondly, it detects cable length and adjusts the power used for transmission accordingly. It’s important to ensure that both the device port and connecting device support 802.3az EEE when selecting a PoE switch.

Use Intelligent PoE

Using intelligent PoE is another effective method to reduce switch energy consumption, providing better ROI for businesses. Intelligent PoE can automatically detect the power consumption status of each Powered Device (PD) and supply the necessary power accordingly. Additionally, if the connected device is non-PoE, the intelligent PoE switch will not supply power, thus protecting the non-PoE device. By minimizing the waste of unused power, enterprises can save significantly on electricity costs.

Do PoE Switches Consume More Electricity?

While PoE switches may initially appear more expensive due to increased equipment and power costs, the enhanced productivity they offer outweighs the increased power expenses. PoE network switches simplify installation and maintenance costs as users don’t need to purchase and install additional electrical wiring and outlets. Moreover, good PoE switches often support Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP), providing a simpler way to monitor and manage the switch.Therefore, solely focusing on the increased power costs when choosing the right PoE switch is short-sighted. Considering the benefits of better application integration, enhanced productivity, and freeing up IT resources, opting for the right PoE switch can help mitigate the impact of a higher energy bill.

FS PoE Switch: A Good Choice for A Cost-Effective Network

FS introduces various PoE switches, including PoE+, PoE++, and 8 port/10 port/24 port/48 port network switches. The following lists popular FS PoE switches that cater to various scenarios.

PoE Switch	S3410-10TF-P	S3410-24TS-P	S3410-48TS-P	S5810-48TS-P	S5860-24XB-U
RJ45 Ports	10x 100/1000M	24x 100/1000M	48x 100/1000M	48x 100/1000M	24x 100M/1000M/2.5G/5G/10G-T
PoE Ports	8x PoE/4 PoE+	24x PoE+	48x PoE/24x PoE+	48x PoE/24x PoE+	24 PoE+/8 PoE++
PoE Standard	IEEE 802.3af/at	IEEE 802.3af/at	IEEE 802.3af/at	IEEE 802.3af/at	IEEE 802.3af/at/bt
PoE Budget	125W	740W	740W	740W	740W
Max. Power Consumption	165W	880W	880W	880W	860W
Management Layer	L2+	L2+	L2+	L3	L3
Energy Efficient Ethernet	√	√	√	√	√
Intelligent PoE	√	√	√	√	√
AC/DC Power Supply	AC	AC/DC	AC/DC	AC	AC

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Can PoE Switch Be Used with Non-PoE Switch?

A PoE switch is a regular network switch that has Power over Ethernet functionality integrated. It allows compatible devices, such as VoIP phones, network surveillance cameras or wireless access points to work in places where power outlets or network connections don’t exist. But many people still wonder: Can PoE switches be used with non-PoE switches? Can they be connected to non-PoE devices? Here are the answers.

Can PoE Switch Be Connected to a Non-PoE Switch?

PoE and non-PoE switches are both network switches, is there any difference between them? Compared to a PoE switch, a non-PoE switch is surely cheaper, but it can’t provide any power to any devices. But the PoE switch is not an independent entity in the entire network. It can access the aggregation switch at the upper end and the distributed switch at the lower end. General PoE switches have a port called uplink port, which is interconnected with ordinary switches, so, there is no problem of being unable to connect to other non-PoE switches.

Can PoE Switch Pass Through Non-PoE Switch?

For those who have both PoE and non-PoE switches, they may wonder whether the PoE switch can supply power to the device through the non-PoE switch? The answer is NO!

PoE will only be provided to devices directly connected to the PoE switch, and only on request. PoE doesn’t carry through additional switches, the last switch before the device has to be the PoE switch.

If you have a PoE switch and want to pass PoE to client devices, you should not use non-PoE switches in between, because most PoE switches will not turn on the power to ports that are connected to non-PoE client devices at all, and some older non-PoE switches not only fail to pass power, but they may make matters worse by shorting unused pairs 1 and 4 (connecting them to the ground). So, if you want a non-PoE switch to “power” other PoE devices, all you need is a PoE injector.

PoE Switch and Non-PoE switch connecting to PoE device

Can PoE Switch Be Used with Non-PoE Devices?

PoE switches are great, but can I still use them with other non-PoE devices? What happens if I plug a non-PoE device into a PoE switch? Here are the answers.

PoE switches that comply with the standard PoE(we also call it active PoE switch), has a detection and identification function before power supply. When the device is connected, the PoE switch will send a signal to the network to detect whether the IP terminal in the network has a powered device that supports PoE. If it does, the PoE switch will only supply power to it, if it does not support PoE switches, it will not supply power. So, you can plug a non-PoE device into a PoE switch. It will only transmit data. Don’t worry if it will burn up your devices.

However, not all PoE switches are standard PoE switches. You have to verify the type of PoE, to figure out whether it’s active or passive. The one to be wary of is the passive PoE. Passive PoE switches do not adhere to any IEEE standard, 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 switches may burn out the terminal non-PoE devices.

Note: Any PoE switch that shows support for IEEE standards 802.3af (15.4W max), 802.3at (30W max), and 802.3bt (60W or 100W) is active. Generally speaking, most modern switches support active, but you better check the specs.

Can PoE and Non-PoE Devices Be Used with PoE Switches Simultaneously？

The PoE switch can automatically identify the terminal device that needs power, whether it is a PoE device or a non-PoE device. Therefore, PoE does not interfere with normal switch operation. PoE and non-PoE devices can be mixed on the same switch at the same time. There is no problem at all. In addition, many PoE switches can automatically disable the PoE port of the signal for ports that do not need it, making them more power-efficient.

Can I Use a PoE Switch as a Normal Switch?

Yes, a PoE switch can also function as a normal switch. For instance, just like a regular switch, a PoE switch can transfer data over an Ethernet cable. PoE switches can also transfer power, unlike normal ones. So, if you want to use a PoE switch as a normal switch, all you have to do is turn off the power button. It should then be able to function as a regular switch.

Can I Use a PoE Port for a Non-PoE device?

Likewise, the answer is yes. PoE switches have auto-sensing PoE ports. This means that the PoE port will detect if the connected device is a PoE device or not. But you have to check if the PoE device is 802.3af or 802.3at compliant to make sure that it is compatible with the PoE switch. In addition, you can also choose to disable the PoE capability per port on the PoE switch.

Conclusion

In summary, the PoE switch is not totally different from the non-PoE one. It can be connected to either a non-PoE switch or a non-PoE device. You just have to make sure that your PoE switch is rated to be IEEE 802.3af, IEEE 802.3at or IEEE 802.3bt compliant.

How Do PoE Switches Supply Power for PoE Powered Devices?

Article Source: Can PoE Switch Be Used with Non-PoE Switch?

Active vs. Passive PoE Switch: Which Should We Choose?

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. For more details about PoE Mode A, PoE Mode B and 4-pair PoE, you can check: How Does PoE Switch Deliver Power for Your Devices?

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.

Powering PoE Switch From A PoE Switch: Is It Possible?

PoE Switch vs. PoE Injector: Which One to Choose?

Article Source: Active vs. Passive PoE Switch: Which Should We Choose?

MDI vs MDIX And Auto MDI/MDIX Basics

MDI/MDIX are types of Ethernet interface (both physical and electrical/optical) in a computer network used to carry transmission. They must be connected using the right twisted pair cable so that the transmission pair on one end is linked to the receiving pair on the other end, and vice versa. So what exactly are MDI vs MDIX ports? How do you choose the right Ethernet cabling when connecting MDI to MDIX or MDIX to MDIX? This post will address these issues and offer some insights into auto MDI/MDIX technology.

MDI vs MDIX: What Is the Difference?

MDI (Medium dependent interface), also known as an uplink port, is an Ethernet port connection typically used on the NIC (Network Interface Card) or Integrated NIC port on a PC. The transmission signals on a NIC must go to receiving signals on the hub or network switch, so the latter devices have their transmission and receiving signals switched in a configuration known as MDIX – the “X” here represents “crossover”, indicating the reverse of input and output signals.

MDIX (Medium Dependent Interface Crossover) is an 8P8C port connection often found on a computer, router, hub, or network switch. Since MDIX is the crossover version of the MDI port, the pins 1 & 2 (transmitting) on an MDI device go to pins 1 & 2 (receiving) on an MDIX device via a straight through cable. Similarly, pins 3 & 6 (receiving) on an MDI device go to pins 3 & 6 (transmitting) on an MDIX device. In this case, the MDIX port eliminates the need for a crossover twisted pair cabling.

MDI to MDIX using straight through cable

MDI vs MDIX: How to Choose the Right Cabling?

In general, end stations like PCs or workstations use an MDI interface, whereas hubs and network switches use MDIX interfaces. On other network devices like routers, multiple MDIX ports and a single MDI port often co-exist. The MDI port on the router is designed to connect a cable modem. Both ports are labeled MDI or MDIX to help you choose the right type of cable. As a rule, MDI ports connect to MDIX ports via straight-through twisted pair cabling. As for MDI-to-MDI or MDIX-to-MDIX connections, crossover twisted pair cables are deployed. In some cases, network hubs or switches are built with an MDI port (often switchable) in order to connect to other hubs or switches without a crossover Ethernet cable.

What About Ethernet Auto-MDI/MDIX?

As aforementioned, an Ethernet crossover cable is adopted to connect two ports of the same configuration (i.e. MDI-to-MDI or MDIX-to-MDIX). However, it may generate some confusion and inconveniences when deploying two different kinds of Ethernet cables. The auto-MDI/MDIX technology is developed to fix this problem: It automatically switches between MDI and MDIX as required. Auto MDI/MDIX ports on newer device interfaces detect if the connection requires a crossover, then automatically choose the MDI or MDIX configuration to properly match the other end of the link. In this case, it doesn’t matter if you using straight through or crossover cables. The chart below shows cable types for MDI/MDIX and auto-MDIX.

FS.com Gigabit PoE Switch With Auto MDI/MDIX

The latest routers, hubs and switches (including some 10/100, and all 1GB or 10GB Ethernet switch) use auto MDI/MDIX to automatically switch to the proper configuration once a cable is connected. FS.com 48 port switch S1600-48T4S is one of them. This Gigabit PoE+ managed switch comes with 48×10/100/1000Base-T RJ45 Ethernet ports and 4x 10G SFP+ slots, offering up to 180Gbps switching capacity, enterprise-class features and superior network security. The built-in auto-MDI/MDIX provides fast plug-and-play setup and eliminates the need for a crossover cable. It can also detect the link speed of the attached device and makes adjustments according to the compatibility and performance requirements, enabling the switch to be backwards compatible with legacy network devices.

Conclusion

To sum it up, MDI is an Ethernet port on end stations like PCs and workstations, whereas MDIX on hubs and network switches is the crossover version of MDI. You should employ straight through Ethernet cable for an MDI-to-MDIX connection and crossover cable for either MDI-to-MDI or MDIX-to-MDIX configuration. The auto MDI/MDIX connection address the MDI vs MDIX issues by automatically switching between MDI and MDIX, so you can opt for the cable types that suit your needs. If you still have problems regarding MDI/MDIX and auto MDI/MDIX technology, feel free to contact us at sales@fs.com.

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Article Source: MDI vs MDIX And Auto MDI/MDIX Basics

FS S3100-16TF vs. Aruba JL075A: Which One to Choose?

When it comes to building a reliable and high-performance network, choosing the right gigabit switch is crucial. Among the numerous options available, two popular contenders stand out: FS S3100-16TF and Aruba JL075A. In this comparison guide, we’ll delve into the features and specifications of each switch to help you make an informed decision based on your networking needs.

FS S3100-16TF vs. Aruba JL075A

Performance and Features

FS S3100-16TF offers 16 Gigabit Ethernet ports, which support both IEEE 802.3af PoE and IEEE 802.3at PoE+ (up to 30W per port) for powering attached IP phones, wireless access points, or other standards-compliant PoE and PoE+ end network devices. This enterprise switch adopts a cutting-edge Broadcom chip to maintain working efficiency. On the other hand, the Aruba JL075A is also equipped with 16 Gigabit Ethernet ports, making it ideal for small to medium-sized networks. It supports the latest IEEE 802.3az Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE) standard, enabling reduced power consumption during periods of low network activity. When it comes to forwarding rates, the FS S3100-16TF stands out with a remarkable rate of 23.8 Mpps. This capability enables swift data transmission and reduces latency, ensuring seamless communication within your network. On the other hand, the Aruba JL075A offers a comparable forwarding rate of about 285.7Mpps, providing efficient data transfer without compromising performance.

Scalability

When it comes to selecting a Gigabit Ethernet, scalability is a critical factor to consider since it’s an ability to scale up and downsize operations to accommodate the future and help businesses maximize their benefits. Both switches offer impressive scalability features to accommodate the growing needs of your network. FS S3100-16TF supports stacking technology, allowing you to combine multiple switches into a single logical unit. Similarly, the Aruba JL075A comes equipped with link aggregation capabilities, enabling you to bundle multiple physical ports into a high-bandwidth link.

Reliability and Redundancy

Reliability is paramount in any network infrastructure, and both switches offer robust mechanisms to ensure uninterrupted operation. The FS S3100-16TF incorporates a redundant power supply option, ensuring that your network stays powered even in the event of a power supply failure. Additionally, its smart fan design optimizes cooling, enhancing the switch’s overall longevity and performance. The Aruba JL075A also emphasizes reliability with its redundant power supply support, enabling uninterrupted operation in case of power source failure.

Management

Efficient network management is critical for maintaining optimal performance and security. The FS S3100-16TF offers multiple management options, including web-based management, making it user-friendly and accessible even to non-technical personnel. Additionally, it supports Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) for centralized monitoring and SSH for secure remote access. Meanwhile, the Aruba JL075A offers a comprehensive command-line interface (CLI) for efficient configuration and monitoring. Moreover, the Aruba management platform enhances network visibility and control, allowing administrators to make informed decisions about network optimization.

Security

Security is a top priority in any network, and both switches deliver robust security features. The FS S3100-16TF supports SSH for secure remote access and Access Control Lists (ACL) for traffic filtering and control. It also offers RADIUS and TACACS+ authentication protocols to ensure secure user access to the network. Similarly, the Aruba JL075A provides enhanced security with support for SSH and ACL, enabling secure management and traffic control. Moreover, it offers CPU protection mechanisms to safeguard against denial-of-service (DoS) attacks, ensuring the stability and integrity of the switch.

Support & Warranty

Reliable support and warranty are concerns by customers since everyone hopes to receive timely responses and support when their products encounter issues. FS S3100-16TF enjoys 5 years limited warranty against defects in materials or workmanship. What’s more, FS provides a personal account manager, free professional technical support, and 24/5 live customer service for each customer. If you run into problems when installing or using your gigabit switch, you can get instant assistance from FS’s specialists. As for Aruba JL075A, it offers a limited lifetime product warranty varying from different products. You can also select the right level of support according to your specific demand to ensure business continuity. S5810-28TS and JL253A can both give you a satisfactory after-sale experience.

Cost

Price is one of the prioritized factors that many businesses would consider when choosing a switch. Comprehensively, FS offers more competitive pricing, making FS S3100-16TF an appealing choice for business organizations on a budget. It brings reliable products of high quality to customers at reasonable prices. However, Aruba JL075A tends to have a higher price partly because of its advanced features and brand reputation. Despite their difference in pricing, both switches deliver remarkable performance and satisfying experience, making them worthwhile for organizations.
Here is a table comparing the specifications of FS S3100-16TF and Aruba JL075A:

Specification	FS S3100-16TF	Aruba JL075A
Ports	16x 10/100/1000BASE-T RJ45, 2x 1Gb SFP	16 SFP+ fixed 1000/10000 SFP+ ports
Switching Capacity	36 Gbps	508Gbps
Forwarding Rate	26.8Mpps	285.7Mpps
Power Supply	1 Built-in	2 Built-in
Fan	Fanless	1 Built-in
AC/DC Power Supply	AC	AC
Cost	Varies (around US$300)	Varies (around US$5000)

Conclusion

If you prioritize ports, redundancy, and a balance between performance and cost, FS S3100-16TF can be a suitable gigabit switch for you. It offers reliable performance and manifold features with optional after-sale service at a competitively low price. On the other hand, if you have a sufficient budget and require a higher switching capacity and forwarding rate, Aruba JL075A may suit you. To conclude, the decision between FS S3100-16TF and Aruba JL075A should be made based on your specific needs and priorities. Your final choice should be based on your specific networking requirements, budget constraints, and long-term growth plans. Whichever you choose, both switches are sure to elevate your network infrastructure and provide a solid foundation for seamless data communication and reliable connectivity.