Power over Ethernet (PoE) - the wired option

According to Grand View Research, the PoE market is expected to provide significant growth with a projection to hit US$3.77 billion by 2025. This is driven by an increase in the number of connected devices and the demand for more power and data converged networks in IoT.

Source: Market Research Future

Solutions that are cost-effective and flexible have always been important. The recent shift for greater mobility, security and the demand for better network access with minimal disruption however, has tipped channel partners into investing more adaptive solutions that add to their longevity and success.

A PoE product certification survey conducted by the Ethernet Alliance in January 2020 with 800 PoE stakeholders from designers, manufacturers, resellers, system integrators, network operators found that:

• The top three PoE installations are cameras and phones, as well as computing and storage devices.

• 84 percent said certified PoE devices would be more likely to work the first time, and 85 percent expect those devices to be more reliable.

“Surveillance systems in the SMB market can increase the safety of businesses in preventing fraudulent activities. This is achieved by deterring criminals through the monitoring capabilities available through PoE solutions”, says Vincent Carpenter, Synnex Australia, Product Manager.

Dallas Everard, Synnex Australia, Product Manager adds that “deterring theft is often a main reason for businesses to consider PoE solutions in surveillance with benefits spanning 24/7 peace of mind and incidents being recorded for insurance purposes“.

The PoE benefits:

1. reduced installation costs,
2. installation safety,
3. responsive deployments,
4. data-gathering capabilities and,
5. productivity enhancements.

The continuous introduction of improved wired and wireless devices and future developments in range position partners for greater opportunities to achieve a strong market position.

The wired option

Hardwired security cameras have evolved a long way and what is available today differs much from the earlier versions. Wired security cameras, such as PoE IP cameras only need wires to realise data transmission and power supply.

Two advantages

1. Faster speed

The exact maximum speed of your Ethernet cable depends on the type of Ethernet cable used. A wired Ethernet connection can theoretically offer up to 10 Gb/s if you have a Cat6 cable and a Cat5e cable can support up to 1 Gb/s. Unlike Wi-Fi, that speed is consistent.

2. Reliable data transmission (stable network signal)

Wired security cameras are directly connected to your home/business network router for both data and power transmission; hence it is not weighed down by unexpected traffic or interferences.

While wireless security cameras are more convenient, they are subject to a lot more interference. Coverage issues may occur due to outages, physical objects like thick walls, and signal interferences from electrical devices or networks, all contributing to Wi-Fi generally being less reliable.

Wired PoE security cameras can work standalone and the images are much clearer than that of analogue type.

Why choose the wired option?

As a rule of thumb, wired security cameras are more suitable if

• you want to reduce the interference from other nearby wireless devices.

• your router must handle heavy traffic and you need high quality videos.

• you need to monitor several zones of your home / business

What to look out for?

Ultimately, there’s no one camera that fits all, the best wired camera you choose will depend on your own requirements. 

There is a raft of conflicting information on POEs that may deter many people from adopting this technology.

• compatibility problems

• requires electrical knowledge

• requires special wiring

• power is forced into devices

Understanding  both the potential and the limitations of the devices you are putting into your network will lead to a safe, reliable, and cost-effective solution. To ensure successful POE deployments,

1. provide sufficient power to the remote powered device
2. connect the power source to uninterruptible and redundant power
3. deploy only IEEE 802.3af-compliant devices
4. pay attention to cabling-performance specifications use the most cost-effective PoE method for your network

We recommend:

1. D-Link Vigilance 3MP Full HD Day and Night Mini Dome PoE Network camera
2. D-Link Vigilance 360 Full HD Fisheye Day and Night PoE Network camera
3. D-Link JustConnect 16-Channel PoE Network Video Recorder

Here’s our take on the wireless option:

Two advantages

1. Easier installation

 This is especially handy for people who decide to increase their security coverage in the future or if they change their setting with the ability to take many of the components along with them.

2. More resistant to damage

Exposed cables are more vulnerable to accidental damage in normal building use, and especially during any renovations that take place. Wireless security systems have fewer problems on this line since there are no cables between the monitoring devices and the control panel.

We recommend:

1. IMOU Wireless Network Video Recorder  Kit
2. Arlo Essential Wireless Spotlight camera

PoE solutions help SMBs reduce the costs and complexities associated with managing power and devices. Contact team Synnex on 1300 100 100 to take advantage of the options available to you.

References

1. Grand View Research (2019)
2. Market research future
3. Ethernet Alliance in January 2020, PoE survey
4. Report Linker: City-Surveillance-Market-Growth-Trends-COVID-19-Impact-and-Forecast, January 2021,
5. Five keys to successful PoE deployment | Cabling Installation & Maintenance