Microsemi Brings PoE To The Data Center

This can pose a challenge in the data center with issues in expanding Ethernet connectivity and getting power to such devices. For example, an implementation of a company-wide IP telephony system would increase the need for additional switches, ports and wiring. Not only would such a deployment be labor-intensive, but could increase expenditure for hardware and perhaps for installation of new wiring.

IP devices are being designed to receive electrical power over Ethernet. POE connectivity has been available for some time with newer wireless access points, IP phones and cameras, but the list of devices with this capability continues to grow.

To meet the challenges faced when deploying IP devices, Irvine, CA. "based Microsemi offers a range of solutions made to extend a data center's Ethernet connectivity to such devices. In 2006, Microsemi acquired PowerDsine and consequently that company's line of Midspan devices. PowerDsine held the patent to PoE and were key in drafting the 803.2AF standard for the technology.

The Midspans are devices that serve as power injectors for POE. These devices can uplift legacy switches to allow users to connect IP devices to an Ethernet network. It is a cost-effective alternative to having to add additional or upgraded Ethernet switches in a data closet for the purpose of connecting additional IP hardware or to having to provide extra outlets for power.

The Test Center took a look at the PowerDSine 6524. The PowerDsine 6524 is a 24-port device that allows IP devices to be powered over Ethernet cabling. For testing purposes the Midspan was connected to a Linksys Ethernet switch. The Midspan provided power to three IP devices: a Panasonic BB-HCM58 camera, a Cisco 7911 IP phone and a Cisco Air AP1242AG access point.

It worked fine and powered everything up. The management is worth consideration.

The 6524 can be remotely administered. The interface displayed the amount of power each connected device was using. The appliance is designed in such a way that each attached IP device is only given the amount of power required. This capability coupled with placement of low usage IP-devices in an infrastructure could translate into significant savings on electric bills.

The Midspan has overload detection and will automatically shut down ports in an emergency situation.

Ports can also be disabled or enabled by schedule. That means the Midspan can be configured to allow a defined number of ports to be active, for example during weekend hours in a company's network.

The PowerDsine 6524 is AF compliant and is also pre-standard complaint (will support products that were designed before the standard was ratified.). For the soon-to-be-release AT standard, Microsemi came out with the PD70XXG which can provide more than 30W and are also Gigabit ready. For products that need lower voltages and are not designed for POE yet, the vendor provides a splitter to convert POE voltage to DC jack voltage.

Microsemi offers Midspans that range from 1-port SMB versions to 48-port Enterprise, GB versions. Enterprise products come with a lifetime warranty. The vendor has partnered with some of the biggest names in technology like Nortel, Meru, Cisco and Aruba.

Microsemi offers a reseller program as well as training for VARs.

As POE becomes more of a mainstay in the data center, it will be interesting to see the implications the technology has on power consumption, savings and whether these factors will have the channel embracing this technology.