This blog builds upon the recent Intro to PoE & How It Can Help Your Industrial Network post and looks at some choices in building an industrial Ethernet network that supports PoE.

PoE is having important repercussions for industrial applications. The simplicity of combining signal and power in one Ethernet cable connection contributes to the already-rapid transition to Ethernet-based industrial control systems. Wireless access devices, IP phones, surveillance cameras, and a growing number of specialty devices are available, demonstrating how PoE can help solve industrial information and control systems applications problems in innovative ways. PoE industrial sensor and controller devices are now available. While the available power in a PoE-connected device is generally limited to about 13 watts, the vast majority of modern industrial sensors take less than 10 watts. It may soon be possible to power a full SCADA system from ports on Ethernet switches, along with non-traditional devices such as phones and cameras and PCs. PoE offers the potential for an economical standards-based high-performance industrial network far beyond what is available today. Read more »