design
PoE-enabled computing: The
next step in the digital building
The PoE ecosystem is about to change
drastically with the emergence of cost-
effective PoE-enabled desktop computers.
BY VALERIE MAGUIRE, Siemon and RAVI RAMANUJA, Thinlabs
Digital buildings are here to stay. Driven
by intelligent systems that integrate and
control all elements of an office digitally,
smart building solutions can allocate
work areas and conference rooms, control
lighting, cool or heat occupied workspace,
operate digital security systems, and provide wireless access to employees and
guests. The result is an environment that
is measurable, controllable and green.
IP convergence is the mantra of the
digital building. The concept of using
a single IP network to replace as many
as eight or nine different systems, each
having proprietary wiring, connectors,
pathways, and “service experts,” is a no-
brainer. Not only is the approach more
cost effective, but it is safer because these
solutions can integrate low-voltage re-
mote powering technology, such as Power
over Ethernet or PoE. Further, PoE tech-
nology consumes less power and fea-
tures greater efficiency due to fewer AC-
to-DC conversion losses, which makes it
an attractive proposition for businesses
and offices.
The next generation of
computing devices
The digital building now has a new
(old) component—the computer. Offices
are built around the computer; it’s the
most important item on your desk.
Additionally, if most of the IP-enabled devices in the building are interconnected
and powered by Ethernet cabling, installing unneeded electrical mains cabling outlets at floor level (or desk level)
seems antiquated.
PoE computing is the next step in the
digital building. The advantages of being able to power thin client, desktop,
and larger mobile devices has repeatedly
been used as rationale to justify development of higher-power delivery applications such as emerging IEEE 802.3bt Type
3 60W and Type 4 90W PoE. However, until just recently, the benefits of 60W and
higher power have been primarily discussed in the context of PoE lighting
and digital signage. The PoE ecosystem
is about to change drastically with the
emergence of cost-effective PoE-enabled
desktop computers.
PoE computing, as the name suggests,
is the powering of computers with a standard Ethernet cable and the traditional
In Power over Ethernet computing applications, desktop computers are
powered with a standard Ethernet cable and the traditional RJ45 connector. This
application represents the next generation of PoE convergence.
