Advantech Launches Industrial 5-port Power-Over-Ethernet (POE) Switch

The Industrial Automation Group of Advantech introduces the EKI-2525P, which combines a compact and rugged 5-port unmanaged Ethernet switch with Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) technology, to connect and power Ethernet devices over a single cable.

PoE, which is relatively new to industrial and plant-floor applications, is a technology to transmit power plus data to remote Ethernet devices over standard twisted-pair Cat5e cables. More formally known as IEEE 802.3af internationally, this standard specifies a supply of 48VDC at up to 15.4W per port. With combined capabilities of an unmanaged Ethernet switch and a PoE power injector, the 5 port EKI-2525P has 4 PoE ports that are capable of supplying up to 15.4W each. Additionally, each port can automatically detect when PoE compliant devices are attached, before supplying power, allowing the use of traditional (non-PoE) Ethernet devices if needed.

“While originally developed for enterprise environments, PoE is quickly gaining momentum in industrial applications,” said Paul Wacker, Advantech’s Product Manager for Industrial Communication products. “With the ability to carry data and power over a single cable, installation cost savings are being realized in applications ranging from industrial 802.11b/g wireless access points to Ethernet connected vision systems.”

Packaged in a compact and thin DIN-rail mount chassis, the EKI-2525P is ideal where panel space is limited. It is also ruggedized for demanding industrial applications, with dual 12 to 48 VDC power inputs, 4,000 VDC Ethernet ESD protection, power line surge (EFT) protection of 3,000 VDC, and features an operating temperature range of -10 to 60° C to ensure system uptime. Plus, these switches are CUL (UL/CSA), CE, FCC, and RoHS/WEE certified.

For ease of maintenance, each Ethernet port is equipped with front-facing LED indicators that provide link, transmission speed, activity and PoE output status to aid in diagnosing issues with cables and attached devices. With auto-MDI/MDI-X, there is no need to use crossover cables for inter-switch connections and auto-negotiation provides optimum link configurations and compatibility with legacy devices.

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