NETWORK WORLD NEWSLETTER: CURRID & COMPANY'S TECHNOLOGY EXECUTIVE 09/20/04
Dear [EMAIL PROTECTED], In this issue: * Power over Ethernet: It's a standard, not a euphemism * Links related to Technology Executive * Featured reader resource _______________________________________________________________ This newsletter sponsored by Enterprise Management Associates Subscribe for Enterprise Management Associates' AnalystAdvantage subscription by year end and receive a complimentary webinar focused on the latest trends and research from the thought leaders in the industry. Don't delay, sign up today by calling Kevin Hecht at 303-543-9500, or visit http://www.fattail.com/redir/redirect.asp?CID=81248 for promotion details. _______________________________________________________________ DOWNLOAD THE LATEST SPECIAL REPORTS FROM NETWORK WORLD Focused reports on compelling industry topics, Network World Special Reports are available online at Network World Fusion. Network World Special Reports on Mobility, IP Telephony Security, the State of Wireless LANs and more are currently available. Download any or all of our Special Reports at: http://www.fattail.com/redir/redirect.asp?CID=81368 _______________________________________________________________ Today's focus: Some PoE vendors play fast and loose with standards terminology By Michael Day Many of you may remember the newsletter I wrote touting the benefits of Power-over-Ethernet devices and how they could be the next big thing in networking for hard to reach places (see newsletter link below). That story prompted some manufacturers to write to me telling me of their wares, and opened my eyes to a disturbing trend. I have had the opportunity to try out several so-called PoE-enabled devices and, because of that, I've become very disenchanted with the marketing folks' loose use of industry standards terminology. As stated on the Power over Ethernet Web site ( <http://www.nwfusion.com/nltechexec622> ), "The voltage is nominally 48V, and about 13W of power is available at the Powered Device. An isolated DC-DC converter transforms the 48V to a lower voltage more suitable for the electronics in the Powered Device, while maintaining 1500V of isolation for safety reasons." "PoE-enabled" is not interchangeable with "802.3af compliant," and that's where the buyer needs to pay close attention. The IEEE 802.3af standard specifies how switches, routers and hubs should deliver power over standard Ethernet cabling to devices like IP phones, security systems and wireless LAN access points. There are no laws or even guidelines dictating that a product labeled "PoE-enabled" has to comply with the industry standard. For some applications, non-standard devices may be a good fit, but if you're designing an 802.3af-based network, be sure to read the fine print. If it doesn't say 802.3af, there is no guarantee that it will conform to the standard. In the two months since I first wrote about the standard, I have seen and tested products stating they are PoE-enabled, coming from manufacturers the world over. I have discovered that "PoE-enabled" covers a much broader spectrum of products than does "802.3af compliant." Is that a bad thing? That depends on your perspective. If you are setting up a network and are looking for the plug-and-play fit guaranteed by a standard, then yes. If you are merely looking for the ease of installation and convenience of PoE-enablement, then no. I guess what I'm having trouble with is the way some companies use PoE in a manner that would imply adhering to the standard. A device can be PoE-enabled and not be 802.3af compliant, but if a device is 802.3af compliant, it is definitely PoE-enabled. Many PoE device vendors play by the rules. My experience has shown that when companies like PowerDsine, Cisco, 3Com and Axis say that their new products are PoE-enabled, you can be assured that they follow the 802.3af standard. Some, like Cisco, which made pre-standard PoE devices, have built intelligence into their newest PoE wares. The newer products can actually sense the pre-standard devices, and power them accordingly, while allowing 802.3af devices to operate as expected. Here's an example of what some manufacturers are pulling. We evaluated a camera that came with an injector and a splitter to handle the camera's non-standard power requirements. The packaging said "PoE-enabled." Nevertheless, I'm less than thrilled with the company's implementation of PoE. Here is what is wrong with that practice. Let's say I'm setting up a strict 802.3af compliant, PoE-enabled surveillance system. I've already planned the camera placement, purchased housings for the ones that are to be mounted outdoors, calculated and purchased the required cabling, determined switch and/or injector placement and purchased them. I've begun installation and then I realize my housings aren't large enough to contain the camera and custom, non-compliant splitter (or tap). And as if that weren't enough of a headache, I've also come to realize that I'm now going to need the services of an electrician to supply me with enough AC outlets to plug all those custom injectors into. PoE is a technology with a lot of potential. It's a shame that some manufacturers are cutting corners and ignoring the international technical standard that would allow for a fairly straightforward installation. Instead, their non-standard implementations force us to customize our networks to accommodate their products. My advice to you is: buyer beware. If you are starting to dabble with PoE devices, read the product specifications carefully and look for assurances that the product adheres to the 802.3af standard. Michael Day is CTO for Currid & Company. You can write to him at <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> RELATED EDITORIAL LINKS Power over Ethernet: One cable fits all Network World Technology Executive Newsletter, 07/19/04 http://www.nwfusion.com/nltechexec623 PowerDsine http://www.powerdsine.com/ PoE from Cisco http://www.nwfusion.com/nltechexec624 Axis network camera http://www.axis.com//products/cam_211/index.htm _______________________________________________________________ To contact: Currid & Company Currid & Company <http://www.currid.com/> researches information technology and how it can change the rules of business. Analysts focus on emerging technologies and methods by which organizations can obtain the best results from these innovations. Currid & Company offers consulting services to computer industry and corporate clients to help define and fulfill the potential of these exciting technologies. To learn more about emerging technologies that affect your business and your life, visit Your Digital Minute <http://www.yourdigitalminute.com/> , brought to you by Currid & Company. _______________________________________________________________ This newsletter is sponsored by Alterpoint Read the latest analyst report on Network Change and Configuration Management (NCCM) written by EMA's Dennis Drogseth. This report discusses the latest developments in the NCCM market, including an in-depth look at DeviceAuthority Suite, a comprehensive solution for configuring, changing, and controlling today's complex, multi-vendor IT network infrastructures. Download the report today to learn how you can leverage NCCM to reduce the cost and complexity of managing network change. http://www.fattail.com/redir/redirect.asp?CID=81333 _______________________________________________________________ ARCHIVE LINKS Archive of the Technology Executive newsletter: http://www.nwfusion.com/newsletters/techexec/index.html _______________________________________________________________ FEATURED READER RESOURCE ACCESS NW'S IN-DEPTH REPORT ON: BLADE SERVERS Available now is Network World's Technology Insider on: Blade Servers. Find out why early adopters of blade server technology say the benefits aren't science fiction, how blade servers differ by vendor, why blade servers are perfectly suited for today's data centers, review our extensive blade server buyer's guide and more. Click here: <http://www.nwfusion.com/nltechexec625> _______________________________________________________________ May We Send You a Free Print Subscription? 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