Teltonika’s TSW202 managed switch for PoE management
#switches, #poe, #managed, #tsw, #witchos
PoE Ethernet switches are the ideal choice for those looking to simplify the management of networking solutions and minimise the number of wires cluttering the setup. With managed PoE+ switches, such as the TSW202, you can not only distribute connectivity to other devices and remotely manage the switch, but also connect more power-hungry end devices than what 802.3af would allow.
PoE technology has undoubtedly transformed IoT and the way its networking solutions operate on a daily basis. Instead of dealing with numerous wires that resemble a den of snakes slithering around your setup, you now have half as many thanks to PoE.
This technology enables the simultaneous distribution of network connectivity and power to your end devices. Truly, it’s a game changer when the goal is improved convenience for providing Internet and power to end devices.
TWO TYPES OF POE
Before diving deep into the benefits of PoE and its management for your network infrastructure, it’s crucial to acknowledge the two types of PoE: passive and active.
In general, passive PoE Ethernet switches, which are designed to power end devices, distribute their total power capacity across each PoE-enabled port without a pre-handshake action.
This method is far from ideal when it comes to powering your end devices, as it can result in insufficient support for more power-intensive devices and potential damage to less power-intensive devices due to power overload.
Therefore, with passive PoE Ethernet switches, it’s crucial to check what power output the switch is distributing and what input your end device supports.
In contrast, active PoE is a far more advanced power supply technology. For example, Ethernet switches equipped with PoE+ (one of a few active PoE standards) can distribute up to 25.50 W per PoE-enabled port. Additionally, active PoE switches always perform handshakes before supplying power to the end device.
Now, what does this handshake mean? In the realm of IoT and PoE, a handshake refers to the actions performed by an active PoE Ethernet switch and the end device to determine whether the end device can be powered by the switch and, if so, what active PoE standard it supports.
Ethernet unmanaged switches are well-known for their plug-and-play approach to distributing network connections, with PoE models extending this capability by also powering all connected devices. However, managed switches equipped with active PoE technology take a different approach – completely changing network management and power distribution in networking solutions.
MANAGED POE+ SWITCHES ARE THE WAY TO GO
Naturally, the word “managed” leads us to assume that we’re dealing with capabilities beyond what an unmanaged switch would offer, and that’s true. So, when you combine a managed switch with PoE+ functionality, you’re in for a treat that gives IoT enthusiasts the ultimate satisfaction.
Managed PoE+ switches are highly beneficial, as they allow you to control your network infrastructure in a more granular manner, with the added advantage of being able to adjust your solution’s power distribution. All of this is thanks to the active PoE management feature.
THE TSW202 MANAGED POE+ SWITCH
The Teltonika TSW202 managed switch has many bells and whistles: It supports the PROFINET protocol for automated data processing, has additional L3 features, and operates on its proprietary operating system, WitchOS.
The TSW202’s physical attributes also make the device stand out: It’s an 8-port Gigabit Ethernet switch with two SFP ports that ensure reliable support for fibre optic communication. However, its most definite feature is active PoE management.
POWER CONTROL IN YOUR HANDS
With the TSW202, you can have granular network management while simultaneously powering up to eight end devices, such as IP or CCTV cameras, wireless access points, sensors, and more. In addition, you gain control over which device receives power and can monitor the power consumption of each end device powered via PoE.
The feature of managing power distribution over specific Ethernet ports enhances convenience by allowing users to selectively deactivate ports that are not in use or during non-operational hours. Individual port management can also help prevent unauthorised access from active network end devices, extend the lifespan of connected devices, or avoid the risk of overloading the switch.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY – ON
Additionally, you can turn the Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE) mode on and off. This mode reduces power consumption during periods of low network activity and is used when network devices need to conserve energy and reduce operating costs. EEE mode is a great feature for those looking to minimise their energy consumption and maximise savings on energy bills.
A bonus point is the TSW202’s per-device power consumption data visualisation. The TSW202 PoE+ Ethernet switch will always display the amount of power each connected end device consumes. Such data can help manage power resources more efficiently and see whether planning for power supply capacity upgrades or changes is necessary.
DEVICE SETUP PROFILES
The TSW202 PoE+ switch features a Profile Scheduling function, which enables you to create multiple configurations and apply them to different profile sets. This includes controlling the power supply distribution.
By configuring different profiles, you can specify when your managed PoE+ switch distributes and cuts off power to connected devices, thus automating power distribution according to your networking solution’s operating hours.
So, if you want your switches to perform power scheduling tasks, like turning off connected devices every weekday after 5 PM and turning them back on at 8 AM, you can easily achieve this using this feature!
SEEKING SIMPLE AND REMOTE CONTROL?
If you’re juggling multiple TSW202 managed switches across your networking solution or in remote locations and need a simple way to manage power allocation for all the endpoints, our Remote Management System (RMS) is just the tool you need!
RMS grants you remote access to all connected network devices, which can include tons of TSW202 PoE+ switches. This allows you to oversee their status and access each of their web UI, further enabling you to control PoE+ ports and determine which and when end devices receive power (or not)!
WHAT’S BEYOND THAT?
If you’re in need of more management possibilities – you’re in luck, as the true beauty of WitchOS lies in its high customisation capabilities.
The operating system of our managed switches empowers you to customise and enhance PoE management in many ways, allowing the TSW202 managed switch to perform significantly more advanced PoE management tasks.
Say what? You read that right! While not on WitchOS, additional functionalities for the TSW202 PoE+ switch and its PoE management feature can be programmed or configured thanks to our operating system’s support of the software development kit (SDK).
You can create your own custom firmware or specific features that you’d like the TSW202 switch to perform and realise all that by implementing your additions to the device via SDK.
Now, if you haven't yet had a chance to try the TSW202 PoE+ switch, contact us by clicking the button below and test the switch for yourself to see how it elevates the network (and PoE!) management experience to another level!
