Will Cat6 Patch Panel Work with Cat6a Cable?

As information technology develops, we have to upgrade our network products such as the cables, patch panels, etc. Besides, to reduce our data center’s cost, we are tempted to use the old and new ones to make a mixed connection. For instance, run Cat6a cables on Cat6 patch panel. However, does it work? Is it a reliable connection? Here we’ll discuss it in this article.

Comparison of Cat6 and Cat6a Cabling

Cat6a and Cat6 are both designed for Gigabit Ethernet. They can handle 10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, 1000BASE-TX, and 10GBASE-T rate. Cat6 and Cat6a sound almost the same, but a single lowercase “a” sets the two terms apart. The word “a” stands for augmented, which makes them behave differently in performance, size and so on.

Cat6 usually has 23 AWG wire conductors, and can support transmission speed of up to 10Gbps at 250MHz. But the theoretical top distance with 10Gbps speed is only 33-35 meters. While Cat6a also has 23 AWG wire conductors, but doubles the capability by delivering data at 500MHz. Moreover, it supports 10Gbps standard over the full 100 meter distance. Note that Cat6a is usually thicker than Cat6 cables, because Cat6a uses extra thick plastic. Therefore, Cat6a takes more space in a patch panel than Cat6.

Can I Use Cat6a Cables on Cat6 Patch Panel?

Ethernet patch panel is the easiest method currently for your networking needs by providing a reliable and neat Cat6 and Cat6a cabling. Usually, we use Cat6 patch panel to connect Cat6 cables, and Cat6a patch panel is for Cat6a cables. However, there isn’t much practical difference between Cat6 and Cat6a patch panel. Then how about installing Cat6a on cat6 patch panel, will it work? There are several things to consider before answering it.

Example of Cat6 Cabling

Do the Connectors Match?

Cat6a is the updated version of Cat6, they share the same RJ45 connectors. Therefore, it’s no doubt that Cat6a cables can be plugged into the Cat6 patch panel.

Is It Safety?

Cat6a cable’s size is bigger, so the corresponding minimum bend radius is larger, which will change installation requirements for routing and handling as well as design of pathways and spaces. For example, when we install Cat6a on a 48 port Cat6 patch panel, the larger wire may end up bending. So it’s not entirely safe to wire Cat6a on the 48 port patch panel, you have to manage it with much more patience and caution.

It Might Work

Commonly, conductors determine whether the connection works or not. Thus, in this respect, Cat6 patch panel will work with Cat6a cables, since they have the same RJ45 conductors. But from the above we know it’s not safe enough to do so.

Conclusion

To sum up, Cat6a cables are able to run on Cat6 patch panel. However, there are some disadvantages exist in this job. So I’d like to suggest that if you just want to make an experiment at home, it’s surely OK. But if you want to use Cat6 patch panel with Cat6a in your data center, that’s not inappropriate. Because the cables may be out of work, which will cause damages to your business. If you would like to know more about designing or choosing the right cabling infrastructure, please contact us via sales@fs.com.

Related Article: Does Cat6 on Cat5e Patch Panel or Cat5e on Cat6 Patch Panel Work?

What Is SNMP and How SNMP Works

IT System administrators are responsible for collecting work details of the servers and infrastructures, so as to provide a reference for subsequent network adjustment and improvement. But it’s a difficult task in large systems with hundreds or thousands of devices. SNMP protocol is born to solve this problem that lets the technicians monitor the network devices such as data switch, routers and other devices from a single management host. So what is SNMP, and how SNMP works?

What Is SNMP?

SNMP, also written as Simple Network Management Protocol, is an Internet standard protocol implemented on the application layer. The protocol was created in 1898 as a way of monitoring network performance, error rates and so on. The main purpose of SNMP is to define a unified interface and protocol for devices of different categories, versions and manufactures. Thus, assisted by SNMP, system administrators can remotely monitor and manage the numbers of systems and devices on a network, which can greatly simplify their work and improve efficiency of network administration.

How SNMP Works?

Knowing what is SNMP, here we focus on how SNMP works. In SNMP tutorial, to monitor network effectively, SNMP relies on an architecture consisting of the three parts.

SNMP managers: They can be any type of network machine including but not limited to PoE network switch, access servers, etc that has run SNMP to collect and process information of the devices on the network.

SNMP agents: They are the network-management software modules that run on the network node. They are responsible for gathering local system’s information and translating it to an SNMP-specific form.

Network management station: It’s the base that is shared between agents and managers. And it offers the memory and processing resources to the network.

SNMP works by sending message which is called protocol data units (PDUs) between SNMP managers and agents. Using SNMP queries, the manager can identify and locate the devices by receiving the responses sent by the agent. Then the monitoring tool will record and analyze the information of device performance. Thus, the administrators can manage the devices through SNMP control commands. The following picture shows how SNMP works.

Figure 1: Picture of How SNMP Works

Using SNMP to Monitor Network Device

To help IP administrators solve monitoring issue, FS.COM has released a series of switches including 10gbe switch, 40gbe and even 100gbe switch that are equipped with SNMP function.

The S5800-48F4S is a low latency L2/L3 switch with 48 1GbE SFP ports and 4 10GbE SFP+ ports. It supports MLAG, MPLS, SNMP etc, which is perfect for traditional and fully virtualized data center. As for the SNMP configuration, first you should enter the switch administrative interface. Then find the SNMP tab, and select Enable. And follow the commands to create your SNMP account. Thus, you already are enabled to use SNMP to monitor your network.

Figure 2: S5800-48F4S Switch with SNMP Function

Conclusion

What is SNMP and how SNMP works, now I have explained to you. It is an efficient tool to simplify network monitoring works. So using network switch with SNMP function is a convenient way to collect devices’ data and help IT professionals manage the devices efficiently.

Related Article: SFlow vs NetFlow vs SNMP: What Are the Differences?

Introduction of Patch Panel Types

Patch panel, an unsung hero, is the most important cable management tool of the data center. When you want to connect a vast number of devices to a central server or other network hardware, there must be plenty of various cables, and you have to plan each thing out properly. It’s always smart to use a patch panel to help you manage the cables and keep your server room organized. However, patch panels are available in different ports and applied in various cables, like 24 port or 48 port patch panel, Cat5e or Cat6 patch panel. There are so many patch panel types on the market that make you confused. Usually, patch panels can be used in two systems, fiber and copper cabling systems. Therefore, patch panel types will fall into two main categories, fiber optic patch panel and Ethernet patch panel.

Fiber Optic Patch Panel

Fiber optic patch panel is applied in distributing the single mode and multimode fibers to realize the connection, allocation and scheduling between the weak trunk and level system. Often times, two ports stand together on a panel are prepared to connect a pair of wires. One port acts as the transmitting end while the other is the receiving end. Due to different port designs like SC, LC, FS.COM launched LC patch panel and SC patch panel with 24 ports and 48 ports, and blank patch panel.

LC Fiber Patch Panel

Constructed of light weight, high strength steel with black coating, a 24 port patch panel is robust and designed to be installer-friendly. The design includes integrated cable management features to connect 48 single mode or multimode fibers, and provide proper strain relief for those fibers. Often times, the panel used to connect single mode fibers adopts the blue design, while multimode type takes aqua. The following figure is an example of single mode LC patch panel.

 

Figure 1: 24 Port LC Fiber Patch Panel

SC Fiber Patch Panel

This 24 port SC patch panel is made almost the same size with the LC fiber patch panel but in different port. Designed for OS2 fibers, it uses the blue design.

Figure 2: 24 Port SC Fiber Patch Panel

Blank Patch Panel

The 1U blank panel fits all 19 inch standard server rack and cabinets. The panel uses metal material which helps ensure superior thermal insulation performance. It’s an ideal tool for improving airflow within the rack by covering the unused spaces.

Figure 3: 1U 19″ Rack Blank Panel

Ethernet Patch Panel

Functioned like the fiber optic patch panel, Ethernet patch panel is used to connect specific cables like Cat5e, Cat6 cables, creating a standard-based and flexible copper platform. Designed for shielded and unshielded cables, FS.COM published shielded/unshielded Cat5e patch panel and Cat6 patch panel.

Cat5e Patch Panel

This 24 port shielded Cat5e patch panel enables quick and easy cable patching by plugging Cat5e cables into any of its RJ45 ports. Made from SPCC and ABS plastics material, it can stand up to the conditions where the temperature varies from -25°C to 70°C. Clearly numbering on the front allows for easy identification of cable runs. With the connections of 24 Cat5e cables, this 1U rack mount patch panel will maximize your network performance.

Figure 4: 24 Port Cat5e Patch Panel

Cat6 Patch Panel

This 1U rack mount unshielded Cat6 patch panel is designed with the same process of 24 port Cat5e patch panel. This 24 port patch panel for Cat6 cable is rated up to 1Gbps and meet T568A/T568B standard, which will keep up with the greatest of changes in your network.

Figure 5: 24 Port Cat6 Patch Panel

Conclusion

When you decide to buy one, figure out what cables you need to connect first, then choose the suitable patch panel. FS.COM offers a comprehensive line of patch panel types to support your data center patching needs in current 10G and next generation 40G or 100G applications.

Patch Panel Installation Guide

It’s well known that network technology is changing, but the critical aspect can’t be changed or replaced—patch panel cable management. If the key component is missing, the data transmission will be interrupted and fail to arrive at the destination. Patch panels, as the nerve center of a network system, can ensure the signal to work in ordered and friendly way. But how to install patch panel? And what’s the patch panel installation guide? This article will give you several suggestions.

Types of Patch Panel  

Patch panels are available in copper and fiber cables. And designed with different port types and uses, patch panels from FS.COM are divided into 24 LC fiber port patch panel, 24 port SC fiber patch panel, 48 port LC fiber patch panel and so on, and copper patch panel can fall into 24 port cat6 shielded/unshielded patch panel, 24 port cat5e shield/unshielded patch panel and 24 port blank keystone patch panel. Here, we will take the 48 port LC fiber patch panel as the example to explain the patch panel installation.

48 Port LC Fiber Patch Panel

With the size of 19”×1.73”, this fiber optic patch panel is suitable for installing on the 19 inch server rack. It has duplex LC adapters that allow a two-way data transmission between the connecting devices. The 48 port LC fiber patch panel uses C.R.S powder coating, which is fully in line with national environmental standards, can be placed indoors. High density port design makes it connect 96 OM3 or OM4 fibers at most, which is much more than the 24 port patch panel.

Patch Panel Installation Guide

Only follow the right steps can achieve a reliable network. There are two aspects of patch panel installation guide for your reference.

• Planning. A successful work starts with a good planning. You should figure out the issues, the network speed, distribution location, and cables length. Make sure you know the specification and design of the patch panel installation.

• Preparation. Preparation work can reduce disconnect time. Prepare the main tools, 1U rack mount fiber enclosure, 48 port LC fiber patch panel and screws. Check the cable length for ensuring the cables that could be long enough to pull. And label the ports to identify different cables, in order to guarantee the technicians to have clear information on what they need to do.

Installation of 48 Port LC Patch Panel in a Server Rack

First, we should install the 48 port LC patch panel in the 1U rack mount fiber optic enclosure. Remove the front panel of 1U rack mount fiber enclosure, then install 48 port LC patch panel and fasten the screw.

Second, fix the equipment in the server rack. And leave some space between the patch panel and other devices, for cables management and future change.

Third, try to connect OM3 or OM4 cables to the patch panel in one pull, which helps to protect the bend radius. Comb and bundle the cables, and put them into the patch panel trunking, then cover it with top panels.

Last, don’t forget to clean the work area when you finish the patch panel installation, because the optical fibers are sensitive to dust and dirt. Therefore, try to keep clean when working with fiber optic cables to make them achieve their full performance.

FS.COM offers a vast selection of patch panel installation products and accessories that meet the international standards for supporting your network needs. For more details, please contact us via sales@fs.com.

 

Structured Cabling Solution for Fiber and Copper Cables

Most people know that data amount has grown exponentially due to the increase in mobile computing, the rise of social networks and the spread of information technology into almost all areas of private and work life. And for network operators, they require a structured cabling solution for fiber and copper as well as an efficient analysis and implementation of ongoing capacity expansion. However, someone may be still confused about why a structured cabling solution is essential?

Why We Need a Structured Cabling Solution?

There are four reasons to use a structured cabling solution, bend radius protection, cable routing paths, cable access, physical protection, because these four aspects can directly make influences on network’s performance.

• Bend radius protection. When fiber bends exceed the specified minimum bend diameter can fracture, resulting in service failure and increasing network operating costs. Thus protecting the bend radius can enhance cables’ long term reliability and reduce signal attenuation.

• Cabling routing paths. A right path is beneficial for decreasing the probability of bend loss and long term cable failures. So it’s important to make access to individual cables simple and safe.

• Cable access. A good structured cabling should allow each cable to be plugged in or removed simply without damage. Besides, this will help to maintain bend radius protection.

• Physical protection. All cables should be protected from accidental or physical damage, otherwise, the whole network may break down.

  

FS.COM Equipment for a Structured Cabling Solution

FS.COM offers both horizontal cable management and vertical cable management so your network will not behave like a spaghetti bomb exploded near your servers. Here is some equipment you may use for building structured cabling.

• 45U adjustable open frame rack. It’s typically used for server room and data center rack applications and designed to house 19inch standard mounting device.

• Cable manager. Vertical cable manager and horizontal cable manager are available. We choose 45U dual sided vertical cable manager that can be used for both front and back cabling. And 1U metal horizontal cable manager with brush strip, it increases overall air flow within cabinet while helping to prevent equipment from overheating. The steel construction and black powder coat finish fights provides durability, resists corrosion. Besides, there are 1U metal horizontal cable manager with 5 D-rings and 1U plastic horizontal cable manager with finger duct, which can provide a large supported area to organize and route cables.

• Equipment for connecting fiber optic cables such as 1U FHD fiber enclosure, FHU MTP-LC breakout patch panel, FHX ultra high density fiber enclosure. There are different types of fiber optic patch panel with different connectors, port numbers on FS.COM. In addition, standard or customized fiber adapters panels can also be found on FS.COM. You can choose based on your need.

• Copper cabling equipment includes 1U shielded or unshielded patch panel, and 24 port blank keystone patch panel. These are used for connecting copper cables.

Installation of a Structured Cabling Solution

Here is a video gives a quick look at data center structured cabling solution of fiber or copper system.

First, place the 45U adjustable open frame rack in the spacious room. Then insert the 45U dual sided vertical cable manager to handle the cables vertically.

Second, deal with the fiber optic cables. Install the fiber optic equipment on the rack. Choose the suitable fiber patch panel to connect the matched fiber optic cables. For example, LC fibers should be linked to the LC adapter panel, otherwise, the network can not work.

Third, install the 1U copper patch panel on the rack. Then plug in CAT5e and CAT6 cables in turn. Make the copper cables go through the fingers of horizontal or vertical cable managers. This step aims at protecting cables and perfecting the structured cabling.

A good structured cabling solution helps increase network system performance and improve maintenance and serviceability of cables. With the right tools, you don’t need to worry about how to sort in the maze of sloppy cabling, you can build a network that is flexible enough to reconfigure and upgrade. Hope FS.COM will be your first choice to buy fiber equipment.

 

25G Switch Comparison: How to Choose the Suitable One?

Driven by the undeniable growth in demand for bandwidth of private and public cloud data centers, 25G Ethernet over a single lane has become the new trend for sever-to-switch interconnections. And the increasing requirements of higher speeds in data centers have enhanced the adoption of 25G switch, which is the new buzz in recent years. In this post, a simple analysis of 25G switch market and comparison of commonly used 25G switches will be explored.

25G Switch Market Analysis

As we know, before 25G technology advent, the existing options are one lane for 10G, four lanes for 40G, or four lanes at 25Gbps for 100G. The 25G technology meets the specification for existing module form factors like SFP28 and QSFP28, and allows for a breakout connection between 25G and 100G without changing the port on the front of many 100G switches. Besides, driven by the high speed and bandwidth, various switch manufacturers have announced their new 25G switches in recent three years, just to occupy more market shares.

• Cisco delivered their Nexus 9300-FX platform switches for 10G/25G/100G switching;
• Mellanox launched 25G Ethernet switch SN2410 series for 25G/50G/100G Ethernet networks;
• Dell put forward EMC networking S-series 25/40/50/100GbE to help data centers migration;
• Broadcom announced its BCM56960 Series 25G switch for cloud-scale networking;
• FS.COM introduced N-Series spine/leaf 25G/100G switch for cost-effective data center solutions.

At the same time, 25G optical transceivers, DACs, and AOCs also spring up like mushrooms. According to a study by Dell’oro, Ethernet switch revenue will continue to grow through the end of the decade, with the biggest sales forecast for 25G and 100G ports.

Notes: the source of the research: Crehan research.Inc

From the research we can see, at least in the next three years, 25G/50G/100G bandwidth will continue to grow and occupy half of the total network bandwidth, which in turn enhances the development of 25G switch market. Though challenges still exist for 25G Ethernet, it’s not denied that the trend for ToR 25G switches cannot be blocked.

Comparison Between Commonly Used 25G Switches in the Market

As have mentioned above, 25G switch market is booming due to the growing speed and bandwidth as well as switch vendors promotion. Then how to achieve the optimized network performance with existing 25G Ethernet switches, and control the total investment at the same time? Firstly, let’s have a look at the 25G switches in the market.

All the 25G SFP28 switches listed in the table have the same port configuration: 48 SFP28 ports and 6 QSFP28 uplink ports. And there are ToR/Leaf switches. Usually 25G switch is often used for switch-to-server applications, as for how to realize this, please read the article: How to Use 25G Switch for Switch-to-Server Connection.

For choosing ToR 25G switch, if you have no limited cost budget, Cisco 25G switch maybe a not bad choice, because except for the expensive price, it has high-level performance and configuration as well as its good reputation. All these make Cisco switches are perfect for data centers. Of course, other 25G switch vendors like Dell, Brocade and Mellanox also provide good options for migration from 10G, 25G to 50G and 100G networks.

However, for those who have a tight budget or do not pursue brand, a more wise choices is to select 25G switch like FS.COM N8500-48B6C. This switch supports ONIE installer for 3rd party network operating systems and compatibility with SDN (Software Defined Networks) via OpenFlow 1.3.11. And it also supports the advanced hardware based VXLAN feature to support over 16M virtual networks, making it a suitable option for cost-effective data center solutions.

Summary

25G switch offers a more convenient way to migrate to 100G network. Because it reduces the numbers of cables and switches needed in network designs, which in turn decrease the CAPEX and OPEX. Facing with the fast evolving 25G switch market, are you ready for it?

 

Stack Switch: Optimize Your Network Performance to the Maximum

Stacking switch is a common technology used in network design, especially when large numbers of ports are required in data centers or large size networks. Stack switch not only provides high performance, but also maximizes network scalability and simplify network management. That’s why stackable switches are popular among network builders. Then what is stack switch? What’s the common way for switch stacking in the market?

What Is Stack Switch?

Stack switch, also called stackable switch by vendors, allows several switches to stack via specific stackwise port or uplink port. Traditionally the switches stacked together usually is limited to the same series of network switches. Mixed switch stacking is allowed for today’s switches. The number of stacked switches is often determined by switch brand. For example, Cisco 3850 stack switch can have a maximum of eight switches to be stacked, while Dell N4000 series stack switches are up to twelve. When switches are stacked, all members in this stack share the same IP address and can be managed as “one unit” through the CLI (command line interface) or embedded Web interface, which offers great convenience for network administrators without lowering its performance.

Usually stack switches come with fixed configuration like 12, 24, or 48 gigabit Ethernet ports. Compared with modular switches that allow line cards or service modules in and out as needed, stack switches are more cost-effective in enterprise campus networks which offer endpoint connectivity and uplink capabilities for users at a price per port. Therefore, for those who has limited switch port or enterprise networks that lack of physical expandability, stack switch is an excellent choice for network expansion.

How to Achieve Network Switch Stack?

From the first generation of of Cisco 3750 series stack switches, the stackable switch market has become more mature, so does the switch stacking technology. Like Cisco, other network switch vendors like Dell, Brocade and FS.COM also add their own unique features and functionality to their stack switches, which enhance the virtuous circle of switch stacking technology development.

The typical method for switch stacking is to use stacking cable via stackwise port. Take Cisco 3750 series stack switches for example. Stackwise port lies on the rear-panel. Only approved cables can be used to connect the 3750 stack switches with other similar switches. If not, devices easily get damage. In addition, Cisco offers different connection types for this stack: full bandwidth connection and half bandwidth connection, which provide great flexibility for different application requirements.

Another way to achieve switch stack is to use the uplink ports. As has mentioned, many switch vendors upgrade the switch stacking technology to improve their competitiveness. Today’s stack switches can be stacked using several types of Ethernet ports such as 10GBASE-T copper port, 10G SFP+ fiber port and 40G QSFP+ port. Here take FS S3800-24F4S stackable managed switch as an example. As shown in the following picture, in the stack, one fiber cable from a 10G SFP+ port on a stack switch is connected to a SFP+ stacking port on the next switch. This process is repeated until all of the devices are connected. And the first stack switch is also connected with the last one to complete the stacking topology.

Conclusion

Stack switch, no matter uses stack cable or SFP+ stacking/uplink port, provides high bandwidth port density and easy management for network design. But compared with the way of using stack cable, stacking/uplink port is more cost-effective. Besides, using fiber uplink port to stack switch can realize long distance stacking in different areas, which are more popular in today’s network infrastructures.

Sources: http://www.fiber-optic-transceiver-module.com/stack-switch-optimize-your-network-performance.html

Recommendations for Gigabit Switch with 10G Uplink Port

Gigabit network switches connect Ethernet devices in a network while providing great performance capabilities. In many network structures, gigabit Ethernet switches are often used as access switches that connect devices in a local area network. As the pace of network migration is getting fast, the need for gigabit switch with 10G uplink is growing too. And numbers of network administrators desire to apply 1G switch with 10G uplink in their systems.

Understanding Gigabit Switch with 10G Uplink Port and Its Market

Gigabit switches with multiple port configurations enable the network capacity to expand in consumer or corporate environments. For example, an 8-port gigabit switch can provide fast transmission speed for office users, and an 24-port gigabit switch works effectively for small and mid-sized business networks (SMBs). While 802.11ac has changed the way business support the quantity of devices connecting to each other. For network switches in last three years, 10G uplink added significantly to the cost for the switches with less than 48 ports, which isn’t what the customer want.

Over the years, gigabit switches in the market usually come with gigabit SFP port. When users want to find one 1G switch with 10G uplink port to speed their networks, they find most gigabit switches with 10G uplink port only exist in 48-port gigabit Ethernet switches. However, not every user needs a 48-port gigabit switch for their applications. But they have to pay for the extra ports which they do not use. Considering this, a multitude of vendors like Dell, FS.COM, MikroTik, Netgear and D-link begin to supply gigabit switch with 10G uplink in the market. Now except for the early 48-port gigabit switch, 8-port, 16-port and 24-port gigabit switches with 10G uplink are available in the gigabit switch market for different size applications.

Recommendations for Popular Gigabit Switches with 10G Uplink Port

48-port gigabit switches are the early type of network switches that provide 10G uplink port. And numbers of users are familiar with this switch. Now there is a multitude of 8-port and 24-port gigabit switches with 10G uplink port appear in the switch market, which satisfy users’ demand as well as boom the market. Here are popular 24-port gigabit switches coming with 10G SFP+ uplink port.

From the chart we can see, all the gigabit switches listed above provide 24 port 10/100/1000 Ethernet RJ45 ports. Apart from the MikroTik CRS226-24G-2S+RM 24-port gigabit switch that only has 2 SFP+ ports, the leaf gigabit switches come with 4 10G SFP+ ports for uplink to fully exploit the power of 10G servers and storage supporting high bandwidth applications like data backup and replication, and high-volume transaction processing. And they support extensive Layer 2+ or 3 features, enabling them have the same performance as 48-port gigabit switches.

In addition, with the 10G uplink port, most 1G switches can realize stacking or uplink, which make the entire network more efficient. Lots of users have complained that 10G links are expensive, thus getting cheaper, but still not cheap. However, from the chart, the price of four 24-port gigabit switches with 10G uplink port above is less than $400, which is really cost-effective for today’s Ethernet networks.

Summary

Gigabit switches with 10G uplink port can provide high speed data pipes to servers and storage devices. By taking advantage of the SFP+ fiber optic connectivity, those 8-port or 24-port 1G Ethernet switches offer an ideal solution for remote and branch offices.

Sources:http://www.fiber-optic-tutorial.com/gigabit-switch-10g-uplink-recommendation.html

 

What to Consider When Buying PoE Switch for IP Cameras?

As the growing of business and the increasing awareness of security, IP cameras are widely deployed in areas like schools, public areas and even at home. All these arouse the increasing demand for PoE (power over Ethernet) switches which enabling big benefits for IP surveillance system. However, many users may ask a question: how to choose a PoE switch for my IP cameras? 8-port PoE switch or 24-port gigabit PoE switch? Cisco PoE switch or Netgear PoE switch? This post intends to explore the necessary considerations for buying PoE switch.

Understanding How PoE Switch Works for IP Cameras

As we know, power consumption of different IP cameras is different. The power consumption of PTZ (pan-tilt zoom) cameras is up to 20W, while other IP cameras like indoor/outdoor dome IP cameras may just consume as little as 3 or 4W. In addition, PoE switches transmit both data and power for PoE-enabled devices via a single network/Ethernet cables such as Cat5e, Cat6 and Cat6a. Usually, PoE switch comes with multiple ports to support more than two IP cameras. Take a 8-port PoE switch as an example, it can connect IP cameras, NVR, router, etc. Just like the below picture shows.

Essential Considerations When Buying a PoE Switch

There are various questions about buying a gigabit PoE switch in forums and communities. For example, one user ask in forum: “I have 5 IP cameras in a warehouse, two NVRs in the office, considering the distances, which switch should I choose, is 8-port PoE managed switch enough?” Then if you have the same question, what should you do? Here are some necessary factors to consider.

1.Port Count of PoE Switch

This is a basic factor that should be considered when buy a PoE switch. And it is easy to decide how many ports you need. According to the number of PoE-enabled devices, choosing the switch that has larger PoE ports than your device number, which is for your future-proofing upgrade.

2.PoE Switch Power Budget and IP Camera Power Consumption

The power budget of PoE switch matters a lot. Network designers need to know the power consumption for each switch port. It helps users to know how many IP cameras can be deployed. And this is easy to get. Take FS 8-port gigabit PoE managed switch for example, the power consumption per port is 30W (IEEE 802.3at ). Keep in mind that not all PoE port can reach the max. power consumption at the same time. As has mentioned above, the power consumption of IP camera varies from types to types. Therefore, to ensure the normal work of IP cameras, the power budget of PoE switches is important.

 

3.Unmanaged or Managed PoE Switch

It’s known to all that PoE switches come with managed switch and unmanaged switch. People who have experience in network design will know clearly the benefits of managed PoE switches. They enable network administrators to check the quality of the network copper cables linked to each switch port. And administrators also can use advanced management functions to have a good command of the whole network.

4.What’s the Distance of PoE? How to Select Ethernet Cable for PoE Switch?

Usually the transmission of PoE switch is 100m, and the commonly used cable is Cat5 Ethernet cable. According to the IEEE802.3af PoE standard, the required PoE output power is 15.4W. And the PD can receive 12.95W power after 100m transmission. FS PoE switches are compliant with 802.3af/at, which is definitely meet this demand. In addition, standard Cat5 cable is enough for the PoE connections. Make sure the Ethernet cable you buy is a standard network cable.

Summary

Choosing a suitable PoE switch is not an easy work, this post explores several considerations when buying a PoE switch for home or small business networks. If you still have questions about buying a PoE switch, you can do the same work like the user who confused about whether to buy a 8-port gigabit PoE switch or not. asking for help in forums or community, or just consult your sale rap.

Review: Popular 24-Port PoE Switch for Different Size Networks

Purpose built for converged networks where video, voice and data are carried over a single network platform, PoE switches with 8 port, 24 port and 48 port represents an ideal solutions for different size networks like home or SMBs (small and mid-size business networks). 24-port gigabit PoE switch is a relatively commonly used network switch, which in turn cause hot discussions in forums and communities. Then what to consider when choosing a 24-port PoE switch? What’s the popular 24-port gigabit PoE switch to select? This post will give an answer.

Considerations to Choose a 24-port PoE Switch

As we know, the basic types of a network switch are managed switch, smart managed switch and unmanaged switch. Usually, managed and smart managed switches are an optimal choice for SMB applications because of its better control of networks.

Power budget—PoE switches are designed to power devices like IP cameras, VoIP phone, AP, etc. The power the 24-port PoE switch provides should meet the requirements. After all, not all the 24 port on gigabit PoE switches can offer power.

Cost—this factor is that many users care about. Buying a satisfying PoE switch with low cost is a pleasant experience. Here I’d like to say, with the same configuration, not all managed switches are expensive than smart managed switches. Therefore, before buying a 24-port PoE managed switch, try to get more suggestions in related forums or communities like Reddit.

Warranty—do not ignore this factor when choosing a gigabit PoE switch. There are many switch vendors supplying 24-port gigabit PoE switches, but not all manufacturers offer the same warranty. And many buyers are complaint with warranty after buying a network switch.

Review: Popular 24-port PoE Switch

Since there are various ethernet switch vendors in market who provide 24-port PoE switches. Here I will list the most often discussed PoE switches with 24 ports.

Cisco SGE2000P 24-Port Gigabit PoE Switch—$390 on Amazon

Cisco SGE2000P 24-port gigabit PoE switch is one of a popular PoE switches in market. It offers 24 high-speed 10/100/1000 Ethernet ports and 4 SFP ports for the network core or to support bandwidth-intensive applications. This switch is a managed switch that can provide ACL (access control lists), DoS (denial-of-service), VLAN and IEEE 802.1X port authentication. It’s not deny that Cisco 24-port gigabit PoE switch has its own charm for users around the world.

D-link DGS-1100-24P 24-Port Smart Managed PoE Switch—$246 on Amazon

If you are tired of the advanced functions of managed PoE switch, this smart managed switch may give a good choice. This 24-port PoE switch is easy to deploy and use. And it offers PoE power budget of 100W which is enough for home use.

FS S1400-24T4F 24-Port Gigabit PoE Switch—$399 on FS.COM

This 24-port gigabit PoE switch comes with 24x 10/100/1000Base-T RJ45 Ethernet ports, 1x console port, 2x combo port, and 2x gigabit SFP slots. Its maximum PoE power is 400W, which is higher than the PoE switch mentioned above. Maybe that’s why its price is a little higher than others. Besides, best fits for SMB or entry-level enterprise solution which demands industrial, surveillance, IP Phone, IP Camera or wireless applications.

Netgear GS728TP-100NAS 24-Port Smart Managed PoE Switch—$359 on Amazon

Similar to the switch mentioned above, this PoE switch also provides 24 gigabit ports and 4 SFP ports. It’s total PoE budget is 192W, higher than D-Link 24-port PoE switch. According to the product page of Netgear, this switch belongs to a new generation of Gigabit PoE/PoE+ Smart Managed Switches which offer powerful L2 and L2+ features, better PoE functions, aiming to provide users a comprehensive network solution.

Summary

This post just gives a simple review for popular 24-port PoE switches, and some factors that need to be considered when buying 24-port gigabit PoE switches. No matter what type of PoE switch you are choosing, make sure its capabilities can meet your basic requirements.