Having Problems Getting Power to Your Remote PoE Devices?

One challenge when deploying Wi-Fi access points, small cells, and other remote devices is finding a local source of power. Network engineers plan where they want to place these devices; however, the absence of a local electric outlet forces placement in alternative locations. Sometimes this means hiring an electrician to run 110/220 volt power and even installing a power meter.

Deploying HD cameras, optical network terminals (ONT), and other network access devices can be difficult, especially in outdoor environments. Most of these devices accept a Power over Ethernet (PoE) input for power and data; however, the PoE distance limitation of 100 meters can cause difficulties with network planning.

Power is also not always readily available in the precise locations where device placement is needed to improve 4G LTE and/or 802.11ac Wi-Fi coverage for wireless networks, such as on the sides of buildings or on lamp posts. In these situations, power needs to be run to the desired location before installing the devices. Another big question is who will pay for the power. Monitoring the devices requires wireless network operators to negotiate with local utility companies and building owners. All of this adds time and money to the installation of network access devices.

Since CommScope acquired the BNS business from TE Connectivity, we expanded our solutions portfolio so we can deliver more innovative solutions, solve more of our customers’ challenges, and serve more customers around the globe. Now we have more options for delivering power to devices in remote areas.

Our Powered Fiber Cable System gives operators a complete “rack to device” solution for powering and communicating with a variety of remote network devices. Deploying one hybrid power/fiber cable negates any additional electrical engineering – where the fiber goes, the power source follows. Planning time is greatly reduced by eliminating the need for DC electrical calculations to determine voltage/power drop over varying distances. Each of these benefits reduces the total cost of installation of network devices including Wi-Fi access points.

If you are attending next week’s 2016 BICSI Winter Conference & Exhibition, then make sure you sit in on Chris Raynor’s presentation “CAPEX and OPEX Savings in HD Camera Deployments Using a Powered Fiber Cable System” on Wednesday, February 3 at 3 p.m. EST. The solution will also be on display in Booth No. 1206.

In this video, Ryan Chappell, business development manager, explains how CommScope’s Powered Fiber Cable System can deliver PoE at up to 30 times the distance of CAT cable systems.

Have you had trouble providing power to your remote devices?