A Cost Effective Way to Add PoE to Your Network

Although Power over Ethernet (PoE) was once only a term used in IT departments of businesses, this technology is being implemented in more and more consumer electronics and is slowly becoming known in homes with a computer network as well. The concept is quite simple; running data and low voltage power across a single cable. While this may not immediately sound very interesting or important, PoE allows the installation of electronic, networked devices, without the need for an AC power source at the installation site. This is especially useful for products like network security cameras, VoIP telephones, and Wi-Fi amplifiers. There are two primary types of PoE power sourcing equipment (PSE). PoE endspans, which are Ethernet switches with built-in transmission circuitry, and PoE midspans, which are Power over Ethernet products that stand between a regular Ethernet switch and the device needing power. This review is for the PD-3001/AC single port PoE Injector, made by PowerDsine (now owned by Microsemi), which is a PoE midspan device.

I recently found the need to add PoE capabilities to my home network when I decided to install some new network security cameras around the house. I wanted ceiling mounted dome cameras, and most of the units I found were PoE cameras. I knew about PoE technology but had never had any direct involvement with it. I quickly decided that I did not wish to purchase an expensive PoE network switch for my home, so I needed to find a low cost alternative. That is when I found the PowerDsine 3001/AC PoE Injector. This device allows me to run a data cable from my Ethernet switch to the PoE injector, the PoE injector plugs into an AC wall outlet, and then another Ethernet cable comes out of the injector and runs to my PoE camera. This way I only have a single cable running to each of my cameras, rather than having to run separate power and data cables.

The important thing to know, when purchasing a PoE product, is to make sure that it complies with the IEEE 802.3af power distribution standard, from the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE). IEEE802.3af provides for 48 VDC over 2 of the 4 available pairs on Cat 3 and Cat 5 network cables, with a maximum current of 400 mA, for a maximum load power of 15.4W. You shouldn't have to worry much about the actual specifications as long as you make sure that both PoE devices on each end comply with the IEEE 802.3af standard. It is usually noted on the product itself or in the product specifications. And speaking of specifications, here are the technical specs. of the PowerDsine PD-3001/AC PoE Injector:

* No. of Ports = 1
* Data Rates = 10/100 Mbps
* Output Power Voltage = -48
* User Load Power = 15.4W
* AC Input Voltage = 90 to 264 Vac (auto switching)
* AC Input Current = 0.5A@110-220 Vac
* AC Frequency = 47 to 63 Hz
* Dimensions = 2.4" (W) x 1.2" (H) x 5.7" (L)
* Weight = 1.1 lbs.
* Indicators = AC Power (Green), Channel Power (Green)
* Connectors = Shielded RJ-45, EIA 568A and 568B
* Operating Ambient Temperature = 32 ° to 104 °F
* Operating Humidity = Maximum 90% non-condensing
* Compliance = IEEE 802.3af standard or legacy Cisco powered devices

It should also be noted that the PD-3001/AC model is a 10/100 network device, and does NOT offer Gigabit transfer speeds. If you are looking for a Gigabit network PoE injector, you should consider the PowerDsine PD-3001G/AC device. All of the specifications for the two devices are the same, other than the data rates supported.

The PowerDsine PD-3001/AC performs its function well, but I am a little concerned about its electronic durability a bit. I installed a couple of the PD-3001 injectors in my home back in May of 2008, and all was well until a strong thunderstorm blew in a couple of months ago. There was a fairly close lightning strike, which caused some brief Wi-Fi signal issues in my home, but everything else seemed to be working OK. However, within a couple of hours I found that my PowerDsine injectors were no longer working. The LED power lights were not even illuminated. I tried plugging them into different outlets but nothing helped. I'll admit that I just had them plugged into basic power strips (I know, I should have had them plugged into surge protectors), but everything else in my house was still functioning just fine. So I purchased a couple of replacement PD-3001 injectors and a couple of APC surge suppression power strips to plug them into, and I had my cameras back up and running in no time. However, about three weeks ago we had an unexpected power outage, which was not caused by a storm. Power was out in my entire neighborhood and it took about 3 hours before power was restored. When the power came back on I found that one of the two PD-3001 injectors was not working (again no LED power light). Again I tried it in different outlets but could not get it to respond. My local retailer was out of stock so I had to order a replacement online. It arrived a couple of days later, but when I plugged it in I found that the new unit did not work at all. I sent back the defective unit and was eventually able to acquire one locally. This new replacement has been working OK but I am now a bit nervous about how long these are going to last. They're not extremely expensive but they aren't cheap either. I don't have any technical data to backup my suspicions but I am thinking that these PoE injectors are very sensitive to any sort of power fluctuations.

Overall I am very happy with the performance of the PowerDsine PD-3001/AC PoE Injector. They provide the power and data pass-through that I need for my Panasonic PoE network security cameras. However, I now cringe every time a light flickers in my house, afraid that any slight power drop or spike is going to burn out one or both of my PoE injectors. I have now moved one of the PoE injectors to a UPS system, so it should still function on battery backup if the power goes out again. At least then I can unplug the unit myself and hopefully avoid any fluctuations that may burn out the injector. I have found very few reviews online for the PD-3001/AC, so I have no idea if others have run into this same sort of issue. On the other hand, maybe I just had a few defective units, or just suffered from really bad luck. Since the PowerDsine PD-3001/AC PoE Injector performs its function as expected, I can recommend the product as a cost effective way for anyone to add PoE capabilities to their home or small business network. However, I highly recommend that anyone using these injectors should plug them into a high quality surge protector, or into a UPS system that has Automatic Voltage Regulation (AVR).