February 18, 2004

Cisco powers up Ethernet ports with global standard

My spin: Info World is reporting that Cisco Systems Inc. is embracing a global standard for powering network-connected devices over Ethernet, allowing its customers to take advantage of a potential flood of third-party products such as sensors and wireless access points that don't require a conventional wall socket.

Power over Ethernet technology is designed to ease the deployment of some devices connected to a LAN by eliminating the need to plug them into a conventional power socket. The 802.3af standard offers more power than Cisco's earlier technology, potentially extending the range of devices that can be powered over the network to include IP security cameras, motion detectors and card readers. It also opens the door to more advanced color IP (Internet Protocol) phones and multiband wireless LAN access points, Shalita said.

With power over Ethernet, networks will be much easier to install.

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