Wi-Fi 6 and small cell devices can now be installed more easily and cost effectively, wherever they are needed
Organisations can only deploy Wi-Fi 6 access points (APs) and 5G small cell access nodes where AC power is available or if their switch can deliver both power and data to them as required.
To facilitate this, here’s presenting a multiport Power over Ethernet (PoE) power sourcing equipment (PSE) injector by Microchip Technology. The device, also known as midspan, enables any multigigabit switch to support these devices’ high powering needs and data rates with no network configuration or downtime necessary.
Multigigabit PoE-enabled switches with sufficient power for Wi-Fi 6 devices and small cell equipment are quite expensive and not widely adopted. The new multiport, multigigabit midspans are cost-effective and can be installed between them and any standard multigigabit switch for high-speed power delivery into the network.
Available in 6-, 12- and 24-port configurations, each midspan supports Wi-Fi 6 devices’ high IEEE 802.11ax data rates and delivers up to 60 watts (W) of output power per port in compliance with the IEEE’s 802.3bt PoE and 10GBASE-T specifications. The midspans can be securely monitored and controlled remotely using Microchip’s web-based PowerView Pro platform.
“Our new family of multiport, multigigabit PoE PSE Injectors offers the easiest and most cost-effective way to install Wi-Fi 6 devices and small cell equipment,” said Iris Shuker, director of Microchip’s PoE business unit. “Patented Microchip technology solves the challenge of powering these devices while also supporting their 10 gigabit-per-second data rates. This greatly simplifies the deployment of Wi-Fi 6 APs while enabling service providers, for the first time, to quickly and inexpensively install 5G picocells and femtocells wherever they are needed, which is rarely near an AC outlet.”
Microchip’s PD-9506-10GC, PD-9512-10GC and PD-9524-10GC midspans are available now. They can be obtained from a Microchip sales representative or an authorised worldwide distributor.
