Wi-Fi 6 access points (APs) and 5G small cell access nodes can now be installed easily and cost-effectively, using the first multiport Power over Ethernet (PoE) power sourcing equipment (PSE) injector created by Microchip Technology.
The technology known as Midspan, enables any multigigabit switch to support these devices’ high powering needs and data rates, with no network configuration or downtime required, the provider of embedded control applications said.
“Our 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 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,” she added.
Multigigabit PoE-enabled switches with sufficient power for Wi-Fi 6 devices and small cells are not widely adopted as they are usually very expensive, the company explained.
“A more cost-effective way to inject power into the network for these high-speed devices is to install one of Microchip’s new multiport, multigigabit midspans between them and any standard multigigabit switch,” Microchip said.
Microship’s PoE injector offering consists of 6, 12 and 24-port configurations, with each midspan supporting “Wi-Fi 6 devices’ high IEEE 802.11ax data rates and deliver 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 are now available as part of Microchip’s PoE portfolio and can be monitored and controlled remotely using Microchip’s web based PowerView Pro platform.
