When One Gig is Not Enough

High-Speed Network for Emerging Technologies

Until recently, most switches and midspans supported up to one-gigabit-per-second data rates; however, with emerging technologies including Wi-Fi® 6 and 5G, faster speeds are required on the network. Today, we are seeing speeds up to 10 gigabits per second required to support emerging technologies.

Emerging Technologies

Wi-Fi 6 is based upon the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE®) 802.3ax standard that was introduced in 2019. It can support data rates up to 10 gigabits per second. The technology not only supports higher data rates but it can also support increased numbers of users simultaneously. This is a major reason that Wi-Fi 6 is in high demand in many public deployments. To install wireless access points throughout the venue, our extensive portfolio of multigig midspans enables quick and easy access at reduced installation cost.

5G has similar characteristics using millimeter waves; however, due to the shorter range than microwaves, 5G requires many more access points. To enable the rapid deployment of 5G wireless access points especially in hard-to-reach locations, our comprehensive portfolio, including the multiport multigig solutions, simplifies the challenge with zero configuration and faster times to market.

Internet of Things (IoT) is driving an increasing number of and faster devices as more powerful and promising applications become a part of the ecosystem. Whether connected directly or through wireless access points, the need for faster speeds and more connections is crucial for the future. In customers’ homes, we are already seeing smart technology everywhere in video doorbells, locks, thermostats, security systems, wireless and control panels and all are being driven off PoE. Commercial applications include smarter buildings with higher energy efficiency and integrated operations being developed. Smart cities are following with integrated security and operations to provide better safety and services. And we are seeing entire industries such as automotive, farming, medical, robotics and environmental services expanding rapidly through IoT.

All of these technologies require more ports, more power and especially more speed.

Microchip PoE

We offer the most comprehensive portfolio of multigig midspans to provide power supporting all your needs today and into the future. The extensive portfolio offers midspans that can inject IEEE 802.3 af/at/bt standard power from 15W all the way up to 90W. Through our unique multi-Power over Ethernet (mPoE) technology, we also support all the pre-standard configurations.

Our PoE midspans offer speeds starting at one gigabit per second all the way up to 10 gigabits per second with additional models at 2.5 and 5 gigabits per second. This way, you pay only for speed required to support your application. Not only are these speeds available for indoor units, they are available for outdoor units too.

If you look at the landscape today, there are limited offerings of single port midspans; however, we are the only company that offers a multiport midspan with the most ports, most power and most speed. This includes a 6-, 12- and 24-port configuration that can provide up to 60W of power and 10 gigabits per second. We are the first and only company, as of today, to offer these more than six ports with speeds up to 10 gigabits per second.

Our portfolio is ready to support the demand for higher data rates required by emerging technologies. To learn more, visit our PoE systems web page.