PowerDsine, the Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) arm of specialist semiconductor manufacturer Microsemi, has launched new midspan systems which it claims can deliver power to a range of devices, including CCTV cameras, access control systems and wireless access points.

The new 7000 series of HiPoE Midspan switches delivers up to 30 watts of power, double that possible with previous 802.3af-based systems, said PowerDsine’s Northern European sales manager Graham Howton.

Examples of new generation devices requiring extra power over and above that supplied by current 802.3af systems, include tilt and zoom (PTZ) CCTV cameras, video cameras, RFID and access control systems, together with wireless kit such as 802.11n access points (APs) and WiMax customer premise equipment (CPE).

PowerDsine has released four models of its new midspan switches - one port, four, 16 and 24-port versions.

All can be used with its management software, PowerView Pro, enabling users to implement energy-saving policies, said Howton.

PowerView Pro allows managers to schedule which ports are turned on or off to synchronise with workers' comings and goings. “Our Midspans could integrate with IP-based access control systems to switch workers PoE-powered thin client desktop systems and IP phones on, when they ‘swiped’ their access cards to enter their workplace,” said Howton.

“The energy savings could be considerable, especially if there were lots of IP phones and thin clients to power on when workers arrive,” he added.

Midspan devices could be deployed by firms wanting to use PoE, but not replace switches with PoE ‘onboard’.

“All network managers would need to do would be to put the Midspan in the wiring closet and plug in standard category 5 cables from non-PoE switches. The Midspan just injects power and this feed can then be carried, again, with standard Cat 5 cabling to the device requiring power,” said Howton.

This gives users all the benefits of PoE, without having to wait for switch manufacturers to incorporate the technology in their devices, he added.

The new 7000 HiPoE Midspans are available now. The one-port device has a list price of £40, with the 24-port system costing around £790.