Chainable PoE Node With Interchangeable Ports
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Solution Overview
Problem
Power over Ethernet (PoE) systems lack redundancy and efficient power allocation, leading to inefficiencies and potential failures when nodes are not designed with interchangeable ports and fail to reduce cable requirements, especially in large area deployments.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of Chainable Power over Ethernet Nodes (CPEN) with interchangeable ports that can function as both Powered Device (PD) and Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE), allowing for redundant power and communication paths, reducing cable needs, and supporting standard and non-standard PoE variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If PoE nodes are connected in series to reduce cable requirements, then cable length is reduced, but system reliability deteriorates due to lack of redundant paths
Solution Approach 1:
Each PoE node is designed with interchangeable ports that can function as either PD or PSE, allowing any node to serve multiple roles. This multi-functionality enables the system to adapt to different connection configurations and provides alternative power paths when nodes are connected in series, thereby maintaining reliability while reducing cable length.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically determines the operational mode of each port based on real-time conditions. Ports can switch between PD and PSE modes automatically, creating flexible power delivery paths that adapt to node failures or configuration changes, thus maintaining system reliability in series connections.
2Device complexity
If PoE nodes have fixed port roles (PD or PSE), then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates due to inability to function in different configurations
Solution Approach 1:
Each PoE node incorporates interchangeable ports that can operate as either PD or PSE, enabling the same hardware to adapt to different network configurations without requiring multiple specialized devices. This universality provides flexibility in series connections while maintaining manageable device complexity through standardized designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The operational parameters of each port (voltage, current, detection mode) are dynamically adjusted based on the detected role and connection type. This parameter adaptability allows the same physical port to function differently as PD or PSE, enhancing versatility without increasing physical device complexity.
3Productivity
If power is allocated based on classification, then power distribution efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to detection and classification processes
Solution Approach 1:
The detection and classification processes are performed automatically during the initial connection phase before power delivery begins. This preliminary action establishes the power allocation parameters in advance, allowing efficient power distribution without requiring complex real-time adjustments during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The classification mechanism uses feedback from the connected node's response to voltage and current stimuli to determine power requirements. This automated feedback loop enables efficient power allocation based on actual device needs without manual configuration, improving power distribution efficiency while keeping device complexity manageable through standardized protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
A chainable Power over Ethernet Node (CPEN) is provided according to the invention. The CPEN contains an electronic circuit and control method to pass power, communications, or both power and communications to subsequent chainable nodes or other devices. The invention allows one cable run to serve a plurality of chainable nodes thus greatly reducing the amount of cable required. The invention enables redundant connections in both power and communications to network nodes to prevent failure in case of cable or node fault. The chainable node has 2 or more ports, all of which are interchangeable. Any port can respond to PoE Powered Device (PD) classification and receive power. Any port can act as a Power Supplying Equipment (PSE) to enable power to subsequent nodes. The ports can support standards compliant PoE detection, classification, and operation, and can support non-standard variations.