PoE Combiner for Advanced Access Point Power

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Solution Overview

Problem

Advanced access points require more power than standard 802.3 af Power over Ethernet (POE) supplies, limiting their capabilities, and replacing network switches to provide additional power is costly.

Innovation Solution

A Power over Ethernet combiner system that receives and combines two power supplies from a conventional network switch to generate a higher power supply, typically around 26 watts, for advanced access points, allowing them to execute additional functionalities without requiring switch upgrades.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If standard 802.3 af POE switches are used, then device compatibility and ease of operation are maintained, but power output is insufficient for advanced access points

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower outputVSAvoidcompatibility with advanced APs

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple standard POE power outputs (typically two 15W outputs) into a single higher-power output (30W or more) using a combiner device. This merging allows advanced access points to receive sufficient power while the network switch continues to use standard POE interfaces, maintaining compatibility without requiring switch upgrades.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Power

If network switches are upgraded to provide higher power, then power output increases, but system cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower outputVSAvoidsystem cost

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a POE combiner as an intermediary device between the standard POE switch and the advanced access point. This intermediary combines power from multiple standard POE ports to deliver higher power output, avoiding the need to upgrade the expensive network switch while still enabling advanced AP functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If advanced access points are deployed, then functionality and capabilities are improved, but power consumption requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAP capabilitiesVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The combiner merges power from multiple standard POE sources to create a high-power output that matches the elevated power consumption requirements of advanced access points. This enables the deployment of capability-rich APs with features like higher transmit power, more antennas, and additional processing, while the power delivery is achieved through combination rather than switch upgrade.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS7737573B2Power over ethernet combiner

Publication Date: 2010.06.15 EXTREME NETWORKS INC

AI summary

A system includes (a) an access point; (b) a switch providing power for use in the access point; and (c) a combiner disposed between the switch and the access point. The combiner receives at least two power supplies from the switch. The combiner is configured to combine the at least two power supplies to generate a third power supply. The third power supply is transferred to power the access point.