PoE Port Control via Access Events
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Power over Ethernet (PoE) port management systems cannot dynamically enable or disable ports in response to access control events, leading to inoperable devices during scheduled disabling periods, even for authorized users who need access.
Innovation Solution
A PoE system integrated with an access control system and database, which cross-references access control data to enable or disable PoE ports based on access events, ensuring that devices like VoIP phones, lighting, and climate control systems are powered or deactivated accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If PoE ports are disabled during non-business hours to conserve power, then energy efficiency is improved, but authorized users cannot operate devices even with valid access credentials
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors access control events and dynamically adjusts PoE port status based on real-time authentication data. When an authorized user presents valid credentials, the system receives feedback from the access control system and automatically enables the corresponding PoE port, ensuring devices remain operable for authenticated users while maintaining power savings during unauthorized periods
Solution Approach 2:
The PoE port enabling/disabling mechanism transitions from a static scheduled approach to a dynamic event-driven approach. Port status changes occur in real-time response to access control events, allowing the system to adapt its power delivery behavior based on current authentication states rather than following fixed time-based schedules
2Ease of operation
If PoE ports remain enabled continuously to ensure device availability, then ease of operation is improved, but power consumption increases during non-business hours
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of uniformly enabling or disabling all PoE ports system-wide, the system applies differentiated control to individual ports based on local authentication events. Each port's power state is independently determined by whether its associated device has been authenticated by the access control system, allowing selective availability without blanket power consumption
3Loss of energy
If scheduled disabling of PoE ports is implemented to save power, then energy efficiency is improved, but system adaptability to real-time access needs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system eliminates the need for manual intervention or pre-configured schedules by automatically responding to access control events. When authenticated users present credentials, the system self-adjusts port enabling status without requiring administrative action or adherence to predetermined time schedules, achieving both power efficiency and real-time adaptability
Data Source
AI summary
An electronically controlled method of controlled enabling and disabling of ports, the method constituted of: receiving a message responsive to an access event, the message comprising an identifier of the accessing party and an indication of the access event; determining at least one power over Ethernet supplying port associated with the identifier of the accessing party; and enabling, in the event the indication of the access event is of entry, the determined at least one power over Ethernet supplying port associated with the identifier of the accessing party; and disabling, in the event the indication of the access event is of exit, the determined at least one power over Ethernet supplying port associated with the identifier of the accessing party.