PowerDsine 6548 Midspan

A midspan is a device that injects electric power into the unused 4 pairs of

CAT5 cables to send power over Ethernet to devices requiring that power. Also,

one should never connect non-PoE devices to ports that carry PoE current as they

can be destroyed. The PowerDsine 6548 is the first 48-port solution that comes

in a unique layout featuring ports of both PoE as well as non-PoE types (48

ports of each). The midspan also features automatic detection of the PoE-ness of

a remote connected device. The PowerDsine 6548 can power CAT 5, 5e and CAT6

cables.

If you have a large VoIP deployment (or are planning one), this midspan can

save you the headache of having to provide for so many electrical outlets for

your IP phones. All you require to do now is connect those IP phones to this

midspan. This also gives you the advantage of needing only one UPS to

power-backup all your IP phones. 

Price: Rs 78,000 (lifetime warranty) Meant For: Enterprises Key Specs: 96 ports for PoE and non-PoE devices, 1U form factor, Web-based mgmt Pros: Compact, can also detect non-PoE devices Cons: None Contact: PowerDsine, MumbaiTel: 65529031E-mail: vikasp@powerdsine.com  RQS# E63 or SMS Buy 131163 to 6677

Although there have been other midspans in the market before this, the 6548

is the first 48-port model. Other applications include powering up network

cameras and WLAN routers. This lets you do large-scale deployments fairly

quickly. Also, it comes in a 19” 1U rack mountable form factor making it easy

to put it in your server or router closet.

The console port of the midspan is an RJ45 port, which needs to be connected

using an RJ45-RS232 cable to a machine's COM port before it can be accessed

over Telnet for initial and low-level configuration. The same port can then be

connected using a cross-cable to a machine for access using a Web-based UI for

detailed configuration and management.

PowerDsine 6548 comes in a unique layout, with the power control and ports in

two blocks. The block with the ports has 48 ports each along the outside and

inside edges. The ports on the outside are the PoE ports and those on the inside

are non-PoE. Each of these ports has an LED indicator. These LEDs let you

monitor the midspan in real-time network monitoring through the front panel

itself. You can also find out if there are over-load or short-circuit conditions

from these LEDs.

Advanced power management available in the 6548 midspan lets you control the

power transmitted over each port, especially when working under conditions where

available power (from the outside) is at a premium. Finally, the entire midspan

functionality can be managed remotely using a Web browser, as long as you are on

the same local network as the midspan. For this, there is a built in Web server.

Bottom Line: It's a compact and cost effective way to manage PoE and

non-PoE devices, and its 96 ports give you ample scope to expand your network.

CyberMedia Labs