Siemens, PowerDsine to Develop Powered-Ethernet Telephony
PowerDsine's Power-over-LAN technology merges voice, data, and power functions by delivering an electrical supply and data communications over a single standard LAN cable. This eliminates the need for connecting each Ethernet terminal to both an electrical socket and a data outlet, reducing installation and maintenance costs. For the application of IP telephony, powered Ethernet enhances system reliability by maintaining dial tone during power interruptions, making the system more like an existing phone system.
In a typical configuration, the Power-over LAN hub is connected to an IP server-based communications system. The Power-over-LAN hub provides electrical power over standard Ethernet cabling to power devices that include IP telephones, Web cams, wireless LAN base stations, premises access control devices, and security sensors. The system also includes a software management tool that distributes centralized backup power to all Ethernet terminals.
Siemens intends to integrate powered Ethernet solutions that are based on the IEEE 802.3af standard into future HiNet Xpress IP telephony products. The company hopes the reliability and cost advantages inherent with powered Ethernet will enhance the acceptance of IP telephony in enterprise communications.
Towards this goal, Siemens and PowerDsine are working together to redesign Siemens' HiNet family of IP phones and communication servers in order to be immediately market ready when the IEEE standard is ratified. PowerDsine is one of the key players driving ratification of the IEEE 802.3af standard.
Further information about the IEEE 802.3af standard can be found at (www.ieee.org).
Edited by John Spofford