Access Control: True PoE vs. PoE Compatible

Nov. 5, 2014
Not all Power over Ethernet locks are created equal

Thanks to rapid advances in technology and the deployment of structured cabling with power, in many buildings, many facets of access control can now be managed over an IP network using Power over Ethernet (PoE). While it is important for you to strongly consider PoE solutions, it is equally important to recognize that not all PoE solutions are created equal and advocate on your customers’ behalf accordingly.

Even without taking the sustainability advantages into consideration, PoE locks are compelling in many ways. They make managing access as easy, simple and affordable as installing or deploying a PoE camera. Because the electricity and data that powers them moves through the Ethernet cable, locks no longer require a dedicated infrastructure.

Using the existing Local Area Network (LAN) for both power and data eliminates the need for any additional power supply or electrical wiring. This streamlines the installation process and reduces costs, allowing facilities to expand access control easily and affordably. PoE locks further reduce costs and installation time by integrating discreet access control components into the lock.

The benefits for both you and your customers are fairly clear. PoE solutions conserve energy, and selling them is a great way to position yourself as a provider of environmentally friendly access control solutions. Sustainable access control is quickly gaining traction as the green building movement recognizes its potential to reduce the harmful effect buildings have on the environment.

Unfortunately, in the world of electronic access control, not everyone is playing by the same rules. Clever marketing may make it appear that all PoE solutions are equal. Your customers, however, are counting on you to provide a solution that maximizes their security budget. Having a clear understanding of the difference between PoE and PoE compatible allows you to offer a solution that makes their facilities not only more efficient, but more secure. Ultimately, this positions you to deploy more access control openings, increasing your market presence and value.

PoE vs. PoE Compatible

With PoE becoming such a trendy term, it is now being used for many different products and applications; however, the term is not always used to convey the same meaning. Many devices can be operated on a PoE network but do not offer the same level of cost savings and efficiency as a fully-integrated PoE solution.

PoE locks from some companies connect directly and easily to a network via a server. Other manufacturers, however, use the term “PoE” or “PoE compatible” to describe a standard lock or component that can be powered by a PoE edge device.

PoE/network connectivity goes only as far as the edge device and typically stops before reaching the locking solution. A truly integrated PoE solution is comprised of a single device and uses Ethernet cabling directly to the lock.

Benefits of “True” PoE

There are considerable benefits to true PoE locks, many of which are realized as soon as they are added to the network. A true PoE lock — not a PoE-compatible lock — delivers an entirely new level of performance in a single device. While PoE-compatible locks require an edge device to function on a network, a true PoE lock works, as its name suggests, over the Ethernet network, which reduces the amount of wiring required for the door down to one cable.

By reducing the amount of required hardware and wiring, PoE devices simplify the entire lifecycle of an access control opening. From installation to testing, troubleshooting and general maintenance and management, organizations can spend more time focused on the facilities they are responsible to protect.

Not surprisingly, by reducing overall complexity, PoE locks are more affordable, both in terms of lower deployment costs and lower costs for maintenance and energy usage over the lifespan of the device.

Green is Good

Easier installation and maintenance, a reduction in components and wiring, and lower overall costs are a few of the more obvious benefits of true PoE locks. Because PoE makes it easier and more affordable to expand access control deeper into a facility, the direct result is increased security.

Also important, PoE locks have a positive impact on the environment by reducing both power and materials. They require less energy to operate (they are IEEE 802.3af Class 2 devices, which draw less than 7 watts per activation) and use minimal standby power the majority of the day. By integrating several discreet access control components into a single device, fewer natural resources are required for manufacturing and distribution.

Access control solutions that are managed over a network also reuse existing equipment. This reduces — or outright eliminates — the need for additional infrastructure, which reduces both power and material requirements.

SIDEBAR

True PoE Locks at a Glance

Five benefits of a truly integrated PoE lock:

  1. Use existing network infrastructure.
  2. Reduce consumption of energy and materials.
  3. Simplify installation and maintenance.
  4. Reduce costs.
  5. Enable access control in more locations, increasing overall security.

Garrett Lovejoy is Senior Product Manager for Electronic Access Control with ASSA ABLOY Americas. To request more info about the company, please visit www.securityinfowatch.com/11739426.