Compact cost-effective multiplexer for 2.5Gbps device installations

Microsemi has introduced the PDS-EM-8100 Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) 2.5Gbps multiplexer. As the first device of its kind, it enables installations of new 802.11ac access points with 2.5Gbps rates without the need to replace the Ethernet switch with a 2.5G NBASE-T interface. “Our new PoE Multiplexer delivers new capabilities to the market as the first and only product of its kind, enabling a fast, easy and cost-effective upgrade to the newest 2.5Gbps technology,” said Sani Ronen, director of product management for Microsemi's PoE systems. “While the basic 2.5Gbps copper technology offering uses the existing CAT5E/CAT6 cable for speeds higher than 1G, the need for the switch upgrade was not addressed. Now our new 2.5G Multiplexer enables users to keep the existing 1G switch and get 2.5Gbps port with no additional time and at a low cost.” The PDS-EM-8100 PoE 2.5Gbps multiplexer converts two ports of 1G into a single port with a 2.5G NBASE-T interface and 30W IEEE802.3at PoE. The device enables faster adoption of 802.11ac 2.5G by offering a compact, cost-effective and pre-configured solution for 2.5Gbps product installations such as WLAN access points, small cells and other Internet Protocol (IP) terminal installations. According to market research firm Dell’Oro Group’s April 2016 report titled, 'Ethernet Alliance Analyst Hour', there will be approximately 20 million 802.11ac Wave 2 access points in 2018, which will require 2.5G and 5G Ethernet technology. Microsemi’s PDS-EM-8100 PoE 2.5 Gbps Multiplexer caters to this growing demand for 802.11ac Wave 2 and 2.5G, offering a simple, fast installation that can deliver up to 30W of PoE. As an ideal alternative to using high-end expensive PoE switches, Microsemi’s new device caters to the specific needs of the communications market and more specifically, for Wi-Fi 802.11ac technology. It is suitable for fast-growing applications such as enterprise IT, with plug and play / zero configuration needed, and the ability to perform remote software upgrades, says the company.