PoE Multiplexer for 2.5 Gbps Device Installations

Microsemi Corporation announced the availability of its PDS-EM-8100 Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) 2.5 Gbps Multiplexer. As the first device of its kind, the unique offering enables installations of new 802.11ac access points with 2.5 Gbps 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 2.5 Gbps technology," said Sani Ronen, director of product management for Microsemi's PoE systems. "While the basic 2.5 Gbps 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 2.5 Gbps port with no additional time and at a low cost."

Microsemi's new PDS-EM-8100 PoE 2.5 Gbps Multiplexer converts two ports of 1G into a single port with a 2.5G NBASE-T interface and 30 watts (W) IEEE802.3at PoE. The device enables faster adoption of 802.11ac 2.5G by offering a compact, cost-effective and pre-configured solution for 2.5 Gbps product installations such as WLAN access points, small cells and other Internet Protocol (IP) terminal installations.

As an 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. Microsemi's PDS-EM-8100 PoE 2.5 Gbps Multiplexer is available now for $399.