Fiber to the Guard Shack

Extending Fiber and Power to a Guard Shack with Omnitron’s 10GPoE+/Mi RuggedNet® PoE Switch

A high-security gated complex managed by a Restricted Security Operation required an advanced network infrastructure to enhance perimeter surveillance and access control. A critical part of this infrastructure included a remote guard shack located at the outer perimeter of the property. This site needed reliable connectivity to support PoE security cameras, Wi-Fi access points, and access control devices, all in a compact, hardened footprint capable of withstanding outdoor environmental conditions.

The Challenge

To support real-time surveillance and secure entry management at the perimeter, the deployment had to overcome the following challenges:

1. Fiber Extension to the Remote Shack: High-speed data connectivity was required via fiber over extended distances from the central control building.

2. Multiple PoE Devices: Security cameras, access control systems, and Wi-Fi devices all required simultaneous PoE power delivery.

3. End Device Management: Administrators required remote visibility and control over the powered devices for troubleshooting and maintenance.

4. Redundant Power Support: To ensure continuous operation in the event of power disruption, redundant DC power inputs were essential.

5. Environmental Resilience: The solution had to operate reliably in extended temperature and potentially harsh environmental conditions.

The Solution

To address these needs, the customer deployed the Omnitron RuggedNet® 10GPoE+/Mi 4-Port Hardened PoE Switch, a fully-managed, industrial-grade Ethernet switch designed for demanding edge applications:

1. The RuggedNet 10GPoE+/Mi switch delivers Gigabit fiber uplinks with 10Gbps uplink capability for high-speed data backhaul from the guard shack.

2. It provides four (4) PoE/PoE+ ports, each capable of delivering up to 25W of IEEE 802.3af/at compliant PoE power — ideal for powering cameras, Wi-Fi radios, and access control devices simultaneously.

3. The switch supports VLAN configurations, allowing the separation of surveillance traffic from public Wi-Fi and access control, ensuring both network segmentation and security.

4. It includes dual redundant DC power inputs to maintain uninterrupted operation even if one power source fails.

5. Omnitron’s PoE Watchdog Self-Healing Function and PoE Heartbeat Monitoring allow automatic detection and rebooting of non-responsive PoE devices, minimizing manual intervention.

6. The Configurable PoE Power Reset feature enabled scheduled or on-demand power cycling of individual devices, improving remote troubleshooting and system resilience.

The Result and Conclusion

The installation was completed successfully and on schedule. The guard shack now has:

1. Reliable High-Speed Fiber Connectivity: 10G-capable uplinks ensure responsive control and monitoring from the central building.

2. Stable PoE Power Distribution: All security devices are fully powered through the RuggedNet switch without external adapters.

3. Secure and Segmented Network Infrastructure: Critical security traffic is isolated from Wi-Fi access, reducing vulnerability.

4. Redundant Power and Device Resiliency: Dual DC inputs and self-healing PoE functions maximize uptime and reliability in a mission-critical deployment.

Omnitron’s RuggedNet 10GPoE+/Mi solution enabled the Restricted Security Operation to deploy a hardened, intelligent fiber and PoE infrastructure at its perimeter without compromise. With reliable power delivery, smart device management, and U.S.-made quality, the guard shack is now a secure and resilient part of the complex’s larger security network.

Why Omnitron Systems

The Restricted Security Operation selected Omnitron for multiple strategic reasons:

1. Reliability in Critical Environments: Omnitron’s RuggedNet switches are known for robust performance in extended temperature ranges and industrial conditions.

2. Technical Support Excellence: Omnitron’s U.S.-based engineering and technical support teams provided personalized assistance from pre-sales planning to post-installation.

3. Advanced Management Features: Capabilities like PoE watchdog monitoring and VLAN segmentation were critical for network uptime and secure traffic control.

4. Compact and Hardened Design: The compact, DIN-rail mountable chassis fit easily inside a weatherprotected control panel at the guard shack.

5. Made in the USA: Omnitron’s U.S.-based manufacturing ensured product quality and met compliance standards required by the security operation.

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