Increasing Network Control and Security for EV Charging Stations

The Challenge

A parking facility required a reliable network solution to connect multiple EV charging stations and integrate a security monitoring system for the parking area. Key challenges included:

1. Long Distance Extension – The EV charging stations and security cameras were distributed across the open parking lot, requiring fiber uplinks for long distances.
2. PoE Power for Cameras – The IP cameras needed high-power PoE+ and PoE++ capabilities to support advanced surveillance functions.
3. Extended Temperature Environment – Equipment had to operate reliably in outdoor, harsh conditions.
4. Centralized Management – The network had to support efficient management, monitoring, and scalability for future expansion.

The Solution

To address these challenges, the customer deployed Omnitron RuggedNet® Industrial Ethernet Switches in a star network topology:

RuggedNet 10G/Mi 8-Port Industrial Ethernet Switch

• Serves as the central hub with two 10Gigabit fiber uplink and eight Gigabit copper ports to connect EV charging stations.
• Provides high-speed data exchange, communication, and control across all charging units.
• Built for extreme environments, ensuring continuous operation in outdoor conditions.

RuggedNet 10GPoEBT/Mi 4-Port Managed PoE Ethernet Switch

• Connects and powers IP security cameras monitoring the parking area.
• Supports IEEE 802.3bt PoE++, delivering up to 100W per port, ensuring compatibility with high-power surveillance devices such as PTZ cameras.
• Provides secure and reliable fiber uplink connectivity back to the central network.

Both switches support advanced management capabilities for monitoring traffic, configuring security features, and scheduling services.

The Result and Conclusion

The installation successfully delivered:

• Reliable EV Network Connectivity – Ensuring accurate billing, data exchange, and remote management of EV charging services.
• Enhanced Security – High-power PoE-enabled IP cameras provided comprehensive surveillance across the parking lot.
• Operational Resilience – RuggedNet switches maintained uninterrupted performance in extreme temperatures and outdoor environments.
• Future-Ready Infrastructure – Scalable, managed switches ensure the network can expand with additional charging stations or security systems.

With Omnitron’s RuggedNet switches, the customer achieved a secure, reliable, and manageable EV charging and security network that meets current needs and prepares for future growth.

Why Omnitron Systems

The customer selected Omnitron due to:

• Proven Reliability – Rugged, carrier-grade products designed for continuous uptime in mission-critical applications.
• Pre- and Post-Sales Support – Omnitron provided expert consultation during design and responsive support after deployment.
• Technical Features – Managed capabilities, 10Gig uplinks, and PoE++ power ensured compatibility with evolving technologies.
• Compliance and Trust – Omnitron products are TAA, BAA, and NDAA compliant, and proudly Made in the USA.

FAQ

What is the maximum fiber run distance supported between switches?

Answer: RuggedNet switches support both multimode and single-mode fiber. Typical multimode runs extend up to 550 meters (depending on transceiver), while single-mode can span up to 140 km with the appropriate optics.  EV charging sites are often spread across large parking lots, campuses, or roadside stations. Knowing the optical budget and fiber reach prevents under-designing the network and ensures reliable uplink connectivity.

What is the maximum copper run between chargers and switches?

Answer: Standard Ethernet copper links (Cat 5e/6/6a) are supported up to 100 meters. For longer distances, RuggedNet solutions can be paired with PoE extenders or fiber media converters.  Many EV chargers are not located within 100m of a network cabinet. Planning early avoids failed links and ensures enough reach without adding unnecessary cost.

How is traffic prioritized between chargers, billing, cameras, and WiFi?

Answer: RuggedNet switches support VLAN segmentation and Quality of Service (QoS). Critical services such as billing can be placed on separate VLANs, with traffic shaping to guarantee bandwidth.  EV control traffic must never be delayed by non-essential video or guest WiFi. Proper segmentation and prioritization improve security and ensure performance.

What type of data do EV chargers send and receive?

Answer: Smart chargers require small amounts of data, but with critical timing.  Dropped or delayed packets can cause billing errors, failed charging sessions, or unsafe power delivery.

• Billing & Authentication Data (user ID, payment authorization, charging session logs)
• Control Signals (start/stop commands, load management, demand response)
• Status Updates (faults, energy delivered, temperature, state of charge)
• Grid/Energy Management Data (what power level to draw, AC vs DC profiles, phase balancing)

How does the central network determine what type of electricity the charger provides?

Answer: EV chargers communicate with the back-office system (or local controller) to negotiate charging mode: AC Level 2 vs DC fast charge, maximum current, and voltage. This information is shared using protocols such as OCPP (Open Charge Point Protocol), often over IP.
The charger itself adjusts the power electronics, but it depends on real-time instructions from the central network or charging management system. Reliable connectivity ensures the right charging profile is applied to each vehicle.

Does billing data require higher security or encryption for EV chargers?

Answer: Yes. Billing transactions are typically transmitted via secure TLS/SSL tunnels or VPNs. RuggedNet switches support VLANs and traffic segmentation to isolate sensitive billing flows from less critical traffic (e.g., surveillance video).
Since EV charging sites handle financial transactions and personally identifiable information (PII). A breach in billing data can lead to fraud or compliance failures.

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