PoE Scheduling for Smart Buildings

Fiber Extension and Smart Device Powering with OmniConverter PoE Switches

A Large Commercial Office recently undertook a building-wide network and power infrastructure upgrade to support a new suite of IP-based smart building technologies. The project aimed to streamline connectivity, increase operational efficiency, and reduce energy consumption by integrating systems such as IP surveillance cameras, wireless access points, access control readers, and intelligent lighting across a multi-floor commercial building.

The Challenge

The customer faced several technical and logistical challenges:

1. Extending high-speed fiber connectivity from the building core to multiple floors and remote network closets.
2. Powering a variety of PoE-enabled devices, each with different power and uptime requirements, including cameras, Wi-Fi APs, electronic locks, and smart lighting systems.
3. Managing power delivery intelligently, including scheduling Wi-Fi and lighting systems to shut off during off-hours to reduce energy costs.
4. Ensuring high availability of all security and connectivity services, with built-in protection against device or network failures.
5. Operating in diverse environmental conditions, including ceiling plenums and secured closets with temperature extremes.

The Solution

To address these challenges, the customer deployed the OmniConverter 10GPoE+/M 8-Port Managed PoE Switches from Omnitron Systems at key distribution points throughout the building. These compact, industrial-grade switches deliver both high-speed fiber connectivity and robust PoE+ power to edge devices.

Key Features of the Solution:

1. 10G fiber uplink supports high-throughput, low-latency connectivity across long distances.
2. Eight RJ-45 ports delivering up to 25W of IEEE 802.3at PoE+ per port, powering a mix of:
   • IP security cameras
   • Wi-Fi 6 access points
   • Access control devices
   • Intelligent lighting controllers
3. Advanced Management Features:
   • PoE Scheduling enables automatic powering on/off of Wi-Fi and lighting systems based on time-ofday policies.
   • PoE Watchdog (Self-Healing) monitors device heartbeat and automatically resets power to nonresponsive devices—eliminating manual resets.
   • Configurable PoE Power Reset, allowing granular control and remote troubleshooting.
4. Redundant DC power inputs ensure network and power continuity in the event of a power supply failure.
5. Extended operating temperature range (-40°C to +60°C), allowing for installation in harsh or unconditioned environments. 
6. Fanless, compact design enables deployment in space-constrained areas such as ceiling voids and wall enclosures.
7. Made in the USA, fully compliant with IEEE and safety standards, ensuring long-term reliability and support.

The Result and Conclusion

Following deployment, the Large Commercial Office reported:

1. Seamless extension of fiber and power throughout the building with no signal degradation or PoE failures.
2. Stable operation of more than 80 PoE devices, with flexible scheduling improving building energy efficiency by an estimated 28%.
3. Zero manual resets over a six-month evaluation period, thanks to the PoE Watchdog feature.
4. Improved visibility and control over all connected devices from a centralized network management system.
5. Ease of installation and scalable design that supports future expansion to access control, HVAC integration, and occupancy sensors.

By implementing the OmniConverter 10GPoE+/M 8-Port Managed PoE Switches, the Large Commercial Office successfully modernized its network infrastructure while gaining reliable power delivery, intelligent device management, and operational savings. The solution proved ideal for smart building applications-offering unmatched uptime, security, and efficiency in a compact, manageable form factor.

Omnitron’s reliable, made-in-USA switches with advanced PoE management transformed a complex challenge into a scalable and intelligent network solution.

Product Overview