* Reader asks about Power over Ethernet when using FTTE architecture
A reader recently followed up with me on the fiber optic cost model I profiled in the past couple of weeks, asking a question regarding VoIP phones when using the fiber-to-the-telecommunications-enclosure architecture.
He writes:
“As an infrastructure consultant one aspect of cabling that interests me is integrating voice. In today’s integrated voice/data environments providing for IP phones is important and a key issue is the power for the phones. In a closet-based system with PoE [Power over Ethernet] it is relatively simple to provide UPS facilities. I feel the FOLS [TIA’s Fiber Optics LAN Section] model ignores this dimension. Any comments?”
I passed the message on to FOLS, and this was their response:
“One way to address this issue is to provide a dedicated circuit to the Telecommunications Enclosure or maybe handle multiple enclosures off one circuit.
“In order for the FTTE to work there has to be a mini-switch or multiple switches in the Telecom Enclosure which need power. This circuit would be tied back to the equipment room and would reside on the same UPS or battery backup as the equipment in the equipment room.
“Once you have the dedicated power to the Telecom Enclosures, a PoE midspan patch panel is used for running from the Telecom Enclosure to the end device. This is a very simplistic approach and lends to great flexibility. All we are doing is getting fiber closer to the end device to allow for extended distances, higher bandwidth, smaller pathways and spaces, less fuel loads, greater flexibility and lower building cost.
“Just picture the Telecom Enclosure as a mini TR [telecom room] and treat it the same way. Just like a TR has to have dedicated power, the mini-TR needs the same thing. There are other ways to address this, but this is one of the more practical ways.”
Thanks to the reader and to FOLS for following up.
