Siemens X108PoE, X308-2M PoE and XR324-4M PoE ethernet switches

Siemens has fitted three of its industrial ethernet switches with power over ethernet (PoE) functionality in accordance with ethernet standard IEEE 802.3af. Depending on the scope and requirements of the application, the unmanaged switch X108PoE as well as the modular managed switches X308-2M PoE and XR324-4M PoE supply two, four or eight PoE-compatible terminal devices with data and power on a common line.

Suitable terminal devices for the technology include IP phones, scanning systems, access points and IP cameras. This helps save on installation costs and makes an additional power supply for many terminal devices superfluous.

The ethernet standard IEEE 802.3af, which defines the voltage supply of PoE-compatible devices connected to ethernet, offers new fields of application in industrial automation beyond communications between automation devices.

In the case of video surveillance, until now almost exclusively the domain of building automation, the PoE switches integrate the connected cameras into automation applications. Application scenarios could include the monitoring of storage and retrieval units or for operators in processing plants with increased safety for personnel and machinery and enhanced process quality.