Today, Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology is an integral part of implementing Voice over IP and Wireless LAN systems into enterprises. Power over Ethernet is the ability to power devices such as IP telephones, wireless LAN access points, and other Ethernet devices using common Category 5 cable infrastructure. With the IEEE ratification of the PoE standard, IEEE802.3af, PoE technology has rapidly been gaining acceptance and deployment is evident with numerous other Ethernet end devices. Among many of the parameters in this standard, one of the important aspects is that an Ethernet device consuming 13W or less can take advantage of PoE technology. 

One of these devices is the RFID reader. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is the method of identifying unique items using radio waves. Typically, a reader communicates with a tag, which holds digital information in a microchip. But there are also other forms of RFID tags that do not contain integrated circuit chips, but rather use material to reflect back a portion of the radio waves beamed at them. These readers are deployed in a similar manner as wireless LAN devices.  

Basically, the reader must be situated where it can receive and transmit radio signals. These locations often do not have AC power readily available. However, if an RFID reader is installed with PoE capability, only a single CAT 5 cable is necessary. This eliminates the need to install an AC outlet, which can cost several hundred dollars. Essentially, the cost of the PoE installation (about $30-$100 per port) is immediately offset by the potential cost of the AC outlet installation, thereby allowing for an instant ROI. A licensed electrician is not needed for installation of a PoE solution. It can be done by the same professional that is installing the RFID readers. Moving an RFID transmitter for better RF performance is simple and inexpensive since only the LAN cable needs to be connected. 

Today, RFID is gaining momentum, thanks to the mandates of the Department of Defense, Wal-Mart and other retailers. Simultaneously, PoE is becoming a mainstream technology. According to the latest report from IDC, the PoE penetration rate in Ethernet ports will reach 41% by 2008. This means that there is a good possibility that end users may already have PoE deployed in their infrastructure. If the infrastructure does not have PoE, there are numerous devices available to provide PoE support. 

There are two categories of PoE devices available in the market today; the midspan and the endspan. Midspan products enable a simple upgrade to an Ethernet infrastructure to accommodate PoE, using an external device. The endspan solution is an Ethernet Switch that delivers PoE. 

The IEEE recently launched an initiative to deliver higher power over Ethernet. This initiative is called PoEPlus. RFID readers that require more power can benefit from the initiatives of PoEPlus since some RFID readers consume more than 13W of power. To address these high power requirements today, PowerDsine has developed high power midspans and splitters with their 8000 series product family. PowerDsine (www.powerdsine,com) has been the pioneer in the development of PoE products since its inception.