Category: Versa Products

The VX-1000GPP PoE Injector Simplifies Tricky Installations

14 May, 2017
Posted by Rita Mailheau
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An Industrial Grade PoE Injector that Simplifies Tricky Installations!

Versatek is proud to announce the release of it’s new VX-1000GPP Industrial Power over Ethernet (PoE) Injector. To many reading this article (looking at you installers and IT administrators) the convenience and savings of PoE technology will not come as any sort of a surprise.

For those of you who may be new to Power over Ethernet (PoE), we’ll answer the questions that probably spring to mind…

What does an ethernet injector do?
What’s so special about this 90W PoE injector?

Let’s dive in and get a detailed view of what PoE injectors are specifically useful for, and why our new 90W injector is so special.

PoE Injectors Enable Smarter Network Installations

The PoE injector answers some big logistical problems that arise for organizations looking to upgrade and extend their infrastructure.

Unfortunately, infrastructure is often an after-the-fact consideration for businesses running in buildings constructed before the 80’s. Traditional installations of digital infrastructure in older buildings regularly caused lots of headaches (and cost a small fortune). That is of course, until PoE came along and solved the vast majority of these issues.

One reason it’s cheaper is that it takes advantage of existing infrastructure. Those existing copper phone lines? No problem! PoE networks won’t require recabling in these instances.

PoE works by way of twisted pair cabling, such as Cat5e and Cat6. This allows both data and power to be sent at the same time and through only one cable.

For further comparison, a regular data cable installation of Cat5e or Cat6 can cost anywhere from $100 to $200 per cable to install. That’s if there aren’t any walls to knock down or server rooms needed along with it.

Installing a standard power cable can easily run 2x that cost to fulfill even the most basic power needs. Keep in mind that nobody in their right mind will leave a power cable exposed. So you’ll need to consider adding the cost of drywall to these installations as well.

As you can see, it adds up quickly.

A PoE injector on the other hand, acts as a link. In other words, think of it like a midspan booster that improves the velocity and amplitude of data and power as they travel to devices from an Ethernet Switch.

PoE Injectors Give Installers Greater Flexibility

Once installations begin, it’s easy to realize that every building is different. There are a number of variables that can have an impact on the required equipment for any install, whether it be the surrounding climate, the age of the building, or the condition of the existing power infrastructure.

Sometimes, a little history can serve as a great example.

One of the earliest examples of the “smart home” in the U.S. is the Thomas Jefferson Monticello mansion in Virginia. The removal of the original configuration and redesign of his second floor, allowed for natural cooling airflow in a climate where 100 degree indoor temps are the norm.

For the sake of argument, let’s say Thomas Jefferson was still around today, and that he was planning to add a few IP surveillance cameras to his historic mansion Monticello.

First off, he’d have to bend his desires for the latest technology to the historic preservation authorities. Some of you may have encountered that dilemma. He probably couldn’t just knock down walls and add a server room on the main floor. Government buildings and other historic properties are overseen by HOA like entities.

To install an IP camera, a project installer would need to find the least invasive option, perhaps underground through the basement or above in the attic. Such distances do not necessarily fall within the 100m limitation of PoE. Here’s where injectors really shine!

If this surveillance camera was further away than the typical 100m [328 feet] allowed for, the installer could boost signal strength through the use of an injector.

As long as an installer has a secondary power source somewhere near the injector, both data and power will reach the endpoint IP camera with more than sufficient power to do the job.

The Power of 90W

More watts means more power. The VX-1000GPP provides more power throughput than earlier models, enabling up to 90 watts to be delivered to a device.

The most obvious and influential benefit of this is that it expands the range of products that can now be powered via PoE (without requiring the installation of additional power cables).

The best part? Legacy devices, that are not necessarily PoE compatible, can also be powered through the use of an adapter.

As you can see, PoE injectors don’t only save installers and businesses money. They also save time since it’s far easier to add an injector than it is to physically relocate a switch.

With manufacturing on the upswing, PoE, adaptors, extenders, and injectors provide a cost effective opportunity for organizations to upgrade.

The VX-1000GPP model in particular was designed to handle fluctuations in environments like temperature and humidity extremes on shop floors, in warehouses, and other demanding deployments.

Additional Features of the VX-1000GPP

On paper, the VX-1000GPP is definitely impressive. It can deliver up to 90W of power and data, at speeds of 10/100/1000Mbps. Further, this delivery of power and data can be both to and from a single remote device in extreme conditions, all without the cost of running additional power cables.

With the ability to handle extreme environments and power demanding devices like power access control devices and smart locks, this 90W injector opens the door on tons of new applications.

Who has the time or money to do a switch room build every time a remote device or lighting configuration needs to be installed? On that note, it’s worth mentioning that the VX-1000GPP is particularly well-suited for LED Lighting installations, especially as placement for LED tends to be architecturally driven.

Finally, the VX-1000GPP can power any device that falls within IEEE 802.3AT or 802.3AF classification. That includes not only the aforementioned IP cameras and smart locks, but wireless access points, digital signage and flat panel displays as well.

The suggested pricing for the new VX-1000GPP PoE Injector is $129.00, and it can be purchased here or from any Versa Technology Reseller.

To learn even more or get technical advice, don’t hesitate to reach out to our customer support team.

Why Managed Switches are Ideal for Midsize Business Networks

10 Nov, 2016
Posted by Rita Mailheau
0 Comment(s)

As customers prepare projects for the holidays and the new year looms just over the horizon, midsize companies are starting to ponder what infrastructure investments will yield the most growth in 2017.

Smaller businesses may be as well since the journey from small to medium is full of long range thinking and planning.

A rapidly growing company infrastructure looks quite similar to what you’d find in any established Data Center. Plans for expansion allow a company to grow on schedule, without making sacrifices to the customer experience.

One device in particular, can yield a hefty return on the money. I’m talking about managed ethernet switches.

Let’s spend some time covering what makes them unique and why they’re so effective for network infrastructures.

Types of Switches

To understand what’s different about a managed switch, you’ll first need to understand the capabilities and features of each type of ethernet switch.

Unmanaged switches

Unmanaged switches are typically plug and play with no advanced configuration required. They don’t need a management interface or any particular way to enable/disable other interfaces.

This greatly simplifies deployment but the trade off is a complete lack of security features.

These switches have their place in the grand scheme of things, but a growing enterprise will need to consider carefully how they can be safely incorporated.

Smart switches

Smart switches are a hybrid of sorts. They offer limited feature sets while still not providing the full range of benefits found in managed switches.

For companies taking the long view toward growth, this is not a place to cut corners. Backtracking further down the road can be a major headache.

Managed switches

Managed switches allow for far greater security and offer significantly advanced access control features.

These switches allow software to perform to its fullest potential by capturing the full range of application capabilities.

I’d make the case that it’s a better practice to get things right the first time around. Let’s take a closer look at why managed switches are a better investment.

Advanced Managed Switch Outcomes

Managed switches offer built-in opportunities for expansion. Realistically, the ability to scale should always be considered.

The ability for your customer to grow revenue is relative to the ability of their technology to support critical business activities.

When designing a network of any size — from small home-based business network to a large server farm — designers and installers should look at features like port count, interface speed, and replication.

Here’s a more granular view of the unique ways managed switches get the job done.

Dual internet protocol compatibility

First, managed switches are designed to span the move from old IPv4 Internet protocol to the new IPv6. The current number of IP addresses on IPv4 are dwindling, and on the verge of depletion.

Managed switches have dual stack technology and will work with either protocol, thus future-proofing your infrastructure.

Geo-specific privacy requirements

Privacy is a growing concern for companies. In fact, many are now adding a Chief Privacy Officer to their boardroom to handle the intricacies of geo-specific privacy laws.

Information is money in the 21st century. Managed switches address this particular challenge by offering private Q-In-Q VLAN capabilities.

Network Security Features

Public facing externals like websites and wireless networks require separate access from internal structures. Network silos simplify essential security by limiting exposure and enhancing the ability of administrators to respond to threats.

But managed switches take this principle even further. Let’s examine how.

DHCP snooping layer 2 protection

IP Source Guard works in tandem with Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP) to restrict untrusted Layer-2 traffic based on DHCP snooping, a listening capability inherent in managed ethernet switches.

This process tracks physical location of hosts. It also ensures that hosts use only the IP addresses assigned to them.

IGMP snooping

This means that it will also listen in on IGMP “conversations” between hosts and routers. This allows the switch to literally map out which links need to multicast streams.

IP source guard

This feature helps prevent IP spoofing attacks where hosts steal the IP address of another host.

Storm control

Managed switches also feature “storm control” which can help insulate networks against Distributed Denial of Service attacks. These attacks are notorious for screening other hacker activities.

Authentication management

For the midsize company, a sturdy authentication process provides access limits for specific data within the enterprise. For example, Finance and Human Resource groups usually need to protect sensitive information.

Managed switches supports IEEE 802.1X authentication and advanced packet encryption to help fulfill those needs.

Real World Scenarios

Mid size businesses need multilayer redundancies in their network. The same is true for ISM (Industrial, Science and Medical) companies where the loss of critical data and critical performance could have catastrophic results.

Similarly, growing enterprises simply can’t afford to learn the hard way. Too many people depend on the efficiency and resiliency of the information and services these companies provide via online platforms.

The redundancies available in managed switches and their exceptionally robust feature sets clearly prove that they’re the only responsible choice for small and mid-size businesses to make when upgrading network infrastructure.

Versatek offers a variety of these switches, like the VX-IGP-1204F, VX-GPF1626, and VX-GPH1610.

We also have a short video that helps further explain how our managed switch software works to make network administrator lives easier.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact our support staff. They’ll be happy to provide more information and can customize equipment orders to perfectly match your specific installation needs.

Versatek Cameras & Media Converters Aid Rescue of Chilean Miners

26 Sep, 2016
Posted by Rita Mailheau
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August 5, 2010: At 2:00 PM, roughly 50 miles northwest Copiapó, Chile, the San Jose gold and copper mine collapsed. 33 miners were trapped inside, helpless and cut off from the outside world.

It wasn’t until seventeen days later that the Chilean Minister of Mines was able to make contact with the miners sheltered roughly a half mile below the surface. Luckily, they were all safely inside a 500 square foot refuge chamber.

Image Credit: Telegraph.co.uk

The subsequent rescue effort serves as a textbook example of what to do when faced with a catastrophic event.

Incredibly, it would be another 52-days before the last man was returned to safety. Both their countrymen and sympathizers around the globe, followed this agonizing struggle thanks to some truly outstanding media coverage.

In 2015, 20th Century Fox would go on to produce a movie about these men and their heroic rescue called: The 33. It’s available for streaming online via HBO Go, YouTube, and Amazon among others.

Survival Lessons from the Chilean Miners

The 33 miners and their rescuers can teach us important lessons about what to do when faced with a catastrophic event.

Let’s cover the 5 most important things they did exactly right:

1. Take control right away and establish order

Led by Mario Sepúlveda (a veteran of 5 earlier collapses) the miners took immediate control of their situation.

They made sure no one was missing.

They sized up their location and resources. With only enough food for 35 men for 2 days—they knew they would have to carefully ration their supplies in order to survive long enough for their rescuers to reach them.

They held themselves to a strict diet. Each man consumed only 2 teaspoons of tuna, half a biscuit, and a sip of milk every 48 hours. This despite the gradual dehydration and constant oppressive 94°F heat.

They realized they wouldn’t be able to control everything, but that it was critical they take whatever steps they possibly could to improve their odds.

Their discipline under this type of prolonged emotional pressure was truly remarkable.

2. The mining company brought in experts and special drilling equipment

The company responsible for the mine, under intense international pressure, appealed to the Chilean government for financial assistance in finding the right people and equipment for the rescue effort.

Since the mine had collapsed, the rock overhead was unstable. Haste could easily have worsened the situation below. Rescuers had to work slowly and cautiously to prevent creating any further problems.

Engineers began by drilling two 5-inch holes for communication, supplies and air. Then, they drilled the third 26-inch hole that would eventually be used to lift the men to safety.

Image Credit: Toronto Star

3. Rescuers established communications

Establishing communication as-soon-as they could, the rescuers helped bolster morale for the men who had literally sat in complete darkness for 17 days.

They also now had a lifeline. Access to medicine, food and water was essential to their continued survival.

PlanetechUSA IP cameras and the media converters

The rescue team fed an IP Camera (ICA-H312) and Media Converter (FT802S15), available from PlaneTechUSA, through a hole the size of a grapefruit. Rescuers attached the ICA-H312 to a cable and then married the two lengths of cable using the FT802S15 media converter.

The final camera feed ended up stretching over 2300 feet!

Once it was up and running, miners took turns standing in front of the camera so that loved ones could have the comfort of seeing them alive and well.

4. Frequent contact with loved ones

Everyone involved was painfully aware that there could be no guarantees.

”In normal work places, for every 1400 accidents reported, one results in a death or serious injury. In confined spaces, it is one in ten. [….] for every person dying in a confined space, almost two people die trying to execute a rescue. Many of these are professional rescuers.”

– Terry Ibbetson: “When Does a Confined Space Rescue Start“

Despite the dire circumstances, the simple fact that these men could talk with their families gave them renewed hope.

The wives and children stayed in an onsite mining camp that they named Esperanza (“hope” in Spanish) and remained in fairly constant contact through the use of PlaneTechUSA equipment.

5. Media outlets drummed up support

In general, the longer a rescue effort takes, the less people will continue to focus on it. Media attention spans are notoriously short.

In this case however, media outlets reallys stayed involved and their efforts kept constant pressure on the mining company and the Chilean government to spare no expense getting these men back to safety.

Final Thoughts

On the evening of October 13, the last man reached the top of the rescue tunnel. Manuel Gonzales was actually a rescuer, who had been lowered into the refuge chamber to assist the men with extraction.

Rescuers had drilled through roughly 2300 feet of unstable rubble and safely extracted the miners, all under the intense scrutiny of international news media.

The final extraction process took an intense 20-hours. All 33 men made it to safety. Their wives, the community, and the country never once lost hope thanks to the open lines of communication to the trapped men.

Image Credit: USA Today

Versatek and PlanetTechUSA are proud to have played a role in this miraculous rescue. Without access to reliable communication, the outcome of this crisis could have been much different.

When you design products like IP cameras and media converters, you hope you’re going to improve the quality of someone’s life, but you never dream of being a part of something quite like this.

NBC Employs Versatek SFP Media Converters to Cover Rio Olympics

29 Aug, 2016
Posted by Rita Mailheau
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NBC Sports coverage for the 2016 Olympic Games just wrapped up. No stranger to providing production work for massive events like Rio, Jim Bell (Executive Producer) and his army of technicians and journalists have inserted both themselves and their equipment right into the middle of the action for 16 consecutive days and nights.

To get a sense of the enormity of the Olympics, here are some stats on this years Games:

11,339 athletes
207 nations
41 disciplines
306 events

Keep in mind, those numbers don’t include coaches, family and friends, media from 207 countries, or the tens of thousands of spectators who traveled to watch the games up close.

Speaking of media, if you’re curious about how many countries were broadcasting the games, here’s a small sample and a link to the complete list.

Production Demands for the Olympics

Fortunately for those of us viewing from afar, this year’s games saw a big spike in overall production quality. Viewers now demand more sophisticated technology than ever before – and certainly more than they did during the last games. This heightened expectation is due in part to the outstanding coverage of the fiftieth Super Bowl hosted in San Francisco earlier this year at Levi’s® Stadium.

It was during the Super bowl that CBS Sports first introduced EyeVision 360°, a revolutionary camera technology that allows viewers to see critical moments of the game in stop-action and from every angle.

Not to be eclipsed by any stretch, NBC Sports made good use of the exact same technology throughout their coverage of the Olympic Games. This was particularly useful during events like diving and gymnastics, where it enabled viewers to watch frame-by-frame replays and compare details like take-offs and landings from multiple angles.

The Super Bowl also introduced 5K resolution cameras and surround sound pylons on the field. These evoked a sense of “being right there” on the field for home audiences. Again, NBC Sports used similar technologies to deliver intimate moments in events like volleyball, where team members embraced between plays and cheered each other on at turning points and during tough moments.

As you would assume, an increased demand for high-resolution and high-definition signals means that the connectivity requirements will be higher as well.

Equipment Set and Reset

Throughout the aggressive 16-day program, NBC deployed teams in four main centers of competition, roughly 5 miles apart.

They also filmed sailing and rowing competitions in the bay. To get an idea of what that looked like logistically, here’s an overhead map of the Games.

Felipe Menegaz

Coverage bounced back and forth between competitions, in-studio interviews, panel discussions, and on location reports.

When it comes to shooting live events, there’s no room for second takes. The stress free set and reset of cables is both critical and essential.

Quick turn-around times between competitions minimized disruption for the althletes.

Production crews were able to make this all happen seamlessly through the use of Media Converters. The NBC production team brought thousands of these units to Rio.

Networks have been using these units sometime for NFL coverage, it only makes sense that they would employ the same effective technology to cover Rio 2016.

The unit NBC used at the Olympic Games, available through PlanetechUSA, is the GT-805A. This model is a 10/100/1000 Base-T to 1000FX (SPF) Converter that connects over fiber optic cables. The production team drew power from Ethernet switches to the media converters using CAT5/CAT6 cables and an AC to DC adapters.

Why Is the GT805A SFP Media Converter So Popular?

The reason NBC Sports and the NFL prefer Versatek’s SFP Media Converters is simple: ease of use.

There is no proprietary software required to run the devices. There is no firmware that needs to be constantly updated. With these SFP Media Converters, users are able to simply plug-n-play.

When world records are being made, and when touchdown replays are needed—downtime or connectivity issues simply can’t be afforded.

Who needs the hassle or cost of other units? Not NBC anyways!

Top 5 Ways to Extend Ethernet (with Infographic)

26 Feb, 2016
Posted by Delia Hernandez
1 Comment(s)

RJ45 Ethernet connections are one of the most common forms of cabling found in local LAN networks. Ethernet is defined by IEEE’s 802.3 standard and can be classified in different categories including Cat5 (now obsolete), CAT5e, CAT6, and CAT6a. The two most common types of Ethernet speeds are known as Fast Ethernet, which support 10/100 Mbps, and Gigabit Ethernet, which supports 10/100/1000 Mbps. 10G Ethernet is traditionally used for backhaul and core networks such as corporate backbones, data centers, and server farms. Ethernet has replaced ATM, FDDI, and Token Ring LAN technologies and has become the default plumbing pipe of the Internet.

Robert Metcalfe co-invented Ethernet while working for Xerox Parc when he was tasked (with the job) to connect a cluster of computers to a laser printer in 1973. Robert Metcalfe later founded his own computer networking company, 3COM, and made considerable efforts to make Ethernet an industry standard. He shared his hilarious life lessons in was a guest in one of Reddit’s AMA (short for ask me anything) session and shared his life lessons here.

Ethernet however, comes with a standard 100-meter limitation. The medium loses signal integrity beyond 100 meters. The following delineates the 5 common and not-so-common methods used to bypass the standard Ethernet limitation.

1. Fiber Media Converters

Since fiber supports longer distances than copper, fiber media converters, traditionally deployed in pairs, extend Ethernet links by converting Ethernet cable runs from copper to fiber, and reverting a fiber connection to copper. Media converters can also be paired with switches that support fiber. Fiber refracts light to transmit data allowing for greater signal integrity in comparison to twisted pair copper. Different fiber types include SC, LC, FC, ST, and MU, among many others.

Fiber consists of a core, the internal area where light signals are transmitted, and cladding, the sheathing which keeps the light from escaping. Single-mode fiber cables have a smaller core, about 8 micrometers, in comparison to multimode fiber, about 50 micrometers.

The smaller core in single mode fiber allows for the propagation of light through a single pathway, allowing it to achieve faster speeds using a direct pathway in comparison to Multimode Fiber. Multimode Fiber’s larger core disperses light signals via multiple spatial pathways and this slows down transmission speeds. Nonetheless, multimode fiber offers fast transmission speeds and is commonly deployed in enterprises and small businesses due to their competitive price in comparison to single mode fiber. Telephone companies and cable companies are more likely to deploy single mode fiber for longer range applications.

Multimode fiber can extend Ethernet links an additional 500 meters while single-mode fiber can support up to 60 kilometers.

VX-VEB160G4 (V2) Ethernet Extender Kit

Fiber’s immunity to electromagnetic interference (EMI), surges, spikes, and ground loops makes it ideal for industrial environments where these types of conditions are typical.

Media converters come in a variety of different form factors and are designed to fulfill a diverse range of commercial and industrial applications. Micro Media Converters for example, offer a smaller footprint than wall-mounted fiber converters or din rail applications. The configuration of media converters can vary in difficulty levels. Standard media converters offer a simple plug and play installation in contrast to managed media converters. Industrial media converters can withstand extreme temperature ranges to provide reliable operation in harsh environments.

VX-200M-1212-2 Industrial Micro 10/100Base-TX to 100Base-FX Ethernet Media Converter

2. UTP Ethernet Extenders

Network administrators and system integrators can also extend Ethernet using Ethernet Extender units.

Networking units such as the LRP-101-UKit make it possible to extend an Ethernet links using UTP cable or 1-pair cable such as telephone cable. When paired with PoE technology, these units make it simple to deploy IP surveillance cameras for example, in locations that lack electrical circuitry. 4-pair UTP cabling can yield an additional 500 meters to Ethernet links and up to 300 meters using telephone cables. Other units such as the VX-VEB160G4 can extend Ethernet links up to 2.5 kilometers.

GT-802 10/100/1000Base-T to 1000SX Gigabit Media Converter (MM, SC, 550m)

UTP Ethernet Extender convert Ethernet to DSL and revert signals back to Ethernet. Following similar deployment schemes as fiber media converters, these units can be deployed in pairs. Alternatively, single units can operate with compatible switches.

3. Coaxial Cable Extenders

Coaxial Extenders can extend Ethernet connections up to 1,000 meters using legacy coaxial cabling and can provide high-quality video transmission. Units such as the LRP-101-C-KIT make it simple to upgrade from analog to IP cameras using the existing coaxial wiring infrastructure of a network. Coaxial Extenders can be a highly scalable solution when paired with coaxial switches such as the LRP-822Cs . The unit can house up to 8 networking devices using coaxial links.

LRP-101C-KIT 1-Port Long Reach PoE over coax Extender Kit (LRP-101CH + LRP-101CE)

It’s not uncommon to find twisted pair copper cables and coaxial cables included in the infrastructure of a building. UTP and coaxial cable Ethernet extenders are cost-effective options that use existing copper lines and eliminate the need to rewire a network.

4. Wireless Ethernet extension (Radio Wireless Extension)

Wireless Ethernet Extension can be accomplished using two wireless access points (WAPs) to form a wireless bridge. This type of deployment requires two WAPs —one configured as an SDS AP (source) and the second to be configured as SDS Client (destination) modes. Wireless Ethernet extenders conveniently offer Ethernet extension without the need to accommodate unsightly wires. Unfortunately, wireless Ethernet extenders are susceptible to the interference such as infrastructures and weather conditions. Wireless Ethernet extension requires networks to be within a line of sight, unobstructed by large infrastructures. Wireless Ethernet extension can span several miles long and is ideal for enterprise and industrial environments.

VX-AP1AC Outdoor 802.11ac Wireless LAN High Power Access Point with PoE

5. Cellular Extension (Cellular Data Networking)

Cellular wireless routers make it possible to provide wireless Ethernet extension in a similar fashion to wireless bridges. But unlike wireless bridges, cellular extension relies on a network of cell towers to transmit signals. Using cellular routers, system integrators can extend Ethernet signals to virtually any location that receives a cell phone signal. Cellular extension bypasses the need for networks to be within line of sight, a limitation found in wireless bridges. As explained by B&B Electronics, solar cellular routers can easily be deployed in locations that reside beyond the edge of the power grid to extend Ethernet where electrical circuitry is absent. Cellular routers can support applications such as networking equipment, ATM machines, water meters, and industrial control systems.

Share this cool infographic!

Learn more about these products:

VX-200M-1212-2: https://www.versatek.com/product/industrial-micro-10-100base-tx-to-100base-fx-ethernet-media-converter/
LRP-101U-KIT: https://planetechusa.com/1-port-long-reach-poe-over-utp-extender-kit-lrp-101uh-lrp-101ue/
LRP-101C-KIT: https://planetechusa.com/lrp-101c-kit-1-port-long-reach-poe-over-coax-extender-kit-lrp-101ch-lrp-101ce/
LRP-822CS: https://planetechusa.com/8-port-coax-2-port-10-100-1000t-2-port-100-1000x-sfp-long-reach-poe-over-coaxial-managed-switch/
MMZ344HV: https://www.versatek.com/products/
VX-AP1AC: https://www.versatek.com/products/

Industrial Internet of Things Infographic

What is the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)?

15 Jan, 2016
Posted by Delia Hernandez
2 Comment(s)

Gartner predicts that 20.8 billion things will be connected to the internet by 2020. The Internet of Things (IoT) describes the new generation of smart devices that connect to the internet and offer users the ability to remotely control and monitor their devices. Consumers typically associate the Internet of Things with sexy consumer products such as wearables and smart home automation devices. But did you know that “most Iot devices are not in your home or phone”? ^[1] In fact, a sizeable portion of IoT devices are deployed in factories, businesses, and healthcare.
This sector of the IoT industry is known as the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and it includes industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, transportation, oil and gas, and even agriculture. Also dubbed as the internet of unsexy things by Stephen Bryant, the bulk impact of the Industrial internet of things will stem from inexpensive sensors– the data collecting barnacles that feed off the processes of physical machines. Sensors are becoming increasingly cheaper to the extent that connectivity will become a default feature in even the most basic options.

IIoT Will Spawn Hybrid Business Models

This hyper-awareness of machine processes will allow business to increase their operational efficiency by reducing downtime and increasing productivity levels. However, industrial businesses will also have access to a surplus of information allowing them to collect insights that may also help them develop new products and services.

Michelin Group is one such example. Their pre-digital business model consisted of offering one sole product: tires. But when the company added sensors to their tires, they were consequently able to offer a new software-based service. Their new software takes input from the sensors in their tires to help train truck fleet drivers to drive more efficiently and reduce fuel consumption. Michelin is an example of a product-based company that was able to spawn a new information-based service.

The impact of the IoT world will occur behind the scenes of the Industrial Internet of Things and will largely remain invisible to consumers. These IIoT devices will operate silently in infrastructures and collect valuable data. This data will be translated by experts or software to generate insights and increase efficiency and revenue. And for the first time in history, industrial industries will have an opportunity to create hybrid business models between their physical products and digital services that can emerge from the new influx of data that they collect. In the same way that the Information Age has pressured professionals to become knowledge workers, IIoT will challenge industrial industries to enter the digital economy and collaborate with unlikely partners.

But a greater capacity for predictive and preventative data can lead to what experts are calling an “outcome economy”. In an outcome economy, consumers will purchase results as opposed to Seth Godin’s conceptualization of the placebo generated by marketing.

IIOT vs. M2M

The Industrial Internet of Things can be seen as an evolutionary step up from Machine-to-Machine (M2M) technology typically designed for closed-ended, point-to-point connections. The flaw with M2M technology, as explained by Automation World, is that even though remote management is possible, “Rarely… [is] the data integrated with enterprise applications.” M2M applications typically rely on hardware modules embedded in a machine whereas IoT devices depend on low-powered and passive sensors that communicate using standards-based IP networks. IoT devices also offer a more scalable solution by utilizing the cloud. M2M can be seen as the equivalent of running a CD-Rom while IIoT can be compared to connecting to the Internet.

PoE-The Plumbing of IIoT

The IIoT will rely heavily on the practicality of Power over Ethernet (PoE). With data and power delivered via a single Ethernet cable, PoE simplifies the deployment of networking equipment in locations without electrical circuitry. Higher-powered 802.3at devices can supply a maximum of 25.5 watts of power and can support a variety of networking and non-networking applications such as PoE lighting. Using PoE as the electrical interface in these types of environments is a practical solution. Machine Design asserts that “Ethernet has 10 to 100 times higher data throughput rates than with fieldbuses, is a widespread technology, cost-comparable to analog interfaces, based on industry standards, and is flexible and compatible with current automation systems.” The following will describe the type of equipment used in industrial environments.

Industrial POE Switches

The IIoT industry will rely on Gigabit and Fast Ethernet Switches with PoE capabilities and different uplink options for to fit the different needs of a variety of networking environments. The IGS-803SM-8PHE24 (Extended Model) is a managed industrial grade Gigabit PoE (Power over Ethernet) switch with 8 Gigabit PoE interfaces and 3 SFP Gigabit/Fast Ethernet ports that help network administrators benefit from the power of PoE and fiber. It’s not uncommon for switches such as these to include STP/RSTP/MSTP/ ITU-T G.8032 Ring and multiple U-Ring features. Devices such as the IGS-803SM-8PHE24 also boast energy-efficiency with advanced PoE management functions. These units are designed to withstand harsh electrical demands and temperatures to ensure reliable operation in industrial networking environments. The IGS-803SM-8PHE24 is a wide operating temperature range model (-40 to 75°C) and is an ideal option for the industrial automation of applications.

Ports:8 10/100/1000Base-T + 3 100/1000Base-X SFP
Type of Switch: Managed
Standards:IEEE 802.3af/at
PoE Budget:180W
Input Power:24/48VDC redundant dual
Operating Temp:-40 to 75°C

Industrial Ethernet Extenders

Ethernet can be used as the electrical and data circuitry to a networking environment but at the same time, it comes with a standard 100-meter limitation. Units such as the IVC-2002 allow network administrators to bypass the 100 meter Ethernet limitation. The IVC-2002 is resistant to electromagnetic interference and withstands surges that could occur in industrial plants or traffic control cabinets. This unit operates efficiently in varying temperatures ranging from -40 to 75 degrees C, allowing for the deployment at any location.

Speed:4 10/100TX to 1 BNC/RJ11
Distance:4km
Fiber Connection: BNC/RJ11
Operating Temp:-40 to 75°C

Industrial environments can reliably obtain fast transmission speeds even in copper-based networks. Versa Technology’s VX-VEB160G4 (V2) is one of the fastest Ethernet Extenders available on the market and can achieve transmission speeds of up to 300Mbps (Downstream: 190 Mbps/Upstream: 110 Mbps). These units provide a cost-effective alternative to fiber deployment delivering fast transmission rates using existing copper lines.

Interface:4 x 10/100/1000Base-T, 1 x VDSL2
Speed DS / US:190Mbps / 110Mbps
Power Supply:12VDC over 2.1mm DC Jack
Power Consumption:5 Watts Max.
Operating Temperature:-40°C to 75°C
Standard: IEEE 802.3 compliant
Distance:9,000 ft

Industrial Media Converter

It’s not uncommon for IIoT devices to function in hybrid copper and fiber networks. Media converters such as the IMC-1000 can provide media conversion between an electrical 10/100/1000base-T cable and an optical 1000/1000Base-X Ethernet. These units are housed in DIN rail or wall mountable encasements that can withstand harsh industrial environments, such as industrial networking and intelligent transportation systems (ITS). These units are ideal but not limited to military and utility market applications where environmental conditions exceed commercial product specifications.

Speed: 10/100/1000Base-T to 100/1000Base-X
Mode: Multi-Mode (MM), Single-Mode (SM)
Wavelength: 1310nm (MM, SM)
Distance: 500M (MM), 20KM/40KM (SM)
Fiber Connection:SC
Operating Temp:-10 to 60°C

[1] http://www.cmo.com/articles/2015/4/13/mind-blowing-stats-internet-of-things-iot.html

Different xDSL Equipment Overview

08 Dec, 2015
Posted by Delia Hernandez
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DSL has come a long way since its humble ADSL beginnings. The following is the final part in The History of DSL Trilogy. If you missed the Part I discussing the history of DSL, click here. For a quick overview of the 6 xDSL technologies in use today, visit Part II of the series.

Equipment Used For DSL

There are a range of products on the market that deploy DSL services. The following are a few examples of Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexers (DSLAMs) and modems that deliver DSL broadband. Visit Part II of this series to learn more about the different types of DSL.

ADSL/2/2+ DSLAMs

Some ADSL DSLAMs are compatible with all three ADSL standards such as the VX-1000HDX and the VX-1000MDX.

The VX-1000HDX ADSL2+ IP DSLAM unit from Versa Technology is a mini-DSLAM designed for the deployment of access networks.

The VX-1000MDX ADSL2+ IP DSLAM unit from Versa Technology is a mini-DSLAM that supports ADSL, ADSL2/2+ AnnexA and AnnexM.

VDSL/VDSL2 DSLAMs

Some VDSL2 IP DSLAMs such as theVX-M2024S and the VX-MD4024 come with ADSL2/2+ ports for added flexibility.

The VX-M2024S from Versa Technology is a 1.5U compact 24-port VDSL2 IP DSLAM with 2 Gigabit Ethernet Combo interfaces and built-in POTS/ISDN splitter.

The VX-MD4024 is a rack-mountable VDSL2 IP DSLAM. The unit supports two Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) trunk interfaces and 24 VDSL2 ports (ADSLx backward compatible).

VDSL2 Modems

Many VDSL2 modems offers ADSL2+ fallback such as theVX-VER522.

Versa Technology’s VDSL2 with ADSL2+ fall back 802.11n router has integrated wireless 802.11n draft 2.0 technology, making it possible to provide high-speed wireless data rates of up to 300mbps and superior wireless coverage.

ADSL2/2+

Most ADSL2+ modems support ADSL2 fallback such as theVX-VER170S.

The VX -VER170S ADSL2+ bridge/router from Versa Technology provides advanced long Reach/Rate, and crosstalk-free technology.

Limiting Factors

One of the main limiting factors to DSL services is aging copper lines. Companies that seek to compete at fiber speeds like Verizon Communications and AT&T, have been accused of allowing their copper lines to deteriorate so as to replace them with fiber. In fact, Verizon communications has recently sold its wireline liabilities to Frontier Communications, a smaller telecom company that delivers DSL broadband to rural cities. Another limiting factor to DSL is that subscriber speed directly correlates with how far away subscribers reside from the exchange.

The Future of xDSL

Even though DSL subscribers are declining, ISPs still desire to retain the profitability of copper lines. ISPS are investing in researching new vectoring methods to transmit broadband at faster speeds. As WinterGreen research reports: “Copper represents an installed infrastructure worth trillions and too expensive to just replace. Fiber is too expensive to use it to replace all the copper.” The utility of copper lines will continue to defy the laws of obsolescence with improved vectoring methods such as G.fast and XG.Fast, which have successfully achieved downlink speeds of 1 Gbps and 5 Gbps respectively. Openreach has already begun trial test runs with the new chipset to determine its integrity in real world settings. G.fast is still considered bleeding edge technology, but supporting standards such as G.inp promise to stabilize the consistency of signal speeds. To learn more about G.imp click here.

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Fastest Ethernet Extender Achieves Wire Speed of 300 Mbps

17 Aug, 2015
Posted by Delia Hernandez
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Versa Technology is proud to announce that we will be offering the VX-VEB160G4 (V2), an Ethernet Extender Kit that can achieve transmission rates of up to 300Mbps (190 Mbps DS / 110 Mbps US). The VX-VEB160 (V2) is the fastest Ethernet Extender Kit available in the market today with a near two-fold improvement in performance over the first generation (100 DS/100 US Mbps).

The second generation Ethernet Extender Kit, the VX-VEB160G4 (V2), allows users to achieve near fiber-like speeds via existing copper lines. These units give network administrators an appealing alternative to fiber deployment.

Different Modes For Different Applications

Our fastest ethernet extender gives users the ability to customize the performance of their units. With two selectable VDSL2 profiles, users can choose between Profile 30’a High Throughput Mode and Profile 17a’s Long Reach Mode. The following chart summarizes the different transmission speeds the VX-VEB160G4 (V2) can achieve:

The VX-VEB160G4-V2’s Speed Performance under 17a and 30a modes.

Our second generation Ethernet Extender Kit makes it simple to upgrade a network with its plug-and-play installation. By simply connecting the VX-VEB160G4 (V2) to a network and the desired network device, network administrators can effortlessly add up to 9,000 meters and still achieve up to 4 (Mbps).

This unit makes it simple to extend the distance of a network connection allowing users to bypass the standard 100m Ethernet limitation with a simple plug-and-play installation.

Industrial Performance That’s Simple To Use

The VX-VEB160G4 (V2) is ideal for industrial environments with the ability to support wide operating temperatures ranging between -40°C to 75°C.

These units offer stable performance in harsh environments giving network administrators the ability to extend networks at any location.

The unit features 4 Gigabit interfaces (RJ-45 connector) and 1 VDSL2 interface (RJ-45 connector) enclosed in a metal encasement.

Upgrade Your Ethernet Network to Fiber With Our Slim Profile Micro Media Converters

19 Jun, 2015
Posted by Delia Hernandez
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Versa Technology is proud to announce that we will now be helping businesses convert their Ethernet networks into fiber networks with our new micro-media converter series. Our micro-media converters boast a small form factor ideal for tight spaces. These units support 100FX, 100 FX SFP, or 1000 FX SFP interfaces in Fast Ethernet (FE) and Gigabit Ethernet (GigE) networking environments.

Long-Distance Solutions

Large enterprise environments and small businesses can now leverage the speed of fiber with our micro media converters.

Our SC Fiber models support distances between 2 km and 20 km distances. Our FX SFP models can reach even farther distances up to a maximum of 120 km.

Refer to our sister sites’ collection of SFP modules for a full list of SFP modules that support a variety of different distances and wavelengths. These units allow network administrators to truly customize their networks whether they’re supporting 100BASE-T or 1000BASE-T Ethernet networks.

Industrial vs. Hardened

Versa technology offers a selection of industrial and hardened micro-media converter units that can reliably withstand high operating temperatures. Our industrial units support temperature ranges between -10 to 60°C while our hardened units support even wider-temperature ranges between -40 to 75°C.

Industrial Models:

Hardened Models:

Our industrial micro-media converters have been especially designed to withstand the extreme temperature and electrical demands typical of industrial environments.

Plug-and-Play Installation

These industrial micro media converters make it simple to convert an Ethernet network into a fiber network. These units boast a plug and play installation making it simple for network administrators to upgrade their network to fiber.

Simplify Cable Management

Network administrators deploying a series of slim profile micro-media converters might want to consider the VX-R10 Micro Media Converter 19” 1U Rack (Tray) to simplify cable management.

This rack (tray) eliminates the need to individually connect power adapters to a series of micro-media converters. Simply connect a 12B Power Adapter to the Media Converter 19” 1U Rack (Tray) to power a series of micro media units.

These units offer a plug-and-play installation with hot swappable capabilities further facilitating the installation of a series of micro media converters.

Upgrade to Fiber Security

Optical fiber is a light-based technology and is more difficult to hack than Ethernet-based networks. Unlike Ethernet, fiber doesn’t radiate transmission signals making it extremely difficult to tap.

In the rare case that a fiber connection is tapped, light leakage will cause an entire system to fail. Network administrators can further secure their fiber networks by setting an alarm to go off when such a failure occurs. Networks that carry sensitive information such as military and government sites rely on fiber connectivity for its security and speed.

Dominating the 802.11ac Wave 2 with Multigigabit Ports

17 Apr, 2015
Posted by Delia Hernandez
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As 802.11ac Wave 2 Wireless Access Points (WAPs) are starting to hit the market and manufacturers are scrambling to fill a market need for multigigabit Ethernet.

The second iteration of the 802.11ac wi-fi standard can reach wireless speeds of up to 7Gbps in laboratory settings, an upgrade that makes Wave 1’s 1.3Gbps seem paltry.

To receive the full benefits of the upgrade, the speed boost will require network administrators to upgrade their cabling—an investment that not all network administrators are ready to make.

To facilitate this transition, some manufacturers have started to respond with switches that support multigigabit speeds of 1, 2.5G, 5G, and even 10G via existing Cat5/Cat6 cabling. These multigigabit ports will decrease upgrading costs, especially in large-scale networks.

Bleeding Edge Technology or Timely Solution?

These multigigabit Ethernet solutions have been created before the official finalization of the 2.5G and 5G Ethernet standard and until then, should be considered proprietary technology. Proprietary technology does not always guarantee compatibility and interoperability with other brands. The NBASE-T and MG-BASE-T Alliances, the two alliances responsible for spearheading the standardization of 2.5G and 5G Ethernet, have successfully recruited several manufacturers. Though their press release indicates that they are working towards the same end goal—accelerating the deployment of 2.5/5 G—their lack of collaboration hints that they are producing two competing market solutions.

Nonetheless, networking solutions such as these are filling a market need that will accelerate the adoption of 802.11ac Wave 2 wireless access points. These cost-effective solutions will eliminate the need to re-wire a network, making ultra-fast wireless speeds more obtainable. Manufacturers are expecting residential consumers and the education sector to embrace the second phase of the 802.11ac standard at a much more rapid rate than enterprise.

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