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As the power consumption of LCD displays continues to plummet with the introduction of LED backlit panels, Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) thin client solutions are becoming more prevalent each day. In the digital signage, retail, and access control markets, PoE products will be the wave of the future because of the numerous advantages that are provided by PoE. In order to create a PoE infrastructure, there are two main components that are necessary: a power sourcing device and a powered device.
The power sourcing device will be a PoE-enabled router or switch. These units have the same functionality as traditional routers and switches with the added bonus of injecting power onto the CAT5 lines. The powered device can be any unit that is capable of receiving power on the CAT lines. In our case, any Boundary Devices board used in conjunction with our PoE module is a powered device. The PoE module is a 802.3af-compliant Power over Ethernet module that has been designed specifically to provide other Boundary Devices products with PoE capability. See our 10.4" POE Touch Computer for a complete PoE Thin Client solution.
There are many advantages provided by PoE over traditional AC outlets. Because AC outlets are not needed, an electrician is no longer required to install conduit, electrical wiring, and outlets throughout the facility. In larger installations, this can be quite expensive and thus PoE would provide a monetary savings. Besides the monetary savings, PoE provides flexibility in the placement of systems. The customer is no longer bound by the existence of an AC outlet to deploy their solution.
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