Top 10 Industrial PoE Switches That Power Modern Data Centres

As data centres evolve to meet the growing demands of modern digital infrastructure, the need for robust, efficient, and scalable networking solutions becomes paramount. One technology that has appeared as a crucial component in this arena is the Industrial Power over Ethernet (PoE) switch. Industrial PoE switches not only provide power and data connectivity to network devices but also ensure reliability and performance in harsh environments. In this blog, we will explore the top 10 Industrial PoE switches that are ideal for data centre applications, focusing on their features, benefits, and why they stand out in the market.

1. Cisco Catalyst IE3400 Heavy Duty Series

The Cisco Catalyst IE3400 Heavy Duty Series is a top-tier Industrial PoE switch designed for demanding data centre environments. With advanced security features, high port density, and rugged design, this switch is built to handle extreme conditions while delivering reliable performance.

Key Features:

• Up to 24 PoE ports with a maximum power output of 60W per port.
• Advanced security protocols including MACsec encryption.
• Fanless design for silent operation and increased durability.
• High resistance to temperature fluctuations, dust, and vibration.

Why It Stands Out:

The Cisco Catalyst IE3400 is known for its robustness and extensive feature set, making it an ideal choice for data centres that require high reliability and security.

2. Hirschmann GREYHOUND 1050

Hirschmann’s GREYHOUND 1050 is another excellent Industrial PoE switch tailored for data centres. Known for its flexibility and modular design, it supports a variety of network configurations and expansion options.

Key Features:

• Modular design with up to 28 Gigabit Ethernet ports.
• High PoE power budget to support multiple high-power devices.
• Wide operating temperature range and rugged housing.
• Advanced network management capabilities with Layer 3 switching.

Why It Stands Out:

The GREYHOUND 1050’s modularity and scalability make it a versatile choice for data centres that require adaptable networking solutions.

3. Moxa EDS-518E Series

The Moxa EDS-518E Series is known for its industrial-grade reliability and extensive PoE capabilities, making it perfect for data centre applications. It offers a balance of performance, durability, and ease of use.

Key Features:

• 16 Fast Ethernet ports and 2 Gigabit combo ports.
• High PoE power output with up to 30W per port.
• Redundant power inputs and relay outputs for enhanced reliability.
• Rugged design with a wide operating temperature range.

Why It Stands Out:

The EDS-518E’s robust design and redundant power features ensure continuous operation in data centres, even under challenging conditions.

4. Netgear ProSAFE M4200

The Netgear ProSAFE M4200 is designed to deliver high performance and flexibility for data centre environments. It combines advanced PoE features with a user-friendly interface, making it a popular choice for IT administrators.

Key Features:

• 8 PoE+ ports with a total power budget of 240W.
• 2 10G SFP+ uplink ports for high-speed connectivity.
• Comprehensive security features including VLAN and ACLs.
• Intuitive web-based management interface.

Why It Stands Out:

The ProSAFE M4200’s ease of management and high-speed uplinks make it ideal for data centres that prioritize both performance and user-friendliness.

5. Allied Telesis AT-IE200-6FP

The Allied Telesis AT-IE200-6FP is a reliable Industrial PoE switch designed for harsh environments and demanding applications. It offers robust performance and extensive PoE capabilities.

Key Features:

• 6 Fast Ethernet PoE+ ports with a total power budget of 120W.
• Fanless design for improved durability and silent operation.
• Advanced network security features.
• Wide operating temperature range and ruggedized housing.

Why It Stands Out:

The AT-IE200-6FP’s compact size and rugged design make it perfect for data centres that require space-efficient and reliable networking solutions.

6. Advantech EKI-7710G Series

The Advantech EKI-7710G Series is engineered for industrial applications, offering robust performance and high PoE power output. It is designed to withstand extreme conditions while ensuring reliable data connectivity.

Key Features:

• Up to 8 Gigabit PoE+ ports with 30W per port.
• Dual redundant power inputs for increased reliability.
• Wide operating temperature range and industrial-grade design.
• Comprehensive network management features.

Why It Stands Out:

The EKI-7710G’s dual power inputs and industrial-grade construction ensure uninterrupted operation in data centres, even in harsh environments.

7. Red Lion N-Tron 7900 Series

The Red Lion N-Tron 7900 Series is a high-performance Industrial PoE switch designed for mission-critical applications. It offers advanced features and high port density, making it suitable for large data centres.

Key Features:

• Up to 28 Gigabit Ethernet ports with PoE+ support.
• High PoE power budget with 30W per port.
• Rugged design with high resistance to shock and vibration.
• Advanced network management and security features.

Why It Stands Out:

The N-Tron 7900 Series’ high port density and robust design make it an ideal choice for large-scale data centre deployments.

8. Belden RSPS30 Managed Switch

The Belden RSPS30 Managed Switch is known for its reliability and advanced management capabilities. It is designed to deliver high performance and flexibility in demanding industrial environments.

Key Features:

• 16 Gigabit Ethernet ports with PoE+ support.
• Redundant power supplies for increased uptime.
• Advanced Layer 3 routing and network management features.
• Ruggedized design for industrial applications.

Why It Stands Out:

The RSPS30’s advanced routing capabilities and redundant power supplies make it a reliable choice for data centres that require robust networking solutions.

9. Westermo Lynx 5512

The Westermo Lynx 5512 is an Industrial PoE switch designed to provide reliable and secure network connectivity in harsh environments. It offers a range of features that make it suitable for data centre applications.

Key Features:

• 12 Gigabit Ethernet ports with PoE+ support.
• Wide operating temperature range and rugged housing.
• Advanced network security features including firewall and VPN support.
• Redundant power inputs for increased reliability.

Why It Stands Out:

The Lynx 5512’s security features and rugged design make it an excellent choice for data centres that prioritize both performance and security.

10. Planet IGS-5225-4UP1T2S

The Planet IGS-5225-4UP1T2S is an Industrial PoE switch that combines high performance with advanced PoE capabilities. It is designed to meet the demands of modern data centres and industrial applications.

Key Features:

• 4 PoE+ ports with a total power budget of 240W.
• 2 Gigabit SFP uplink ports for high-speed connectivity.
• Wide operating temperature range and robust design.
• Advanced network management and security features.

Why It Stands Out:

The IGS-5225-4UP1T2S’s high PoE power budget and advanced management features make it a versatile and powerful solution for data centre applications.

The selection of the right Industrial PoE switch is critical for optimizing data centre performance. These switches offer several advantages that go beyond standard PoE switches, making them suitable for the rigorous demands of data centres.

Enhanced Durability and Reliability

Industrial PoE switches are designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions such as extreme temperatures, dust, and vibrations. This durability ensures continuous operation and minimal downtime, which is crucial for data centres that require 24/7 uptime. The robust construction of these switches protects against physical damage and environmental stressors, ensuring long-term reliability.

High Power Output

Data centres often house a multitude of high-power devices, including servers, storage systems, and network equipment. Industrial PoE switches provide a higher power budget per port, supporting devices that require more power than typical PoE switches can deliver. This high-power output is essential for powering advanced devices such as IP cameras, wireless access points, and VoIP phones, ensuring seamless connectivity and operation.

Advanced Network Management

Managing a data centre network can be complex, requiring sophisticated tools and features to ensure optimal performance. Industrial PoE switches come equipped with advanced network management capabilities, including Layer 3 routing, VLAN support, QoS (Quality of Service) prioritization, and comprehensive security protocols. These features allow network administrators to configure, monitor, and manage the network efficiently, ensuring high performance and security.

Scalability and Flexibility

Data centres are dynamic environments that must adapt to changing demands and technologies. Industrial PoE switches offer scalability and flexibility, allowing for easy expansion and upgrades as needed. The modular design of some switches, such as the Hirschmann GREYHOUND 1050, enables organizations to add or remove modules based on their requirements, providing a customizable solution that grows with the data centre.

Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency is a significant consideration in data centres, where reducing power consumption can lead to substantial cost savings and environmental benefits. Industrial PoE switches are designed with energy efficiency in mind, featuring low power consumption and efficient power management. This efficiency helps lower operational costs and supports sustainability initiatives, making them an environmentally responsible choice.

As technology continues to evolve, several trends are appearing that will shape the future of Industrial PoE switches:

Increased Adoption of IoT Devices

The proliferation of IoT devices in data centres and industrial environments is driving the need for more advanced PoE solutions. Industrial PoE switches will need to support a growing number of connected devices, each with unique power and connectivity requirements. This trend will lead to the development of switches with higher port densities and enhanced management capabilities to handle the increased demand.

Integration of AI and Machine Learning

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are becoming integral parts of network management. Future Industrial PoE switches will likely incorporate AI and ML technologies to enable predictive maintenance, automated network optimization, and enhanced security features. These advancements will help data centres run more efficiently and respond proactively to potential issues.

Enhanced Security Measures

With the increasing prevalence of cyber threats, data centres require more robust security measures to protect their networks. Industrial PoE switches will continue to evolve to include advanced security protocols, such as AI-driven threat detection, real-time monitoring, and automated response systems. These features will help safeguard sensitive data and ensure the integrity of the network.

Greater Focus on Sustainability

Sustainability is becoming a critical consideration in data centre operations. Future Industrial PoE switches will likely feature even greater energy efficiency, supporting organizations’ efforts to reduce their environmental impact. This focus on sustainability will drive innovation in power management and cooling technologies, contributing to greener data centres.

In conclusion, Industrial PoE switches have become indispensable in modern data centre environments. Their ability to provide both power and data connectivity, combined with their robustness and reliability, make them ideal for handling the demanding requirements of data centres. The top 10 Industrial PoE switches highlighted in this blog offer a range of features and benefits that cater to diverse needs and applications, ensuring that you can find the perfect solution for your data centre infrastructure.

When selecting an Industrial PoE switch, it is essential to consider factors such as port density, power budget, operating temperature range, and advanced management features. Each of the switches listed above excels in these areas, providing reliable performance and scalability for your data centre needs. Investing in the right Industrial PoE switch will not only enhance your network’s efficiency but also future-proof your infrastructure, enabling you to adapt to the ever-evolving demands of digital technology.