Powered Patch Panels

[jneiberger]

Are any of you using PoE patch panels instead of PoE switches or midspan power injectors?

I've been pondering how we would power IP phones if we were to roll out IP telephony and I don't like our options. We can use wall wart power adapters...yuck. We can buy an overpriced PoE switch...ugh. Or, we can add a midspan power injector...ack.

I have no idea how they're priced but I'm starting to wonder if a PoE patch panel solves the problem at the best possible place. It cuts down on the added cables I'd need for a midspan device and I won't have to spend a gazillion dollars on a Cisco PoE switch (I'd probably stick with Cisco for switching.)

Any thoughts?

Thanks,
John

 

[donporter]

We have tried both injectors and power devices. The best answer is use the PoE switches.
The injectors are good for the wiring closet that has more computers then phones. If you are just looking at buying only PoE ports basic on number of phones and not a blanket switch replacement.
Recycling power: I can recycle power on phones remotely with PoE devices with some management ablilties. Most injectors and power panel don't have the management to recycle power.

DP

 

[johnpoole]

the answer is perfect, bad thing about the patch solution is they end up with more non-power required patches then voip patches, unless your doing all your wireing and not using contractors or a desktop group that you can't control. another thing to consider is the concertration of voip phones to anyone location. we started with wall warts, and that is not a dependable solution, why have ups on the network and ccm and wall warts? not to mention the maint issue. because of maint, long term, remote power recycle will fit into your $ side of the spread sheet a lot better then patch panels that require a closet visit for that task. we also started with a single color patch for each vlan and a unique color for voice, that lasted thru the install, but not much longer, with 20 people on desktop and 6 on the network side as well as 4 on telcom, voip and tdm, those plans cost more to deploy and have long been forgotten. like don said, spend a few more and get the management ability..

john poole
bellsouth business
columbia,sc

 

[jneiberger]

Another option I'm pondering is the Powerdsine midplane power injectors. They have a new high-density 48-port model that looks pretty cool, but I'm not sure how much of hassle it would be in the long run.

 

[johnpoole]

haven't worked with that unit, if you have remote power management on it, then give it a closer look, if not your looking at a point of failure that doesn't help with trouble shooting. to many points like that will make you grey way to quick (grey or unemployed or both)

john poole
bellsouth business
columbia,sc

 

[jneiberger]

I think they are managed but I'm not positive. I'll have to check into that. They have a new 48-port version out that looks pretty cool but I'm worried about adding complexity to the system.

OTOH, I can get a 48-port Cisco switch at a pretty good discount and I think the Powerdsine 48-port unit is around $1,500. That combo would be much cheaper than a 48-port PoE switch.

 

[johnpoole]

price has to be on the list but manageability is key to long term goals

john poole
bellsouth business
columbia,sc