Omnitron launches first PoE+ Media converter

CHICAGO, USA: Omnitron Systems Technology, a provider of Carrier Ethernet demarcation devices and media converters, announced the availability of the new OmniConverter GPoE/S Gigabit media converter.

The OmniConverter GPoE/S is a 10/100/1000 UTP to 100BASE-FX or 1000BASE-X fiber multi-port media converter, and is the first converter on the market to support the new high-power IEEE 802.3at (PoE+) standard.

Classified as Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE), the OmniConverter GPoE/S provides power to one or two Powered Devices (PDs) using the same UTP cables that carry the Ethernet data.

The GPoE/S can power a variety of IEEE compliant and non-IEEE compatible PDs, such as IP phones, wireless access points and network cameras. The GPoE/S enables powering devices in hard-to-reach locations where there is limited access to AC power outlets, or locations where AC power creates safety issues.

The GPoE/S is available in models that support both the 802.3af standard and the new 802.3at (PoE+) standard which was approved by the IEEE earlier this month. Standard 802.3af models provide up to 15.4W of power per UTP port. The high-power 802.3at models provide up to 25.5W per port for more demanding PDs such as high-power wireless access points, pan-tilt-zoom IP cameras and other emerging devices.

“The GPoE/S is the most flexible solution for powering PoE-driven devices, including those deployed in fiber-to-the-desktop applications, such as IP phones and telepresence equipment” said Doug Baar, Vice President of Engineering. “The GPoE/S supports the higher power requirements of upcoming PoE+ devices, and offers backward compatibility with today's 802.3af PoE equipment and pre-standard equipment such as legacy VoIP phones.”

A variety of port configurations are available, including single or dual SFP and powered UTP ports. Models with dual SFP ports support critical applications that require redundancy and sub 50ms switch over in the event of a fiber failure.

The standalone GPoE/S comes in a compact form factor, which can be tabletop mounted, wall mounted, or DIN-rail mounted using an optional DIN-rail mounting kit. The product is DC powered and available with an optional external 100 - 240VAC universal power adapter.