Surge Protection Challenges for 10 GbE PoE++

Surge protection is an important consideration for any network, but it can be particularly challenging for a 10 GbE PoE++ protocol data network due to the high speeds and power involved.

Challenges can include:

Voltage spikes: Voltage spikes can occur due to lightning strikes, power surges, or other electrical disturbances. These spikes can damage the sensitive electronics in the network equipment, leading to costly downtime and repairs. The intensity of voltage spikes can be much higher outdoors, where high-speed Ethernet links are now frequently deployed.

Power surges: Power surges can occur when there is a sudden increase in the electrical power flowing through the network equipment. These surges can cause damage to the network equipment, particularly the PoE++ switches and injectors.

Grounding issues: Proper grounding is essential for effective surge protection in a network. 10 GbE SPDs must provide a dedicated low-impedance connection to the grounding system, while maintaining the characteristic impedance of the system to maintain signal integrity.

Cable damage: The high power delivery of PoE++ can lead to cable damage if the cable is not rated for the high power levels. This can result in a loss of connectivity or even equipment damage.

SASD to the Rescue

Silicon avalanche suppression diode (SASD) technology is widely used to protect GbE PoE++ data networks from power surges. Silicon avalanche diodes are designed to trigger and conduct current when the voltage exceeds a certain threshold. When a surge of excess voltage and current enters the surge protector, the silicon avalanche diode conducts the current and creates a short circuit, which diverts the excess voltage and current away from the protected equipment and towards ground. This process of diverting excess voltage and current away from the equipment helps to prevent damage to sensitive electronic components.

SASD offers several benefits over other surge protection technologies including:

Low let-through voltage: SASD surge protectors allow very little voltage to pass through to the protected equipment. This helps to prevent equipment damage and downtime due to power surges.

Fast response time: SASD surge protectors can detect and respond to surges quickly. This helps to prevent damage to the protected equipment.

Long lifespan: SASD surge protectors can provide protection for many years. They are also designed to be maintenance-free, which reduces the need for costly and time-consuming repairs or replacements.

Compact design: SASD surge protectors are typically very compact and can be installed in tight spaces. This makes them ideal for use in environments where space is at a premium, such as data centers and industrial settings.

A Transtector Solution

Transtector recently began offering a surge protector that is designed for use with 10 GbE PoE++ networks. The ALPU-M150 outdoor data surge protector uses SASD technology to protect critical equipment while remaining transparent to data throughput. It will guard 10 GbE PoE++ networks from electrical transient surges that are generated by lightning strikes and by internal switching events. It supports long-term system reliability by absorbing high amounts of transient energy while maintaining a very low clamping voltage.

This versatile solution is housed in a weatherproof enclosure and works with Cat6, Cat6a and Cat7 cable types. It features a weatherized wiring grommet, dielectric lube to protect RJ-45 connections and a conformal coated PCBA circuit board.

Applications:

• Telecom base stations
• WISP/ISP
• IT and data centers
• Point-to-point links
• Control lines and sense loops
• Oil and gas industry

Summary

Fast, reliable 10 GbE/PoE++ data networks also need fast, reliable protection from lightning strikes and other causes of power transients. Surge protectors with SASD technology such as the Transtector ALPU-M150 are ideal for 10 GbE/PoE++ applications, because they respond quickly, last long, and can handle high current with low let-through. The Australian distributor of the Transtector ALPU-M150 is Streakwave.

Top image credit: iStock.com/TomasSereda