D-Link Targets SMBs With New Power Over Ethernet Devices

D-Link Corp. has expanded its Power over Ethernet (PoE) product line with the introduction of two new devices aimed squarely at the small and medium-sized business market.

Designed to be easily installed in small to mid-sized networks, the Web Smart DES-1526 24-port Fast Ethernet PoE switch provides up to the IEEE 802.3af maximum of 15.4 watts of power per port over standard Ethernet cables. This allows it to drive PoE network devices like wireless access points regardless of the local availability of a power outlet. The DES-1526 delivers two combo small form-factor pluggable (SFP) Gigabit uplinks and web-based management features that allow administrators to easily set up quality of service (QoS) and 802.1Q virtual local area network (VLAN) sgergation.

D-Link's new AirPremier DWL-P1012 midspan device allows network operators to retrofit their existing networks with PoE functionality. The DWL-P1012 midspan injects power onto the network infrastructure to drive PoE devices without requiring a PoE switch. The device can automatically verify if network devices are, in fact 802.3af compliant; if not, it only sends data over the network.

"Our latest PoE products are robust enough to be used in enterprise environments, and cost effective enough for small to medium business," D-Link director of business channel sales Robert Robinson said in a statement. "By harnessing the power of PoE, businesses can build out networks based on coverage needed, rather than where power outlets are located."

D-Link also announced the Express EtherNetworks PoE Adapter, an in-line network device that delivers data and electrical power to a non-PoE Ethernet-enabled device from a single CAT5 Ethernet cable. The adapter requires no tools or software to install, and can be used to complement any PoE midspan device.