Blog

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) was petitioned by NextNav, a geolocation company, to exchange its current spectrum license for a single, nationwide 15 MHz one in the 902 to 928 MHz frequency band of the 900 MHz spectrum. The change would provide 3D positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) technology with future 5G integration that can be operated indoors where Global Positioning System (GPS) signals are unreadable.

Reserved for the Americas, the 902-928 MHz band is widely used because of its stronger signals that can penetrate buildings, dense foliage, and terrains. Part of the ultra high-frequency (UHF) spectrum, it is attractive for:

• Walkie-Talkies
• RFID Tags
• Sensors
• Alarms
• Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) Devices
• Licenses Services for Location and Monitoring (LMS)
• US Military and Amateur Radio Operations
• Text-based Services
• Remote Monitoring

NextNav uses a network of land-based transmitters or existing 5G infrastructures to broadcast encrypted signals, with receivers using the timed signals to calculate an object’s longitude, latitude, and altitude. 

Concern has arisen that the change will increase interference and weaken security in the designated frequency band. As IoT adoption accelerates, especially in healthcare, manufacturing, and transportation, this band has become increasingly congested. Any changes to its availability or interference profile could directly impact performance, reliability, and security. As a result, organizations are reassessing how they design and protect their security and Internet of Things (IoT) infrastructures.

Power over Ethernet (PoE) offers proven, future-ready security solutions that reduce dependence on a crowded wireless spectrum, while improving reliability and control.

Preparing for Change

IoT has significantly increased the use of the lower MHz spectrum, especially in healthcare and manufacturing. Devices are straining the bandwidth, raising concerns for reliable performance and cybersecurity. The ongoing use of the 901-960 MHz band faces intense congestion as the IoT market continues to grow. 

As spectrum congestion increases, networks must rely on alternatives that minimize exposure to wireless uncertainty.

How PoE Security Reduces Risk

PoE technology transmits power and data to PoE-enabled powered devices (PDs) via a single Ethernet cable. Since the initial standard was published, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) has advanced the technology to provide higher data rates and up to 90W of power to PDs.

PoE security can reliably power network devices such as surveillance cameras and motion detectors while sending high-resolution video over Ethernet cable rather than radio waves. Managed PoE switches can control and monitor lighting, wireless access points, and alarms for secure entry. IoT devices like environmental sensors can be connected with PoE technology to ensure a safe factory floor within manufacturing facilities.

PoE Cellular Gateways Ensure Resilient Connectivity

Businesses can ensure operational integrity with PoE cellular gateways. A PoE gateway provides internet connectivity to wired networks via 4G and 5G cellular networks using a single Ethernet cable for data and power transmission. Unlike radio waves, the cellular spectrum is protected through PoE use. Interference is minimized, while uptime is maximized. 

PoE cellular gateways act as an internet source for areas where traditional cabling is impractical. Setup is simplified and costs are reduced.

PoE Switches: The Foundation of Secure Networks

The backbone for reliable network connectivity is found in unmanaged and managed PoE switches. 

Unmanaged switches operate as simple plug-and-play devices, making them suitable for basic deployments where configuration and monitoring are not required.

They do not have configuration interfaces. You cannot log into them to change settings, set up passwords, or monitor traffic. An unmanaged switch is designed to work exactly as it comes out of the box.

Managed switches offer granular control, remote management, traffic prioritization, and advanced security features. Supporting gigabit throughput for next-generation computing, a managed switch is the brain of a PoE network. Core management capabilities include:

• Remote Power Cycling: If a remote device freezes, it can be rebooted from the switch.
• VLANS: Networks can be segmented for security and access control.
• Quality of Service (QoS): Managed switches can prioritize critical business traffic, such as voice, video or essential apps.
• SNMP Monitoring: Alerts are sent if a device goes offline or if the switch reaches its maximum power budget.
• PoE Scheduling: To save money, timers turn off power to certain devices such as office Wi-Fi or LED lighting during off-hours.

Layer 3 managed switches support L2 MAC addressing and the intelligent capabilities of the router. 

Lengthening Reach with PoE Extenders

PoE extenders are used to increase the transmission range of a PoE device beyond its limit. Functioning as repeaters, they can be daisy-chained, allowing PoE devices to operate in remote locations. Interference is avoided by using the wired capabilities of PoE technology.

Building Future-Ready Networks with PoE Security

By helping to reduce dependence on an increasingly congested wireless spectrum, Planet Technology’s PoE solutions help organizations build reliable, scalable, and secure networks. Companies that have invested heavily in IoT devices operating at the low 900 MHz band can continue to leverage existing infrastructure for non-critical functions. Wireless connections can be replaced with wired solutions to ensure continuous operation.

Because PoE switches can detect non-PoE devices, businesses can start to strengthen their infrastructures by incorporating switches that provide Layer 3 security features. Devices can then be replaced with PoE as needed to successfully address frequency interference while improving reliability. When reliability matters, PoE extenders can replace wireless links, even at a distance. 

Integrating Wired PoE Components Into Wireless Networks

In the effort to avoid a crowded spectrum, the link between the PD and the access point/router is the part of a wireless network that can be replaced by wired PoE infrastructure.

1. For greater speed, security, and reliability, end devices can be directly connected to the network using Ethernet cables rather than relying on wireless adapters.
2. Ethernet cables can provide a robust connection between wireless access points and the main network infrastructure, such as switches and routers.
3. For network distribution, central components like routers, modems, and core network switches are part of the wired infrastructure that the wireless access points plug into.

By plugging a PD directly into one of the Ethernet ports on a PoE switch, data travels over an Ethernet cable rather than over radio waves. A wireless access point can even be treated as a wired network device, powered and connected to the main network using PoE. Using standard Ethernet cables for a more stable and dedicated connection lets you bypass the entire radio frequency transmission and reception portion of a network.

To discuss your PoE security options or request a quote, contact Planet Technology USA and speak with a networking specialist today.