The new Ethernet card for the KEYMILE MileGate multi-service packet transport platform provides 12 Gigabit Ethernet ports with power over Ethernet capability. The new card is designed for use at locations where the realisation of a local power supply is too expensive, or where a power remote backup system for equipment such as video cameras, access control systems, local radio networks or IP phones should be implemented.

KEYMILE, a leading supplier of cutting-edge technology for communications solutions in access and transmission systems, is continuing to augment its portfolio of solutions for IP applications in dedicated networks. The new Ethernet card provides 12 Ethernet ports with power over Ethernet (PoE) capability with up to 1 Gbps via standard RJ45 connections. Combined with the 10 GbE backplane access, extremely high bandwidth is available for each port.

The most important use cases of the Ethernet card are IP applications in dedicated networks. For example, Ethernet connections are required in the communication networks of railway operators or utility suppliers at many points for video surveillance, secure access control, WiFi hotspots, industrial automation or voice over IP telephony. However, providing local power supplies for the various devices often involves additional costs. Help is available with the power over Ethernet (PoE) capability of the new card, which is powered through the Ethernet cable. The card supplies an output power of up to 30 Watts per port and supports both PoE in compliance with IEEE 802.3af-2003 as well as PoE+ in compliance with IEEE 802.3at-2009.

Another advantage of the PoE functionality is that network operators can set up a backup system to cover failure of the local power supply system. The backup system for the telecommunication equipment is also the powering backup system of the connected devices. The card can not only power equipment supporting PoE standards; non-standard modules are also supported.

The Ethernet card supports MileGate’s chassis switch architecture, in which the multi-service platform runs as a switch with a single IP address – but with a flexible number of ports. As the switch can be extended with additional Ethernet modules, network operators can easily modify the number of ports to suit local conditions. In addition, the Ethernet module provides Layer 2 switching functionality.

The card meets the high reliability demands in company networks, for example with its high MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures) rating. Due to its extended temperature range, the card can also be installed in outdoor cabinets. The new MileGate card with PoE will be available in the autumn of 2013.