The problem is that the final switch(s) aren't inside the protected area, there's already a switch or switches up on top of the tower splitting loads and sharing power from a single ethernet which seems needlessly complex to manage. The switches can't be polled for their state or be intelligent for shorts so if a problem happens the switch and all its loads drop together.?? This was a valid solution when it was installed as this device field was very small at that time.
Power would need to be fed up the tower as far as I'm aware since the only voltage up there should be for the tower strobe systems, It needs 48v not 120v.? We could theoretically take and split an ethernet in half to use all four pairs for 48v and no data then use the other two ethernets as the link down the tower to the ground for only data.?? The restriction here will be the lightning arrestors which will probably clamp POE voltage on unexpected pairs so those would need to be replaced.
There are at least 5 links currently, three cameras and at least two radios, I expect that number to climb as our network continues to be built out.?? Everything that runs via ethernet will also take power and can be driven from an external switch that supplies POE at the top of the tower.
Management is for checking Ethernet port statuses, checking for shorts, and listing current draws/voltages.? This is not the typical management where it needs ongoing maintenance, this is to determine system faults which may require a climb so we don't have to climb, order parts, and climb again to resolve issues.
The downside is the ubiquiti hardware seems to be considerably expensive, the difference between the 8 port and 16 port is about $40 totaling right under $600 and it's about 2x more than I would expect a system like this to cost so I'm not sure where ubiquiti thinks the value is.
I personally use Mikrotik for all my gear and this is what I'd use if it were my project, , it's about half as much and has dual voltage capability with that downside being we'd need to pull two different DC voltages to it ( but it will run any device we can put up there as long as it's 24v/48v/802.3AF.
?Miranda
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On 5/6/2025 3:17 PM, Anthony KB3DVS wrote:
So I can understand this,
0) we want a managed switch to be deployed outside (thus the weatherproof design) and the plan is separate power and fiber to the switch as opposed to a PoE from inside a protected area?
1) is there AC power in this outdoor area to provide to the switch? Does that power have a backup?
2) how many items are we connecting to our switch? like, is this for PoE cameras? Maybe that PtP WiFi connection we discussed in the meeting?
3) how much management do these items need?
Anthony Burokas
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On 5/6/25 11:07 AM, Miranda Schwarck KE5YZP via groups.io wrote:
I had asked Andrew last night about the other side and he said it's up and running.?? He's explained more about our site deployment and recommended a TT switch change to something that is weatherproof and accepts fiber+power independently instead of what we have now which is aggregated power on an ethernet cable, switching on a switch we can't monitor.
This new configuration will give us a managed switch up top with 5/8/16 ports to connect devices to with new devices still being installed "at the same level" which greatly simplifies our installs as we can switch ports around to different networks as needed.
I also need contacts for THC Presby that I can start scheduling the install with.?? The last time I asked I got a call sign to contact that didn't sound like a hospital employee.
Miranda
Anthony KB3DVS