A smart building converges various building-wide systems—such as HVAC, lighting, alarms, and security—into a single IT managed network infrastructure. It often uses foundational technology such as Power over Ethernet (PoE) to accomplish this convergence.
How does it work?
A smart building uses its intelligence to collect actionable data from user devices, sensors, systems, and services on the premises. Applying that data using artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) makes the building both programmable and responsive to the needs of the users and the building manager.
The intelligence of the network also helps secure the network. For instance, the network can identify and segment devices and learn their behavior, to improve detection of anomalies and intrusions.
Benefits of smart buildings
What is a connected building?
Power over Ethernet (PoE) is a technique for delivering DC power to devices over copper Ethernet cabling, eliminating the need for separate power supplies and outlets. While PoE doesn't add Ethernet data capabilities, it does offer expanded options for how and where Ethernet end devices can be placed.
What is PoE?
What's the role of PoE in a smart building?
As PoE evolved from 15W to 90W of power across Ethernet cabling, the numbers and types of devices that can be powered and connected by PoE have grown dramatically. Using PoE to power devices also offers greater location flexibility and lower cost to deploy and operate them than using AC power.
In a smart building, PoE can power devices such as sensors, lighting, HVAC systems, elevators, and fire alarms, as well as USB-C laptops, TV and computer monitors, shades, refrigerators, and room air conditioners.
A connected building can generally be described as a building whose operations technology is connected to and managed with the IT network. These actions often have occurred in silos, as various technologies doing various tasks around the building have evolved at different rates.
