The Nitty Gritty of Commercial vs. Hardened PoE Switches

Power over ethernet, or PoE, switches bring a wide range of benefits to industrial settings – but not all are created equal.

On this episode of What About Power Over Ethernet?, an EtherWAN podcast, EtherWAN Director of Products and Marketing Jim Toepper joined host Shelby Skrhak to explore the key differences between standard commercial PoE switches and hardened PoE switches.

While hardened PoE switches require a greater capital investment, that money upfront can come alongside greater consistency in the face of the kinds of harsh environments these switches were made for. If a setting exposes switches to extreme temperatures, excessive vibration, high levels of electromagnetic interference or other difficult conditions, hardened switches are likely the way to go.
“The reality is that a server room is a very nice environment,” Toepper said. “It’s like you going to Hawaii and relaxing on a beach and enjoying the nice weather. This is your element.

“What if you were to take that and, instead, put you in the middle of the Arabian desert? … It might look like a beach, but it’s not a beach.”

That means you have to be careful with where PoE switches “live,” even though even basic commercial switches aren’t exactly “delicate.” When the data and information is critical, failure isn’t an option.

The most important factor for any operation looking to add PoE switches is to understand which switch best suits its particular and unique needs – and a manufacturer like EtherWAN can help organizations form that critical knowledge base and make the right decision the first time.

Follow us on social media for the latest updates in B2B!

Twitter – @MarketScale
Facebook – facebook.com/marketscale
LinkedIn – linkedin.com/company/marketscale

Follow us on social media for the latest updates in B2B!

Image

Latest

Q2 2025
RM Q2 2025 Wrap Up
July 9, 2025

In an industry where noise often outweighs impact, Rogue Marketing continues to build a legacy on substance over spectacle. Their Q2 2025 slate wasn’t just busy—it was intentional, reflecting a deeper understanding of how brand experiences shape customer behavior and internal culture alike. From transforming Reddy Ice’s internal recognition into a branded legacy wall to…

Read More
amateur radios
Hamvention Spotlight: Emergency Preparedness Led PrepHam Paul to Amateur Radios and a Rising Voice in the Field
July 9, 2025

PrepHam Paul (K5VLP) celebrated his first visit to Dayton Hamvention by marking a major channel milestone. He hosted a giveaway of the  IC-2370B mobile radio from Icom to thank viewers for helping him reach 10,000 subscribers. His passion for emergency preparedness, rooted in his experience as an Eagle Scout and later studies in emergency management,…

Read More
ham radios
Hamvention 2025: ICOM Ham Radios Inspire Beginners and Veteran Operators Alike
July 9, 2025

Dayton Hamvention 2025 drew amateur radio hobbyists of all experience levels who shared stories and personal milestones. ICOM ham radios took center stage in many of these testimonials, featuring longtime fans to new licensees discovering the hobby through family and school. Attendees praised the reliability, sound quality, and ease of use of models like…

Read More
global radio enthusiasts
Dayton Hamvention 2025: Global Radio Enthusiasts Rely on Icom Radios for Versatility and Reliable Performance
July 9, 2025

Radio operators from around the world gathered at Dayton Hamvention 2025 to share firsthand stories of connection, experimentation, and gear that stands the test of time. As digital modes, satellite operation, and mobile setups continue to grow in popularity, global radio enthusiasts reaffirmed Icom as a trusted choice across all experience levels.. A diverse…

Read More