A growing number of IoT (Internet of Things) devices are demanding ever more powerful IT networks. Bandwidth requirements are increasing rapidly (so do power & data), owing to more devices being connected to networks and more cloud applications and mobile devices being used.

Today, with the latest Wireless LAN standards the available bandwidth at the access level increases again and established network connections are
reaching its limits. This makes it necessary to think about new technologies to transport the upcoming data traffic.

In addition to the Wireless LAN application, smart building systems are being increasingly integrated into the IP network. In this case, it is not bandwidth that is typically to the fore, but instead the provision of data and power, supporting applications like connected lighting, smart sensors and heating, air conditioning and security systems.

To implement and manage all this in a cost and resource efficient way, while ensuring the IT networks flexibility, Aginode has developed a “Fibre in the Digital Ceiling” concept.

Basically, a data/power/control network is connected throughout an entire building via an overhead honeycomb configuration, offering a significant number of (powered) connection points. This way, devices can be linked to building automation. Network switches, sensors, controls, WLAN access points and other distributed building services are simply plugged in and immediately powered and connected to the network. 

The core component is the new Aginode LANactive Ethernet switch “DICE”.
 

“DICE” is optimized for a smooth installation in the digital ceiling. Based on a modern design it can be integrated seamlessly into the smart building of tomorrow.

Advantages of LANactive DICE

• Meets current and future network requirements of smart buildings
• Scalable upgrading of existing and new network infrastructures
• Fibre based technology to serve future requirements of security, high bandwidth and energy savings
• Fast and flexible provisioning of data and services (WLAN) exactly where they are needed
• Sustainable and cost-efficient management and maintenance of the network

Features

• 2x 10 Gbps SFP+ uplinks
• 4x MultiGigabits access ports for connection of bandwidth consuming applications
• 4x Gigabit access ports for connecting further IP equipment such as monitoring cameras, intelligent lighting or building systems
  (Smart Building)
• Access ports are featured with PoE++ with up to 90W

In conjunction with the established LANactive FTTO concept, a maximum performance and flexibility of the IT infrastructure can be achieved, in a way that enhances user experience while reducing energy usage.

Aginode recent product innovation “DICE” is a major step towards further developing the companies new product platform supporting high bandwidth (10G) and smart building applications.

XGigaSwitch DICE

LANactive XGigaSwitch is optimized for supporting Wireless LAN infrastructures. Based on MultiGigabit and 10 Gigabit SFP+ interfaces the switch is able to support the bandwidth required by the latest Wireless LAN standards.

Access Ports

The XGigaSwitch has eight Access Ports connecting Wireless LAN Access Points, IP Cameras, Connected Lighting or Smart
Building Systems. Four Access Ports supporting MultiGigabit to avoid any bottleneck with the latest WLAN technology
standards.

Ceiling Installation

The very compact design allows various mounting options and is honoured with the reddot design award. In combination
with the fanless design and the noiseless operation the installation can be e.g. in offices or in visible areas.

Power over Ethernet

The latest Power over Ethernet standard IEEE802.3bt enables the remote powering with up to 90W per port. Equipment like
Wireless LAN Access Points, IP-Cameras, Connected Lighting or Smart Building Systems can be supplied with power from
the switch directly. The Power over Ethernet functionality can be parametered, controlled and monitored via management.

Memory Card

The optional memory card automatically saves the complete current configuration and firmware of the device. In case of
failure, this feature allows an easy exchange of the hardware without additional configuration. In addition, each memory
card can be delivered with its own MAC address that is adopted by the switch.

Switch Management and Zero-Touch Configuration

Aginode LANactive Manager allows a simple and secure configuration of all device parameters of the XGigaSwich
series. With the LANactive Manager a larger number of XGigaSwitches can be managed and monitored at the same
time. In combination with Aginode Zero-Touch Configuration, the LANactive Manager allows automatic distribution of
configurations and firmware updates. A pre-configuration of the switches is not necessary.

WiFi 6 as Technology Driver for XGigaSwitch DICE

The latest WiFi standard IEEE802.11ax called WiFi 6 is optimized for crowded areas and parallel communication between
access points and end devices. It is based on OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiplexing) technology and uses
the 2.4GHz, 5GHz and with the extension WiFi6e also in the 6GHz band. To archive 1,024 QAM modulation means that the
signal quality must be increased between source and destination. This can be achieved by working with smaller radio cells
what result in a higher quantity of access points in the same area. The following table shows the main differences WiFi 5
and WiFi 6.

IEEE 802.11ax (WiFi 6)

• Increasing bandwidth and efficiency (OFDMA)
• Designed for crowded areas
• Increasing bandwidth requires better signal quality
• Decreasing the radio cell
• Uplink bandwidth > 1 Gbps is recommended (IEEE 802.3bz)
• Increasing power consumption requires PoE++ (IEEE 802.3bt)

Bandwidth as Technology Driver for XGigaSwitch DICE

The Gigabit Ethernet standard came into use in 1998 and is until today the most common and used access transmission technology in Local Area Networks (LAN). Between 1 and 10 Gigabit Ethernet, the Multigigabit standard was approved in 2016 and supports 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet and 5 Gigabit Ethernet. The main advantage of the 2.5 Gigabit standard is that there is no need in refurbishing the cabling infrastructure, because it works also with a CAT5e infrastructure. The main application for Multigigabit are the latest WiFi access points.