Streamlining RTLS Infrastructure with ChainPoE™

One of the most significant challenges in deploying a large-scale Real-Time Location System (RTLS) is the infrastructure. Traditionally, powering and networking dozens of Anchors required a "home run" Ethernet cable for every single device, leading to high labor costs and complex cable management. CUWB addresses this challenge head-on with ChainPoE™, a proprietary technology that simplifies and accelerates CUWB installations.

What is ChainPoE?

ChainPoE is a specialized power and data distribution technology integrated into CUWB Anchors. Unlike standard Power over Ethernet (PoE), which requires a dedicated switch port for every device, ChainPoE allows users to "daisy-chain" multiple Anchors together. Up to 12 Anchors can be connected in a single series, sharing both power and data through a single cable run from the main power source.

The Benefits of ChainPoE

The primary advantage of ChainPoE is the massive reduction in physical infrastructure. By utilizing a daisy-chain configuration, deployments require up to 90% less wiring compared to traditional star-topology setups. This efficient system design leads to several key operational benefits:

• Fewer Home Runs: Instead of running 12 separate Ethernet cables back to a central network switch, technicians only need to run one. This significantly reduces the number of expensive long-distance cable pulls.
• Easier Installations: Installation is simplified by the use of ambidextrous Ethernet ports on each CUWB Anchor. There is no designated "In" or "Out" port; both ports function interchangeably. This removes the risk of wiring errors and allows technicians to daisy-chain devices quickly and easily. 
• Data Communication Redundancy: ChainPoE is designed for reliability. The efficient system design supports redundant data paths, ensuring that if one cable in the chain is compromised, the remaining anchors can maintain communication with the CUWB Engine.
• Reduced Hardware Costs: Fewer cables mean fewer switch ports and lower hardware expenses. Reducing infrastructure from a 48-port switch to an 8-port switch can result in significant cost savings.

Whether you are covering a small lab or a massive 100,000-square-foot warehouse, ChainPoE scales to meet your requirements. Its daisy-chain architecture eliminates the "cable nest" often associated with high-density AnchorArrays and allows for a cleaner, more professional installation. By combining the precision of Ultra-Wideband with the efficiency of ChainPoE, CUWB provides a hardware ecosystem that is as easy to install as it is accurate to track.

Learn more about CUWB hardware and ChainPoE: 300 Series Accessories & Infrastructure