Under the wave of digitalization, the hotel industry is undergoing unprecedented changes. The demand for network services from guests has upgraded from "available" to "high-speed, stable, and intelligent", and the hotel's internal intelligent device management, security monitoring, and other systems also urgently need more efficient network solutions. Power over Ethernet (PoE) switches, as a device that can simultaneously transmit data and power through Ethernet cables, have become a core tool for hotel network upgrades due to their unique advantages. This article will take you through practical design solutions to gain a deeper understanding of the successful application of PoE switches in the hotel industry.
Current situation and demand analysis of hotel network
Traditional hotel networks have many pain points. On the one hand, a large number of network devices, such as wireless access points (APs), IP cameras, smart door locks, etc., require separate power and network cables to be laid, which not only has high construction costs and complex wiring, but also makes maintenance difficult in the later stage. On the other hand, hotels have extremely high requirements for network stability and security, and guests' online experience in their rooms directly affects their evaluation of the hotel. The security monitoring system is also related to the safe operation of the hotel.
Taking a mid to high end business hotel with 300 rooms as an example, its network requirements include: providing high-speed and stable wireless network coverage for each room; Deploy a fully covered high-definition security monitoring system; Support the interconnection and intercommunication of smart guest room devices, such as smart TVs, environmental control systems, etc; At the same time, it is necessary to reserve space for future network expansion.
Detailed explanation of PoE switch design scheme
（1） Network architecture design
In response to the above requirements, a layered architecture is adopted to design the network. The core layer adopts high-performance three-layer PoE switches, which are responsible for the data forwarding and routing functions of the entire hotel network, ensuring high-speed data transmission and network stability. Deploy layer 2 PoE switches at the aggregation layer to connect the core layer and access layer, and aggregate and distribute data. The access layer deploys PoE switches with different numbers and powers of ports according to the device requirements in different regions, providing data transmission and power supply for wireless APs, IP cameras, and other devices.
In the guest room area, each room is equipped with a dual band wireless AP, which is connected to the network through a PoE switch. PoE switches provide stable power and data transmission for wireless APs, ensuring that guests can enjoy high-speed and stable wireless network services in their rooms. At the same time, smart door locks, smart TVs, and other devices in the guest rooms are also connected to the network through PoE switches, achieving interconnectivity and intelligent control of the devices.
In public areas such as lobbies, restaurants, conference rooms, etc., wireless APs should be deployed reasonably according to the flow of people and usage needs. PoE switches provide power and data transmission for these wireless APs, ensuring that guests can access the network anytime and anywhere in public areas. In addition, high-definition IP cameras are deployed in hotel corridors, elevator lobbies, entrances and exits, and connected to the monitoring system through PoE switches to achieve 24-hour uninterrupted security monitoring.
（2） PoE Switch Selection
In the selection of PoE switches, it is necessary to comprehensively consider factors such as the number of ports, power supply, switching capacity, and backplane bandwidth. For the guest room area, due to the relatively fixed number of devices, a PoE switch with a moderate number of ports and power supply that meets the needs of wireless APs and smart devices can be selected. For example, choosing a 24 port PoE switch, each port supports the 802.3af/at standard, with a power supply of up to 30W, which can meet the power needs of most wireless APs and smart devices.
For public areas and security monitoring systems, due to the large number of devices and some devices with high power, such as high-speed dome cameras, it is necessary to choose PoE switches with a large number of ports and high power supply. You can choose a 48 port PoE switch that supports the 802.3bt standard. The maximum power supply for a single port can reach 90W, which can meet the power needs of high-power devices. At the same time, the switching capacity and backplane bandwidth of the switch should be large enough to ensure high-speed data transmission and non blocking switching.
（3） Network Security Design
Network security is an important aspect of hotel network construction. In the design scheme of PoE switches, multiple security measures are adopted to ensure network security. Firstly, perform port security settings on PoE switches, limiting the number of connected devices and MAC addresses on each port to prevent unauthorized devices from accessing the network. Secondly, enable VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) function to isolate networks in different areas, such as dividing guest room networks, employee networks, security monitoring networks, etc. into different VLANs to prevent network attacks and data leaks.
In addition, firewall functions can be deployed on core layer switches to filter and detect data entering and leaving the network, preventing malicious attacks and virus intrusions. At the same time, regular security vulnerability scans and patch updates are conducted on network devices to ensure their security.
Practical application case: Network upgrade of Kuailu hotel
Kuailu Hotel is a five-star hotel with 500 rooms. Before the network upgrade, the hotel faced problems such as unstable network, chaotic wiring, and high maintenance costs. Guests have low satisfaction with the internet, and the hotel's security monitoring system also has certain risks.
To address these issues, the hotel has adopted a network upgrade solution based on PoE switches. In terms of network architecture, a three-layer architecture design is adopted, with high-performance three-layer PoE switches deployed in the core layer, and two-layer PoE switches deployed in the aggregation layer and access layer respectively. In the guest room area, each room is equipped with a dual band wireless AP, which is connected to the network through a PoE switch. Deploy different quantities and types of PoE switches and devices in public areas and security monitoring systems according to actual needs.
In terms of PoE switch selection, 24 port PoE switches are selected for guest rooms, and 48 port PoE switches are selected for public areas and security monitoring systems, both of which support the 802.3bt standard and meet the power needs of devices. In terms of network security, various security measures such as port security, VLAN partitioning, and firewalls are adopted to ensure network security.
After the network upgrade was completed, the hotel's network performance was significantly improved. Guests can enjoy high-speed and stable wireless network services in both guest rooms and public areas, resulting in a significant increase in network satisfaction. At the same time, the hotel's security monitoring system is more comprehensive, achieving all-round and seamless security monitoring. In addition, due to the simplified wiring of PoE switches, construction costs and maintenance difficulties have been reduced, and the operating costs of hotels have also been effectively controlled.
Advantages and Summary of PoE Switch Applications
From the above design scheme and practical cases, it can be seen that PoE switches have many advantages in the application of the hotel industry. Firstly, PoE switches transmit data and power simultaneously through Ethernet cables, simplifying wiring and reducing construction costs and maintenance difficulties. Secondly, PoE switches can provide stable power and data transmission for various devices, meeting the hotel's needs for network and smart devices. In addition, PoE switches also have good scalability, making it easy for hotels to upgrade their networks and expand their equipment in the future.
In the process of digital transformation in the hotel industry, PoE switches have become a key device for building intelligent hotel networks due to their high efficiency, convenience, and security. Whether it is a mid to high end business hotel or an economy hotel, PoE switches can be designed and deployed according to their own needs, creating a high-quality network environment that meets guest needs and enhances hotel competitiveness.
The above demonstrates the application of PoE switches in the hotel industry from a design perspective. If you would like to know more details about a certain part or have other modification requirements, please feel free to let me know at any time.