87 replies to this topic

[Neon]

No not really...

Apparently now, to save the huge amount of power that computers do use, people are looking for an alternative...

Can you think of one?

NOPE me neither...

BUT the DSP DESIGN company reckons that we will be powering up our computers with CAT5E or similar networking cable.

This development would not only save power, but in poorer countries where electricity may be limited or low powered, this could be a life saver.

Would you use it if you were given the choice?

[ShadowFox]

sure why not, sounds good but when it all comes down to it HOW MUCH more powerful is it, HOW MUCH energy are you saving? I want the numbers to decide if it's worth it or not.

[clarky3429]

hey, if it works the same and saves me money, why not!!

[Visentinel]

KW can u explain this topic better please ?

[Neon]

What else can i say?

Cat5e cables used to power computers, people are working on it...i know as much as i said...

Got you posting though

[clarky3429]

where does it aquire enough power to operate a system - a single cat5e cable couldnt supply enough power could it??

[Neon]

it is in a computer magazine, one of these days i'll transfer the whole article, the basic context is in this post...

[ShadowFox]

I'm with clarky how can one cat5e cable power it? It's all the science I want explinations, and I still want those numbers too

[Neon]

OK this is how the article reads, word for word...so critics, shut up!

The number of cables emerging from the back of your computer could soon be reduced if the technologies developed by DSP Design are adopted by the leading system manufacturers.

Wireless networks tidied up the clutter in some areas, however DSP are announcing large improvements in their Power over Ethernet (PoE) developments. Which means entire systems may soon be powered through regular Cat5 LAN cabling.

Already established as an IEEE standard, the PoE has an upper limit of 15.4 Watts, enough juice to power low power devices such as VOIP handsets and Network Hubs, webcams, smart card readers, and also video servers.

Although a system itself must rely on a standard power lead, newer touch screen computers, for example the POET6000 use a mere 12WATTS, this means that this system can be powered completely by the PoE technology.

Work is already underway to increase the power provided, already we could soon see the DSP Design method manage to produce 30-35Watts.

Other advantages then come in, recharging notebooks while connected to a LAN, no need to carry a Power Pack.

This technology is set to change the world wide standard, though it still has a way to go before we can drop the conventional Power Cable.

[ShadowFox]

ooo.... Sounds good, the notebook thing sounds kind of like my PDA, I plug it in to get stuff off of it/ load stuff to it and it charges teh battery for me.

[Neon]

Finally, someone accepts it!

[ShadowFox]

I accepted it before I just wanted numbers like effeciency and cost

[Neon]

Ok, i think it will be helpful if this does happen though, so easy to thread cat5 in between floor boards, ready made PC power outlets all over the home!!

[Linoman]

You know that sounds really great but to be honest I am waiting for a LAN with a transfer rate of 1 TB per a second.

[RedInferno]

How long are you willing to wait?