Gigabit Fibre Distribution for Talkback Panels and Antennae with Power over Ethernet

Overview

A live production environment required a flexible method for distributing Gigabit Ethernet connectivity to multiple talkback panels, talkback antennae, and control devices located throughout a venue. The solution needed to support a combination of powered and non powered endpoints while keeping the network infrastructure centralised and easy to manage.

The Challenge

Talkback antennae, desktop talkback panels, and DMX control panels were deployed at various locations around the site, many of which were beyond the practical reach of copper Ethernet cabling. Some devices required Power over Ethernet, while others only required standard network connectivity. The production team wanted to minimise local equipment while maintaining a clean, scalable, and centrally managed network design.

The Solution

At the central point, a BC100 3RU frame was installed and fed with Ethernet connections from a Layer 2 network switch. BC860 Ethernet to optical cards installed within the BC100 frame converted the incoming copper Ethernet signals into optical Gigabit Ethernet for distribution over fibre, as shown in the system drawing.

Multiple fibre links were routed from the BC860 cards to remote locations across the venue. At the remote end, optical Ethernet signals were received by BN810 and BN812 units.

• BN810 units converted the optical Gigabit Ethernet back to copper Ethernet on RJ45 connectors for devices that did not require power.
• BN812 units converted the optical Ethernet back to copper Ethernet on RJ45 connectors and simultaneously injected Power over Ethernet to support talkback antennae.

This approach allowed powered and non powered endpoints to be supported from the same fibre infrastructure while keeping the network topology simple and consistent.

Results

The system delivered stable Gigabit Ethernet connectivity across all remote endpoints, with Power over Ethernet supplied where required. Installation time was reduced, local power distribution was simplified, and the overall system layout remained clean and well organised. Fibre transport ensured consistent network performance across long distances within the venue.

Key Benefits

• Centralised Gigabit Ethernet distribution using a BC100 3RU frame
• BC860 cards converted Ethernet to optical at the core
• BN810 units provided optical to copper Ethernet conversion on RJ45
• BN812 units provided optical to copper Ethernet conversion with PoE
• Support for mixed PoE and non PoE endpoints
• Reduced on site equipment and simplified deployment

Conclusion

By using a BC100 3RU frame populated with BC860 Ethernet to optical cards and a combination of BN810 and BN812 units at the remote locations, the deployment provided a flexible and scalable Gigabit Ethernet distribution system. The solution successfully supported talkback panels, talkback antennae, and control devices across the venue while keeping all critical infrastructure centralised and easy to manage.