Many of the more than 75 billion Internet of Things (IoT) and industrial IoT (IIoT) devices expected to be connected to networks in the next four years will be low-speed operational technology (OT) devices, such as meters, sensors, actuators and remote controllers, needed to support building control applications like HVAC, security/access and lighting.

Traditional 4-pair Ethernet connectivity commonly used for networking devices like wireless access points and surveillance cameras is cost-prohibitive for OT device connections. In 2016, the IEEE 802.3 Ethernet Working Group set out to develop standards for single-pair Ethernet (SPE), and in November of 2019, the IEEE P802.3cg 10 Mb/s Single-Pair Ethernet Task Force approved 10BASE-T1L that supports 10 Mb/s transmission over balanced single-pair cabling. While additional SPE application standards are still underway, and TIA and ISO/IEC SPE cabling standards are in development, there is one proven, standards-based solution ready to support 10BASE-T1L in the enterprise today.

Siemon’s fully-shielded TERA cabling system with connectors that feature an isolated quadrant contact design has long supported standards-based cable sharing, which has been in practice and recognized by industry standards since 1999. Cable sharing is the practice of running multiple lower-speed applications over different pairs of a 4-pair cable. The fully-shielded cable used in the TERA cabling system offers the noise isolation between pairs needed to support multiple applications. The TERA connector accepts either one 4-pair cord, four 1-pair cords or two 2-pair cords (or a combination of 1- and 2-pair cords) for connecting multiple devices. This capability lends itself well to SPE deployments, offering many advantages over traditional OT communication methods.

First, Siemon’s TERA SPE solution with fully-shielded cable offers superior noise immunity, virtually zero emissions and so much transmission headroom that field testing is not required for guaranteed support of 10BASE-T1L cabling systems with reach up to 400 meters. With mechanical reliability in high temperature environments up to 75°C (167 °F) and all components rated for current capacity up to 2 amps, the solution also supports reliable delivery of dc power via IEEE 802.3 power over data line (PoDL) remote powering technology.

Just as it has supported cable sharing for decades, the standards-based TERA outlet easily facilitates plug-and-play connections to both 10BASE-T1L and 10/100/1000BASE-T Ethernet equipment using 4-pair, 2-pair and 1-pair TERA plugs. For 4-pair Ethernet applications, the cable can also be terminated to Siemon’s innovative field-terminated Z-PLUG™ that offers best-in-class termination speed, a shorter plug design for easily connecting to devices with limited space, and the ability to support custom length cords for optimum cable management.

When used with a zone cabling approach where TERA outlets are housed in one of Siemon’s zone enclosures, TERA cabling offers more efficient use of pathways and shorter, easy-to-manage links to devices or outlets serving multiple SPE and 4-pair Ethernet devices as shown in the graphic. Siemon’s TERA SPE cabling solution is compatible with traditional 1-pair screw terminal interface connections commonly found on OT equipment and devices today. Siemon’s application engineers can work with you to identify the best method for using 1-pair TERA cords to connect to other SPE equipment interfaces at both ends of the channel as new technology emerges.

Siemon’s standards-based TERA solution with non-proprietary category-style cabling and innovative TERA components is ready to support 10BASE-T1L for building control, industrial and other OT network connections up to 10 Mb/s, while also providing a common networking platform for all 1-, 2- and 4-pair IoT and IIoT Ethernet devices in the enterprise space.

To get the full details straight from the expert herself, download Valerie Maguires Tech-Brief: “Support of 10BASE-T1L with TERA® SPE Cabling – Siemon’s Single-Pair Ethernet Solution is More than the Sum of Its Parts“

Video Demonstration:
Supporting Single-Pair Ethernet over 400 m of Category-Style Four-Pair Copper Cabling