Grandstream continues to reinforce its reputation for innovation in network infrastructure with the introduction of the GWN7710R, an outdoor managed switch. Grandstream designed this versatile device for challenging environments exposed to the elements, which is ideal for a wide range of outdoor network installations.

In this article, we take a closer look at the features of the GWN7710R and explore some of its most common and more cutting-edge use cases.

Rugged network switch for harsh environments

Network applications and services continue to grow in number and diversity. Such services are no longer confined to office and residential buildings—they are also spreading out to many more spaces, including areas that may not be protected from the natural elements or other harsh environments.

Grandstream has responded to the need for purpose-built networking equipment to survive even the most severe conditions. The GWN7710R is a layer 2 managed switch that Grandstream specially designed to be installed in locations unprotected from the elements and areas where power and network connectivity are difficult to provision.

The most distinctive feature of the GWN7710R switch is its durability in extreme weather. This switch has an impressive ingress protection rating of IP66. To fully understand this remarkable durability, let’s briefly examine what the IP66 code means. 

This rating indicates that the switch is considered completely “dust-tight”—not even the finest dust particles can enter the enclosure. The rating also signifies the level of watertightness that the enclosure possesses.

The device will not be harmed even by powerful water jets blasting water at over 20 gallons per minute with a pressure of 14 psi at 10 feet. In addition, the switch’s nominal operating temperature range is -40° F to 140° F (-40° C to 60° C). Given these ratings, it can function outdoors virtually anywhere on the planet!

GWN7710R: designed to be versatile

Outdoor installations are challenging not only because of the elements. Additional difficulties are faced when attempting to provision power and network connectivity.

The GWN7710R features a 1G/2.5G SFP port that can terminate a fiber optic connection, allowing users to connect the switch to long-distance fiber links several miles long, depending upon the type of fiber. This enables installation far from the closest network access location.

The switch also supports both PoE input and output, allowing it to be powered over an Ethernet cable up to 300 feet long while simultaneously powering additional PoE-enabled devices connected to it. The output power budget depends on whether the device is powered by standard PoE or directly using DC input. We describe the PoE options and capabilities below.

Both of these features provide a high level of flexibility regarding how users can connect the switch to the network and line power.

The following diagram illustrates the use of an optical fiber connection to the GWN7710R switch (5) for a long-distance connection, with a solar-powered DC power supply (1) and three devices (2, 3, and 4) being powered by PoE from the switch.

Designed to be fast

Equipped with five RJ-45 Gigabit Ethernet ports and its fiber SFP port, this device delivers high-speed data throughput, offering a total switching capacity of 15 Gbps and handling over 11 million packets per second. It also supports jumbo frames of up to 15,000 bytes and features a MAC address table with a capacity exceeding 8,000 entries.

Other valuable features include various quality of service (QoS) capabilities, such as port prioritization, bandwidth management, rate limiting, and DSCP priority control, ensuring efficient traffic handling and network performance.

Designed to be easy to install

The GWN7710R boasts a sleek, compact design, making it highly versatile for installation almost anywhere. It offers flexible mounting options, including pole mounting, ceiling mounting, and DIN-rail mounting, allowing it to be easily installed in virtually any setting.

The port compartment is thoughtfully designed, featuring a large, well-insulated cover with multiple cable entry points. The rubber-lined openings provide a snug fit around the cables, ensuring a secure seal when the cover is closed to enhance protection and cable management.

Configuration options include convenient and intelligent local web configuration for standalone setups or integration with the GWN Manager or GDMS Network Management systems for larger deployments.

GWN7710R power features and budgets

The Grandstream GWN7710R supports the PoE, PoE+, and PoE++ standards, with the ability to receive power through its PoE In port (Port 5) and distribute power via its PoE Out ports (Ports 1-4). The PoE options are truly impressive: The PoE output can be configured to function as either passive PoE or standard IEEE 802.3/af/at/bt PoE. The device adjusts its PoE output budget depending on the input power type.

When powered via standard PoE input, the GWN7710R  offers:

• 3W of output budget for 802.3af input
• 15W for 802.3at input
• 60W for 802.3bt input

If powered by a DC input ranging from 12V to 57V, the output budget increases, offering:

• Up to 60W for a 12V input
• 72W for 24V
• 100W for 36V or higher

In terms of per-port capabilities, each of the four PoE Out ports can provide up to 30W in standard PoE mode. In passive PoE mode, Port 1 can deliver up to 60W with 48V DC or 30W with 24V DC. Ports 2-4 can provide up to 30W with 48V DC or 15W with 24V DC.

The following diagram depicts a deployment where the switch is powered by standard PoE++ while the switch, in turn, powers several additional devices using PoE.

Ultimately, the total PoE output budget is determined by the external power input, especially when using the DC input mode.

Grandstream GWN7710R use cases

The flexible deployment capabilities and robust power output options of the GWN7710R switch make it well-suited for several popular outdoor use cases in networking, such as:

• Outdoor wireless access point deployment: The switch’s ability to provide PoE+ and PoE++ power makes it ideal for powering wireless access points in outdoor scenarios, reducing the need to provision power.
  
  
• IP security camera systems: The switch can power IP surveillance cameras through PoE, making it perfect for deployments in security systems. Its high output per port allows it to handle both standard and high-power cameras, including those with motorized or infrared capabilities. 
  
  
• VoIP phone systems: For situations where IP phones must be installed outdoors, such as in campgrounds or hotel facilities, this switch can be used to help streamline setup by providing power and data through a single cable.
  
  
• IoT device networks: Many IoT applications are deployed outdoors, and the GWN7710R is suitable for powering a wide range of IoT devices, such as sensors and smart devices, in applications where centralized management and power distribution are essential.
  
  
• Digital signage systems: The switch is ideal for digital signage networks, where it can power and connect screens or signage devices distributed across retail spaces, campuses, or public areas.

Conclusion

The GWN7710R is an innovative PoE switch designed to meet the growing needs of deploying networking services, even the harshest of outdoor environments.

With its support for multiple PoE standards, this switch can be powered by PoE while simultaneously powering other PoE-enabled devices, delivering unmatched deployment versatility.

Whether used in security systems, IoT, or Wi-Fi networks, the GWN7710R simplifies network infrastructure while providing reliable and efficient power distribution, making it a valuable asset in any network setup.

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