Microchip Outdoor PoE Switch for Smart Cities

August 2, 2023

The Microchip PDS-204GCO is a next-generation IEEE® 802.3bt-compliant outdoor PoE switch for smart cities. It allows Wi-Fi® access points, security network cameras and many other IoT devices to receive power and data over standard Ethernet cables, leaving the network infrastructure completely unaltered.

Building on features and capabilities of the current favorite PDS-104GO, the PDS-204GCO adds increased cyber protection plus the redundancy required for high network availability in mission-critical outdoor applications with long-distance connectivity.

The PDS-204GCO includes four PoE Gigabit Ethernet ports that support the IEEE 802.3bt (Type-4) standard and two Small Form-Factor Pluggable (SFP) fiber links that each support 1 Gigabit per second (Gbps) or 2.5 Gbps speeds. The fiber links can be used as optical uplink ports for surveillance cameras and as a redundant uplink path for increasing network availability. Support for ITU-T G.8032 Ethernet Ring Protection Switching (ERPS) technology ensures communication continues if there is an uplink link failure.

The PDS-204GCO switch also supports multiple network topologies, and multiple units can be concatenated using a daisy-chain topology to extend the reach from the main central switch while reducing the number of optical cables directly connected to it from each device.

The PDS-204GCO’s cybersecurity features protect both the data traffic transmitted within the switch and the switch’s system management. Key features for protecting transmitted data within the switch include endpoint device authentication and authorization, manual switch-traffic policy management, and Denial-of-Service (DoS) attack prevention.

The PDS-204GCO outdoor PoE switch is based on Microchip’s VSC7514 10-port industrial Ethernet switch, VCS6817 IStaX software package and PoE integrated circuits.

Key features for protecting switch management and configuration include securing web browsing using self-signed or Certificate Authority (CA)-signed certifications and user authentication and authorization by remote servers using RADIUS or TACACS+ security mechanisms.

Go HERE for more information

Recomended Reading

Trilliant Partners with the City of Cowansville to Pioneer Smart City Infrastructure

EIN Trilliant Cowansville 400, Microchip

The City of Cowansville in south-central Quebec is the largest city in the Brome-Missisquoi region, with more than 15,000 residents. Despite being a smaller-sized city, it is known as an economic and industrial hub.

Read More

Related Articles


Latest Articles

  • Mastering Advanced Bidding Strategies in Electrical Contracting

    Mastering Advanced Bidding Strategies in Electrical Contracting

    December 1, 2025 By Melvin Newman, Patabid CEO & Ian Paterson, Patabid Client Success Manager and journeyman electrician with 30+ years of experience In the competitive world of electrical contracting, knowing how to estimate electrical jobs effectively can make the difference between winning profitable projects and watching opportunities slip away. For electrical contractors, mastering advanced… Read More…

  • Why Choosing the Right USB Charger Matters

    Why Choosing the Right USB Charger Matters

    December 1, 2025 Not all USB Chargers are Created Equal As the number of devices used daily increases, so does the need for a charger that delivers safe speeds and maximum charging potential. A high-quality USB charger delivers efficient charging without risk of damage, but the sea of USB chargers and outlets available on online… Read More…

  • How Homebuilding Incentives Can Pay Off for Cities, Homeowners and Local Economies: New Concordia Study

    December 1, 2025 A new study from Concordia University’s John Molson School of Business finds that improving housing affordability isn’t just a social good — it’s an economic growth opportunity. Build and Benefit: How Homebuilding Incentives Can Pay Off for Cities, Homeowners and Local Economies reframes housing policy reform as a sustainable fiscal growth strategy, demonstrating meaningful… Read More…

  • The Importance of HazLoc LED Lighting for Safe Workplaces

    The Importance of HazLoc LED Lighting for Safe Workplaces

    November 30, 2025 By CSC LED In Canada’s industrial lighting sector, one of the most critical yet often overlooked safety components is lighting designed specifically for hazardous locations, otherwise known as HazLoc (hazardous location) LED lighting. For workplaces dealing with flammable gases, vapours, combustible dust, or ignitable fibres, standard LED fixtures simply don’t cut it…. Read More…


Changing Scene

  • Skills Ontario Celebrates the Expansion of Trades & Tech Truck Program

    Skills Ontario Celebrates the Expansion of Trades & Tech Truck Program

    December 1, 2025 Skills Ontario is expanding its fleet of Trades & Tech mobile unit thanks to support from the Ontario Government. The government announced this morning it’s investment in Skills Ontario to expand experiential opportunities for Ontario’s future workforce.    “Ontario’s future relies on a strong, skilled workforce,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration,… Read More…

  • BC’s Canadian Mutual Recognition Agreement aims to Facilitate Interprovincial Trade

    BC’s Canadian Mutual Recognition Agreement aims to Facilitate Interprovincial Trade

    December 1, 2025 A new agreement signed by all provinces, territories, and the federal government will break down interprovincial trade barriers, making it easier for B.C. businesses to sell products across Canada, and for people to buy Canadian-made goods.   “When threats to Canada’s economic security land at our doorstep, we’re at our best when we work together as… Read More…

  • EB Horsman’s Commitment to Giving Back – A Year in Recap 2024/2025

    EB Horsman’s Commitment to Giving Back – A Year in Recap 2024/2025

    December 1, 2025 EB Horsman Cares is the company’s community engagement program that supports local children’s hospitals, communities, and non-profit initiatives with donations, fundraising, volunteering, and scholarships.  Since 1993, BC Children’s Hospital has been the primary recipient of EB Horsman & Son’s fundraising. However, as EB Horsman has continued to expand its businesses across Western… Read More…

  • Build Canada Homes Introduces Policy Framework to Guide its Investments in Affordable Housing

    Build Canada Homes Introduces Policy Framework to Guide its Investments in Affordable Housing

    December 1, 2025 Central to that work, the Government of Canada is stepping up with the recently launched Build Canada Homes, new federal agency with a mandate to scale up the supply of affordable housing across Canada. Build Canada Homes will also help fight homelessness by building transitional and supportive housing – working with provinces,… Read More…