POWER OVER ETHERNET

What is PoE?

Power over Ethernet (POE) is a technology that enables network (ethernet) cables to carry electrical power. For example, a security camera or communications radio normally requires two connections be made when installed: A network connection, in order to communicate with video recording and display equipment and a electrical connection to power the camera or radio. In outdoor or difficult to reach environments this can be quite burdensome as expensive power runs would need to be made in order to provide a simple 48VDC for one device.

Does PoE affect the communications speeds of the end device?

No. The low voltages and current of the PoE does not affect communication speeds. The efficiency of powering the device with low voltage DC minimizes losses and heat generated by the device.

Do I need special cables to support PoE?

While Category 5e cables will work for cable runs of less than 300 Meters. It is recommended to use shielded Category 6 cables for optimal performance.

How much power is available through PoE? — What is IEEE Standard 802.3?

IEEE 802.3 PoE Standard specification output voltage of 44VDC to 57VDC. All Terra Ferma products are set to 56.0VDC to minimize current losses while safely supporting all equipment designed to meet IEEE 802.3 PoE Standards.

Power Available At Powered Device

Max Power Delivered By PoE (Injector) Power Supply

Voltage Range Poe (Injector) Power Supply

802.3af, Type 1 “PoE”

12.95 Watts

15.40 Watts

44.0–57.0 Volts DC

802.3at Type 2 “PoE+”

25.50 Watts

30.0 Watts

50.0–57.0 Volts DC

802.3bt Type 3 PoE++, Ultra PoE

51 Watts

60 Watts

50.0–57.0 Volts DC

802.3bt Type 4 “High Power PoE”

71 Watts

100 Watts

52.0–57.0 Volts DC

What if I plug in a non-PoE device into my PoE (Injector) Power Supply?

IEEE 802.3af/at/bt compliant PoE technology is safe. PoE injectors and switches will not damage any equipment, even if the equipment is not designed for PoE applications. Before the PoE (Injector) Power Supply sends any power to a connected Powered Device, the PoE Power Supply initiates a handshake procedure establishing how much power the connected device requires. This procedure uses low voltage and is harmless to any connected device, PoE or non-PoE. If the handshake is completed, the PoE injector or switch begins sending power triggering the Powered Device to start up. If the handshake is not completed for any reason, such as the end device is not an IEEE 802.3 compliant PoE enabled device, the PoE Power Supply never sends any power. It is this built-in feature of all IEEE 802.3af/at/bt compliant devices making PoE technology inherently safe.

LiFi Technology

What is LiFi?

LiFi (Light Fidelity) is a wireless communication technology that uses infrared (IR) light to transmit data. Terra Ferma’s LiFi replaces traditional WiFi or fiber connections by using invisible light to create secure, high-speed wireless links with no RF emissions (LPI/LPD).

How does LiFi work?

Terra Ferma’s LiFi uses modulated near infrared LED light  to transmit data. An LED emitter sends modulated pulses of light carrying digital data, which is received and decoded by a photodiode receiver. The process supports full-duplex, gigabit-speed communication—similar to fiber optics, but without the cable.

What kind of light does LiFi use?

Terra Ferma’s systems use infrared (IR) light, not visible light. This makes it ideal for covert, non-intrusive deployments and allows signal transmission to remain completely invisible to the naked eye and undetectable via standard RF detection tools.

Is LiFi similar to fiber optics?

Yes. LiFi transmits data through light in a way that’s functionally similar to multimode fiber, but without the physical transport medium. This is often called “wireless fiber”. Terra Ferma’s infrared LiFi delivers the speed and reliability of fiber without the installation burden.

How fast is LiFi?

Terra Ferma’s systems currently deliver speeds of up to 300 Mbps over encrypted connections and up to 1 Gbps under optimal conditions. Performance may vary depending on encryption layers and environmental factors.

Is LiFi safe for people?

Yes. Terra Ferma’s infrared LiFi systems operate in the near IR range, well within internationally accepted eye safety standards. The technology is non-ionizing, does not produce harmful radiation, and is safe for human exposure.

Go to datasheet where we talk about eye safety.

Can LiFi transmit through walls?

No. Unlike RF signals, LiFi cannot pass through walls or opaque objects. This characteristic greatly enhances physical security, as the signal is confined to the room or space in which it’s deployed.

Can LiFi be jammed or intercepted?

LiFi signals have zero RF footprint, making it extremely hard to detect or jam using conventional RF-based tools. Signal confinement and line-of-sight characteristics provide low probability of intercept (LPI) and low probability of detection (LPD) advantages.

Does LiFi interfere with other devices?

No. Since LiFi operates in the infrared spectrum, it does not interfere with WiFi, Bluetooth, radar, medical devices, or other communications systems. It’s ideal for use in EMI-sensitive environments.

Is Terra Ferma’s LiFi a standard-based technology?

Yes. Terra Ferma’s LiFi products conform to ITU G.9991 and IEEE 802.3 standards, and are designed to integrate into existing PoE and Ethernet networks.

What makes Terra Ferma’s LiFi different from other LiFi providers?

Terra Ferma is the only U.S.-manufactured, Mil-Spec-certified LiFi provider focused exclusively on defense, tactical, and government applications. Our products are rugged, field-tested, and built to Mil-Std 810H / 461G / IP67 specs, and feature 35+ patented technologies.

Does LiFi require line-of-sight?

Yes. A clear optical path between the transmitter and receiver is optimal for performance. While indirect or reflected IR signals may support limited connectivity, line-of-sight is required for full-speed, secure transmission.

Can multiple users connect to the same LiFi transmitter?

Yes. Terra Ferma’s systems support 32 users per Access Point controller configurations, allowing one transmitter to serve multiple receivers within the coverage area.

Is LiFi a replacement for WiFi or fiber?

LiFi is best viewed as a complement or secure alternative to WiFi and fiber. It can fully replace both in secure areas, mobile deployments, and RF-restricted areas—particularly where speed, security, LPI/LPD and rapid setup are priorities.

Where is LiFi most beneficial?

LiFi is ideal for:

  • SCIFs (Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities)
  • Tactical Operations Centers (TOCs)
  • Vehicles, aircraft, and UAV systems
  • Remote or temporary field deployments
  • Any RF-denied or EMI-sensitive environment

What makes Terra Ferma’s LiFi different from traditional WiFi or wireless networks?

Unlike WiFi, which uses controlled and managed radio frequencies, Terra Ferma’s LiFi uses infrared light, making it:

  • Invisible and undetectable
  • Low probability of jamming and interception
  • Free from RF spectrum congestion
  • Physically confined to the operational area

These characteristics make it far more secure and stable than conventional wireless options—especially in tactical or RF-sensitive environments.

How is Terra Ferma’s LiFi different from other LiFi providers?

  • We focus on military, defense, and government use cases.
  • Our systems are manufactured in the USA, using U.S. and EU-sourced components.
  • Terra Ferma is the only Mil-Spec-certified, U.S.-made, -produced LiFi platform.

Other providers may offer consumer or commercial-grade LiFi. Terra Ferma builds for the battlefield.

Is LiFi a cost-effective alternative to fiber and secure WiFi?

  • Yes. Terra Ferma’s LiFi:
    • Reduces installation time and infrastructure costs for physical fiber installation by up to 75%
    • Eliminates need for red/black separation cabling in SCIFs and secure areas
    • Requires no trenching, cabling, or shielding infrastructure

Can LiFi be deployed faster than traditional infrastructure?

Yes. Terra Ferma’s systems are plug-and-play and can be installed in minutes, not days. This makes LiFi ideal for:

  • Mobile command centers
  • Temporary forward operating bases
  • Disaster response or rapid-deployment missions
  • Vehicle to vehicle communications 
  • UAV/UAS/Drones/ to UAV communications

Why is infrared light better than visible light for LiFi?

Infrared (IR) offers several distinct advantages over visible light:

  • Completely invisible to the human eye, enabling covert use
  • Less affected by ambient lighting
  • Allows reuse of spectrum in adjacent rooms, tents, or compartments
  • Safer for personnel in continuous exposure scenarios
  • Allows discreet night operations

Terra Ferma uses near IR LEDs, at wavelengths chosen for both safety and performance in defense contexts.

What is Terra Ferma’s experience in defense communications?

Terra Ferma has:

  • Been building secure, ruggedized networking equipment since 2009
  • Supplied products to U.S. and NATO deployments
  • Designed its LiFi systems to meet Mil-Std 810H, 461G, and IP67
  • Developed solutions under CSfC assessment and aligned with Programs of Record

Is LiFi reliable enough for mission-critical applications?

Absolutely. Terra Ferma’s LiFi systems are designed for 24/7 operations in harsh conditions. They’re tested to military environmental standards, encrypted using MACsec, and physically resilient for use in field environments, vehicles, and austere deployments.

What security certifications and standards does Terra Ferma LiFi meet?

Our LiFi solutions conform to:

  • ITU G.9991 (LiFi physical layer standard)
  • IEEE 802.3 (Ethernet compatibility)
  • MIL-STD 810H / 461G / IP67 for ruggedization
  • UL, CE Mark for commercial and international use
  • CSfC (in progress) for U.S. government classified deployment approval

How long does it take to install Terra Ferma’s LiFi system?

Typical installations can be completed in under 30 minutes per area or node. Unlike fiber or copper systems, LiFi requires no trenching, shielding, or cable routing, drastically reducing setup time—especially in mobile or field environments.

What equipment is needed to deploy LiFi?

A basic Terra Ferma LiFi deployment includes:

  • LiFi Transmitters : AP controller and Aps
  • LiFi Receivers or Dongles connected to the end user
  • LiFi Manager Software (handles authentication and network access)
  • PoE Injector/Switch (to power the system over Ethernet-)
  • Optional: Rugged mounts, stands, or brackets for tactical setups

Can I deploy LiFi in a mobile or temporary environment?

Yes. Terra Ferma’s LiFi is purpose-built for mobility, with rugged, lightweight hardware that operates in vehicles, tents, shelters, or temporary command posts. Systems require minimal infrastructure and can be powered via PoE or 28VDC tactical power.

What are the power requirements?

LiFi components are low-power devices, typically powered via:

  • Power over Ethernet (PoE) using standard CAT5/6 cables
  • 28VDC power for military platforms
  • AC-DC adapters for fixed installations

This makes LiFi ideal for off-grid, vehicle-mounted, and low-infrastructure deployments.

Can LiFi work outdoors or in harsh environments?

Yes. Terra Ferma systems are certified to Mil-Std 810H and IP67, with wide temperature and humidity tolerances. Outdoor and aerospace-rated variants are available for extreme or exposed deployments.

Can multiple LiFi systems operate in the same facility or area?

Yes. Infrared light does not interfere across physical barriers (like walls), so adjacent rooms, tents, or compartments can reuse the same wavelengths without conflict. This makes LiFi highly scalable across modular or multi-room environments.

Does LiFi integrate with existing networks?

Yes. Terra Ferma’s LiFi systems are IEEE 802.3-compliant Ethernet devices that can be directly connected to:

  • Existing LANs
  • Tactical communications systems
  • Network switches and firewalls
  • Zero-trust and CSfC environments (with compatible integration)

Can LiFi connect to end-user devices like laptops or radios?

Yes. Terra Ferma LiFi dongles connect to any device with an Ethernet port, including:

  • Laptops and rugged tablets
  • VOIP handsets and radios
  • Networked sensors and control systems
  • Encrypted tactical routers and gateways
  • Drones
  • IP protocole devices

Is any special software required to manage the LiFi system?

No proprietary software is required for basic operation. The Maximvs LiFi Manager Software handles access and traffic. For security, it integrates with 802.1x authentication tools like:

  • TACACS+
  • Microsoft RADIUS
  • Open-source RADIUS deployments

Can Terra Ferma assist with installation and training?

Yes. Terra Ferma offers:

  • Installation guides
  • Integration support for DoD and federal environments
  • On-site or remote training for system integrators and operators

What are the typical data speeds of Terra Ferma’s LiFi system?

Terra Ferma’s LiFi supports:

  • Up to 300 Mbps for encrypted operational deployments
  • Gigabit-class speeds possible under optimized or internal configurations (e.g., no encryption or local loopback)
    Performance depends on environmental conditions, encryption layers, and optical line-of-sight quality.

What wavelength does Terra Ferma LiFi operate at?

Our LiFi operates at 940nm, within the invisible infrared spectrum. This wavelength is:

  • Safe for prolonged human exposure
  • Undetectable to the naked eye
  • Ideal for LPI/LPD communications in defense scenarios

Is Terra Ferma LiFi interoperable with existing network infrastructure?

Yes. It behaves like a standard Ethernet link, meaning it:

  • Integrates with firewalls, routers, and VLANs
  • Can operate in classified network segments
  • Supports IP-based services, VoIP, video, file transfer, and control data
  • Adapts to air-gapped or zero-trust architectures

Can Terra Ferma’s LiFi be used in SCIFs or other secure facilities?

Yes. It is ideally suited for SCIF environments because:

  • It has no RF emissions
  • Signal is contained in the room
  • It eliminates the need for complex red/black cabling infrastructure

How is encryption handled?

Terra Ferma’s systems include:

  • MACsec hardware encryption
  • Unique pre shared keys 
  • Compatibility with enterprise security policies and DoD cybersecurity standards

What ruggedization standards does Terra Ferma LiFi meet?

Our hardware is certified to:

  • MIL-STD-810H (environmental ruggedness)
  • MIL-STD-461G (EMI/EMC compliance)
  • IP67 (dust and water ingress protection)
  • UL and CE Marks

This allows deployment in harsh field, airborne, naval, and vehicle-mounted environments.

What power inputs are supported?

LiFi hardware supports:

  • Power over Ethernet (PoE) IEEE 802.3af/at
  • 28VDC tactical power input
  • AC adapters 

Controllers and dongles are low-power, enabling easy field deployment without generator-scale infrastructure.

Can Terra Ferma LiFi systems be updated or scaled remotely?

Yes. Our LiFi Controller supports:

  • Firmware updates via secure channel
  • User authentication and access policy management
  • Multi-controller architecture for roaming and area-to-area continuity

What end-user devices can connect to the LiFi network?

Any device with a Gigabit Ethernet port can connect via our LiFi receiver or dongle. This includes:

  • Secure laptops and thin clients
  • Encrypted communications gear
  • Networked radios
  • IP-based tactical sensors or cameras

What government certifications and standards does Terra Ferma meet?

Terra Ferma LiFi systems comply with:

  • ITU G.9991 – LiFi optical communication standard
  • IEEE 802.3 – Ethernet protocol standard
  • MIL-STD-810H – Environmental durability
  • MIL-STD-461G – EMI and EMC compliance
  • IP67 – Dust and water resistance
  • UL and CE – Product safety and international conformity
  • MACsec + AES-256 – Hardware-based encryption protocols

Can Terra Ferma systems be used in government classified networks?

Yes, pending CSfC completion, Terra Ferma systems are designed to fit within NSA-approved classified network architectures. Current integration with 802.1x, TACACS+, and RADIUS allows deployment in secure network segments today.

Is Terra Ferma a U.S.-based manufacturer?

Yes. Terra Ferma products are:

  • Designed and manufactured in Colorado USA
  • Built using components from the U.S. and EU, ensuring supply chain security
  • Fully compliant with Buy American Act and NDAA Section 889 restrictions

Can Terra Ferma products be included in existing and new Programs of Record (POR)?

Yes. Terra Ferma works with Value-Added Resellers and Systems Integrators to embed LiFi systems into:

  • Existing and new Programs of Record
  • Tactical network modernization efforts
  • SCIF construction and expeditionary systems

Is Terra Ferma’s LiFi export-controlled?

Yes. Some configurations may be subject to ITAR or EAR export restrictions. Contact Terra Ferma for guidance regarding international use and export licensing.

Do Terra Ferma products support zero-trust architectures?

Yes. LiFi systems:

  • Use hardware-enforced encryption
  • Integrate with identity-based access control (802.1x)
  • Limit access to devices physically present within optical range
  • Support air-gapped deployments and minimal-attack-surface design

Can Terra Ferma support RF-free infrastructure mandates?

Absolutely. Our systems are designed specifically for use in:

  • RF-denied or RF-restricted zones
  • Electronic warfare environments
  • Sensitive facilities requiring LPI/LPD communication

Terra Ferma LiFi allows secure digital operations where RF-based systems are not viable.

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