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Comparison of InOne Active vs.InOne Passive Powered-Fiber Solutions

Within the Hexatronic InOne ecosystem, two primary architectures are available: Active Powered-Fiber and Passive Powered-Fiber.

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1. Introduction

Powered-Fiber solutions are a hybrid infrastructure that delivers both power and data over a single cable — eliminating the need for separate electrical and fiber installations. Within the Hexatronic InOne ecosystem, two primary architectures are available: Active Powered-Fiber and Passive Powered-Fiber.

This article outlines their differences and provides practical guidance on choosing the right system based on performance, design constraints, and project requirements.

2. System Architecture and Network Topology

Feature Active Powered-Fiber Passive Powered-Fiber
Power Regulation Regulated at the remote Active-HAN to deliver correct device voltage No regulation at the remote Passive-HAN
Power Source (HDN) 110 V DC injected at the HDN (Hybrid Distribution Node) 60 V DC injected at the HDN (Hybrid Distribution Node)
Network Topologies Point-to-Point, Star, Daisy Chain, Fanout (Tree), Ring (for power & fiber redundancy) Point-to-Point, Star only
Distance Capability Long range enabled by higher voltage and regulation at the Active-HAN Medium range (up to 800 m), limited by voltage drop
Fiber/Data Integrated single-mode fiber for hybrid delivery Integrated single-mode fiber for hybrid delivery
 

Suggested diagrams:

  • Active: Point-to-Point, Star, Daisy Chain, Fanout, Ring

  • Passive: Point-to-Point, Star

3. Components and Functional Roles

3.1 Active Powered-Fiber

  • The HDN injects 110 V DC and data into the InOne Hybrid cable.

  • The Active-HAN (Hybrid Access Node) regulates voltage at the remote end to match device requirements.

  • The InOne Hybrid cable is available in:

    • Blowable form (for micro duct installation)

    • Aerial form (self-supporting or lashable)

    • Duct grade form (for conduit or direct burial)

  • Enables long-distance operation, supports advanced topologies (e.g., daisy chain, ring), and allows remote diagnostics and power control.

3.2 Passive Powered-Fiber

  • The HDN supplies fixed 60 V DC and data through the same InOne Hybrid cable.

  • The Passive-HAN acts as a passive breakout with no voltage regulation.

  • The InOne Hybrid cable is available in:

    • Blowable form (for micro duct installation)

    • Aerial form (self-supporting or lashable)

    • Duct grade form (for conduit or direct burial)

  • Best suited for short-run installations with simple point-to-point or star layouts, especially in SELV-constrained environments.

4. Use Cases

Scenario Active Powered-Fiber Passive Powered-Fiber
1. Long-distance outdoor installations ✅ Optimal ⚠ Limited — distance constrained by voltage drop
2. Point-to-Point or Star topologies ✅ Supported ✅ Supported
3. Daisy Chain, Fanout (Tree), and Ring topologies ✅ Supported ❌ Not supported
4. Short-distance or indoor installations ⚠ May be overengineered ✅ Well suited
5. HAN sensors and power sensors ✅ Supported as add-ons ❌ Not supported
6. SELV compliance priority (≤60 V) ⚠ More demanding design ✅ Inherently compliant
 

5. Advantages and Limitations

Criteria Active Powered-Fiber Passive Powered-Fiber
Cost Higher initial equipment cost, but uses less cable — multiple Active-HANs can share one hybrid run (daisy chain/tree) Lower equipment cost, but requires a dedicated cable to each Passive-HAN, increasing material and labor
Complexity Includes local regulation via the Active-HAN; in some countries, installation may require certified electricians Simpler, typically does not require certified electricians
Maintainability When adding InOne AMS (Alarm Monitoring System), faults can be isolated via alarms and integrated into NMS for diagnostics No remote regulation or monitoring at the Passive-HAN
Scalability High — supports daisy chain, fanout, and ring topologies with multiple Active-HANs; you can also branch new Active-HAN or Passive-HAN from any existing Active-HAN Limited by voltage drop, but still supports branching more cables from the Passive HDN in a star topology
 

6. Design Considerations

Consideration Active Powered-Fiber Passive Powered-Fiber
Voltage Drop Managed by local regulation at the Active-HAN No voltage regulation — distance must be carefully calculated
Power Budget Supports higher load and longer reach due to 110 V DC input Limited by 60 V DC and voltage drop; short-range only
Topology Constraints Flexible — supports point-to-point, star, daisy chain, fanout, ring Limited to point-to-point and star topologies
Conduit and Cabling One hybrid cable for both power and fiber; supports shared runs One hybrid cable per Passive-HAN; more cable required
Regulatory Standards The 110 V DC is shy of the EU safety standard limit of 120 V DC, which is classified as LV (touch-safe). Most countries — except North America — follow this. Easier SELV compliance (≤60 V DC)
 

7. Conclusion

  • Use Active Powered-Fiber when:

    • You need to power devices over long distances

    • Topology flexibility or ring redundancy is required

    • Endpoint voltage regulation is essential

    • You want remote diagnostics or future scalability

  • Use Passive Powered-Fiber when:

    • Runs are short (≤800 m)

    • You need simplified, cost-effective infrastructure

    • You operate in SELV-restricted zones

    • The application has low power sensitivity and fixed layout

Summary: Choose the architecture based on site scope, safety needs, and control requirements — both leverage the same InOne Hybrid cable infrastructure.